The tomato of Sorrento: a gastronomic icon
Italian cuisine is rich in flavors and traditions. However, few dishes can boast a history and a meaning as deep as the caprese, a true symbol of the gastronomy of Campania.
At the heart of this iconic dish is the Pomodoro di Sorrento: an ingredient that not only enhances the flavors but also represents the identity of a whole region.
The tomato of Sorrento
The history of the Sorrento tomato is surrounded by legends and stories handed down from generation to generation. It is said that this variety may have arrived in the Sorrento peninsula during the early part of the century thanks to trade with America. The owners, exporting lemons, would have acquired the seeds of this delicious tomato. This theory is supported by the fact that the area of major cultivation, called “I Colli”, coincides with the area of the shipowners exporters of lemons. This tomato is the result of a perfect combination between the Mediterranean climate and local agricultural traditions.
The caprese: between tradition and history
When it comes to Italian gastronomy, few combinations evoke the sun and the freshness of Campania like the Sorrento tomato and the Caprese salad. The ingredients are sliced tomato, mozzarella or fiordilatte, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. These ingredients combine in a harmony of flavors that evokes the summer bell, symbol of Mediterranean cuisine.
According to a first theory, the caprese salad was created in the second post-war period by a patriotic bricklayer. To pay tribute to Italy, he would fill the sandwich for the lunch break with ingredients that recall the tricolor. A second hypothesis dates the birth of the caprese to some years earlier, in the twenties. This salad would have been one of the dishes on the futuristic menu that a hotel in Capri had designed for a themed dinner. This dinner was dedicated to the founder of this literary, cultural and artistic movement, Filippo Tommaso Marinetti.
Today the caprese salad is known and loved all over the world. In the summer, it is a must-have dish on the tables of houses and restaurants in Massa Lubrense. Every bite you take will be transported on a hot summer day on the coasts of the Sorrento peninsula.
