Comments on: In a Jar of Tomato Paste

By: Zaatar

Zaatar — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:04:12 +0000

In late august, the women of my home village would puree gigantic batches of tomatoes and dry them out on the rooftops in large stainless trays. The sun dries out the puree, which the tetas diligently remix and salt every day until the “rubb” is concentrated enough.

I remember sneeking onto rooftops to sample spoonfulls of the stuff…

By: JasmyneTea

JasmyneTea — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:15:47 +0000

I was browsing food blogs, and when I saw this story I knew I’d have to comment, just to let you know how touching it was. You have a way with words, and that tomato paste looks AMAZING. Would love to see a recipe one day!

By: Madara

Madara — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:30:25 +0000

Sometimes I think writing about food is a way to uncover memories that are embedded in it. Until you start to put the words down, you don’t realize the that food is a narrative in and of itself, not merely a thing we use to create narrative. I think it was Brillat Savarin who said “Sauce is distilled desire”. This tomato paste is certainly that.

By: Lorene Shaw

Lorene Shaw — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:04:03 +0000

Hi Fouad,

Such an extraordinary memory and so
beautifully conveyed.
Thanks for your powerful prose. I look
forward to each new post.

By: Coleen

Coleen — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 20:11:23 +0000

I grew up in the safety of the US. My parents always watched the nightly news and when they showed segments on the war in Lebabon, as well as other places, I always wondered how people lived through it. Thank you for sharing your story as I have learned from it. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could end war and violence?

By: Merryn

Merryn — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:12:04 +0000

Yes, food, like music, is a fond keeper of memories. Your story is beautifully told and your home made tomato paste is as treasured as your past.

By: Nisrine | Dinners & Dreams

Nisrine | Dinners & Dreams — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:05:01 +0000

Touching post. It’s sad what war does to nations. It’s wonderful that you can relive your childhood in Lebanon through a jar of preserved tomatoes. Food is a great keeper of memories.
Nisrine | Dinners & Dreams´s last [type] ..Moroccan Chickpea Soup- Bessara Hummus

By: Angie

Angie — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 23:24:25 +0000

love your work, Fouad.

By: tasteofbeirut

tasteofbeirut — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 23:05:30 +0000

Arresting post; I must say that Lebanese are so remarkable in their resilience and the fact that no matter how horrendously difficult their circumstances, they always seem to go on and not waste time with bitterness. Life must go on, you have a daughter now and she will be asking questions; I am glad to see that as a father you will share your past with her just like you are sharing it with us today. Love the homemade tomato paste, we get so many tomatoes in the summer we jar a bunch of them too.
tasteofbeirut´s last [type] ..Beoreg stuffed with onion and cheese

By: Frank Conway

Frank Conway — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:25:25 +0000

Very Nicely done. History condensed in a jar. You have inspired your readers too. I agree with them too.

By: Gav

Gav — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 13:00:30 +0000

Lovely story fouad. You’ve many gifts and its awesome that you’re so generous in sharing them

By: Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul

Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:11:08 +0000

What a great post Fouad! Fascinating to read about your past and thank you for sharing it with us. I’ve often said that food memories are the most powerful.
Peter G @ Souvlaki For The Soul´s last [type] ..Glimpses of New York

By: charterbot

charterbot — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:45:35 +0000

Beautiful and evocative writing—your daughter will also have the pleasure someday of reading how you saw the world for her!

By: Moya

Moya — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:16:31 +0000

That’s why children are often our symbol of hope! Their innocence and unknowing resiliance keep us all going, what a wonderful story you’ve told us! All that love and memory tied up in a simple jar of tomato paste!

By: Kavey

Kavey — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:01:30 +0000

What a wonderful post, I loved reading about your memories and life and how you drew that line of memory through to the tomato paste.
I am visiting Lebanon this year, in few months time, and am very much looking forward to learning about the many traditional foods and techniques!
Kavey´s last [type] ..Homemade Terrine de Foie Gras Mi-Cuit

By: lili - pikeletandpie

lili - pikeletandpie — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:04:19 +0000

What a beautiful story. I especially like the idea that those times of turmoil, strife and potential hunger aren’t the terrible memories that those who haven’t experienced it would expect. I want to hear more.
lili – pikeletandpie´s last [type] ..An Indian road stop

By: Franz Scheurer

Franz Scheurer — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 07:53:09 +0000

Terrific article; just the thing one is used to seeing from you. Not only are you a gifted writer you also draw from your own experiences, letting others feel some of the emotion in the stories.
Thanks for sharing
Franz

By: Viviane@Taste-Buds

Viviane@Taste-Buds — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 04:47:46 +0000

You post brought in memories of sandbags and war! Funny how you don’t realize what it all was till when you grow up!
I was recently asked how was it like to be born and living into a war, funny thing is I replied: it is all you know, you don’t realize what it is till later.
My mom did similar stuff, although we were closer to the red lines in Beirut! Funny how life can continue with death threat hovering!
I remember the tomato paste making on the stove in the apartment! That thing is a long process! But to be honest nothing better than homemade tomato paste. Your daughter will sure have high standards in the kind after that first trial!
Viviane@Taste-Buds´s last [type] ..Flower Caprese Salad Reproduction

By: Erin@TheFoodMentalist

Erin@TheFoodMentalist — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 04:15:42 +0000

Wow! What a story! Would love for you to share your tomato paste recipe with us all one day. Look forward to seeing it pop up in posts during winter
Erin@TheFoodMentalist´s last [type] ..The Eagle- Cambridge – England