[Sca-cooks] Period substitute for tomatoes?

[Susan Fox]

Judith writes:
>>  If there is a way to get that fresh, flavorful burst (without using 
>> eggplant if I don't have to -- I know it's all the rage in the 
>> medieval Near East, but I don't actually like it)... I'd love to know 
>> what it is.
Back to the original question... many kind of fruit known in period 
would work.  And the Mediterranean area, which I perceive to be your 
main area of interest, was the veritable fruit bowl of the Western 
world.  Grapes, apricots, melons and citrus.  Particularly picked on the 
early side, for a bit more tartness than the fully-ripe specimens. 

Also:  a bit of "point" is also added with vinegar and with verjus, aka 
sour grape juice.  The latter is widely available in Middle Eastern 
groceries;  brands include Sadaf and Shemshad.  I am liking it quite a 
bit for salad dressings these days. 

Cheers,
Selene