Part 9/13:
Italy was among the first European countries to embrace the tomato, especially in its southern regions. Though its initial appearances in recipes were limited, by the 17th century, tomatoes featured in Italian cookbooks, often linked to Spanish influence. The port city of Naples and the surrounding areas became central to the adoption of tomatoes, ultimately contributing to the birth of iconic dishes like pizza.
The Ottoman Empire also played a crucial role in spreading tomatoes through the Balkans and the Near East, likely facilitated by trade routes and Italian ports. Despite this gradual integration, the northern parts of Europe remained hesitant, with some enduring skepticism well into the 19th century.