Anny Gaul
Assistant professor of Arabic studies and cultural historian specializing in gender and food in the Arabic-speaking world; author of Nile Nightshade: An Egyptian Culinary History of the Tomato (University of California Press, 2025).
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Dec 4, 2025 • 58min
Anny Gaul, "Nile Nightshade: An Egyptian Culinary History of the Tomato" (U California Press, 2025)
Anny Gaul, an assistant professor and cultural historian, dives into the fascinating journey of the tomato in Egypt in her new book. She discusses how this once foreign fruit became a cornerstone of national identity and everyday cooking, connecting diverse communities across Egypt. Gaul also highlights women's pivotal roles in shaping culinary culture through cookbooks and oral histories, and explores the impact of modern irrigation on tomato farming. She intriguingly contrasts tomato dominance with traditional practices, revealing a rich tapestry of food history.
Dec 4, 2025 • 58min
Anny Gaul, "Nile Nightshade: An Egyptian Culinary History of the Tomato" (U California Press, 2025)
Anny Gaul, an Assistant Professor of Arabic studies and cultural historian, explores the fascinating journey of the tomato in Egypt. She reveals how this American crop became intertwined with Egypt's national identity and the lives of women home cooks. Anny discusses the complexities of tomato adoption, agricultural advancements, and the socio-political dynamics influencing food culture. She also highlights the role of cookbooks and personal narratives in preserving culinary traditions, while teasing her upcoming research on Palestinian foodways.
