This video highlights some of the items which have been developed with Israel’s help. One of the items mentioned were cherry tomatoes. I was curious about that, and wanted to learn more and it turns out cherry tomatoes have a rather complicated history.
It is said that the plant underwent cultivation in Mexico by the Aztecs sometime close to 700 A.D and even the word tomato is from the Aztec langue “tomatl” and they are credited for turning the wild tomato plant with tiny fruit into something that we would recognize today. So where does Isreal come in? Well although the tiny tomato has been enjoyed for many years, Isreal was able to breed a variety of the cherry tomato that had a longer shelf-life making it easier ship and store which made it more profitable for commercial use since it didn’t spoil as quicky. So, Isreal helped to make the cherry tomato more accessible to people who may otherwise not have them as an option. (The Contentious History of the Cherry Tomato)
It is very interesting to think about how the development of something so simple can span many years and be influenced by places you may or may not have ever been. As someone who really appreciates a good salad, you may understand why I might focus on the tomato but there are other things in the video you might find very interesting and want to look into. Something you may want to consider is the power of influence. Because something you decide to do today could become foundational to someone’s work. You may never know just how many people will be impacted by from your influence in the long run. This can be good or bad depending on how we choose to use our time.
“Do not be deceived—God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also shall reap. For the one who sows in the flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But the one who sows in the Ruach will reap from the Ruach eternal life. So let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:7-9. When you plant one tomato, that one tomato will often have many seeds each of which could produce many more. So, while you watch the video remember how little things can have a broad impact and consider carefully the type of impact you want to leave behind and with God’s help make good choices that are in harmony with that.
Reference: Lewis, Danny 2016 “The Contentious History of the Cherry Tomato The salad topper has a long and fraught history” Smithsonian magazine received from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/contentious-history-cherry-tomato-180959420/
