Oh, Tomatoes, bloody tomatoes, "Thee will I love, and with thee lead my life."1 Shiny red squishy things sweet, yet sour, refreshing yet acidic tomatoes. Be juiced, tannic on my tongue. Nourish my ills and replenish my depleted soul. I wish thee to continue to pop into my vision, guide me, and lead me to answer you, whenever I am asked the predictable yet understandable question of my favourite food.
Oh, tomatoes will forever be the answer to that question for me. They are not attached to any particular dish, culture, or cuisine. Tomatoes simply feed. Tomatoes are not always created equal; just like all the best things in life, the good ones come and go, and you need to work hard to find them indeed.
Tomatoes. Sometimes as disappointing as when your phone lights up and it's a message from your mum or your brother, in need. Grainy, sandy, lifeless, watery tomatoes just won’t cut the mustard. Like finding the one, waiting for only the best is worth it, so don't be led a stray on supermarket day. Choose wisely, be patient, and you will be rewarded, not in dismay.
A tomato is a gift of nature, perfect just as she is. She will be perfect; if you touch her in the right places, you'll know what she is ready for. She has a purpose, be it a firmer touch or a softer, looser façade, more let go.
The perfect ingredient for the tired cook. The cook who wants to plop something in a pot, without the need to peel or chop. A tomato is grand even when squished with your whole hand. A tomato is delightful, left whole to break itself down whilst cooked, squished, battered, and hit by any utensil with grave force and zero elegance.
Tomato, you will be okay, touched by even the most ungracious hand.
Tomatoes don't necessarily require patience. They can surpass all expectations, whether in their rawest form or most cooked. Tomatoes try their best for you. Especially if you try your best for them. Shield them from harm in the bottom of your shopping bag then! Hold them lovingly in your palm. Tomatoes make your life in your mouth juicier, sweeter, and satisfying. Tomatoes, just be. May your juice flood my blood and fill me with calm and grace. Remind me that the tortoise, not the hare, won the race.
Shakespeare, William, The Comedy of Errors, Act 3, scene 2, line 72
Tomato protected in my palm in Oviedo Central Market
Tomatoes at the stall in Kutaisi, Georgia