All-Time Favorite Food Combo: "Itlog na Maalat at Kamatis" (Salted Duck Eggs and Tomatoes)

When it comes to food combinations, itlog na maalat (salted duck eggs) at kamatis (tomatoes), more often than is always mentioned in every Filipino food lover's Top Ten list.  The all-time favorite combo can be eaten with boiled rice any time of the day. The rich and salty taste of the egg white and the mushy-yet-somewhat-fatty yolk merges with the acidity and mildness of chopped tomatoes. Patis (fish sauce) may be added to smorgasbord to enhance the savoriness.

There is also aesthetic value when eating itlog na maalat at kamatis. The white, the yellow and the red (or greenish-red if the tomatoes are almost ripe) provide a gastronomic color palette that is visually appealing.

It can be noticed that the two eggs at the right are dyed magenta. Before being sold at the market, itlog na maalat is dyed as such in order to distinguish it from ordinary duck egg. To prepare  the food combo, the egg is shelled and chopped, or halved and scooped out with a spoon. Chopped kamatis and patis are then added to taste.

Kamatis (Tomato)

Kamatis (tomato) is one of the plants mentioned in the Tagalog folk song Bahay Kubo. It is scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum or Lycopersicum esculentum. The fruits of the plant are yellowish-green to green when unripe, and red to reddish-orange when ripe.

A member of the nightshade family, the tomato is related to eggplant, potato, and bell pepper. It grows to at least one meter to about three meters in height. A support is often needed due to its herbaceous stem. Originally from the Americas, the tomato is believed to have reached Philippine shores during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade in the 16th Century. The tomato is celebrated every December in the town of Laoac in Pangasinan province.

The fruit can be used raw in salads or served with condiments, such as patis (fish sauce) and bagoong. It can also be sauteed with garlic and onion to impart a savory taste to various dishes. Aside from being processed into ketchup, the fruit of the tomato plant can also be used in making beverages. Following is a picture of some tomato fruits: