A critical exploration of how the tomato—an imported crop—became a symbol of Italian culinary identity. Tomato Tales traces its journey from Mesoamerica to Italy, revealing its entanglement with migration, globalization, and labor exploitation.

Through historical research and cultural critique, the book challenges notions of “authenticity,” exposing how marketing and Italian-American narratives shaped global perceptions of Italian cuisine. From industrialized production to culinary hybridization, it questions the myths that define national identity.

Developed during my MA in Design for Art Direction (UAL), this project bridges food studies, cultural history, and visual storytelling.

Unraveling the Narrative of Italian Heritage