The tomato, known as the 'love apple' because of its presumed aphrodisiac qualities, originated in South America, being well known to the Aztecs. It was brought to Europe by the early Spanish explorers at the beginning of the sixteenth century but did not become popular or well used for some time. In fact, for 200 years it was grown largely for its ornamental qualities. It seems that Jewish families in Britain with their links to Mediterranean Europe were more adventurous and recipes began to appear at the beginning of the nineteenth century. But it was not until the end of that century that cartloads of the crop found their way beyond the walls of the most wealthy, and even then the tomato remained unpopular and was associated with witchcraft and disease. Successful tomato recipes are those where the distinctive taste of the fruit surmounts the other flavours. I think this tart succeeds in this, but partly through its soft texture. You can, of course, vary the nature and quantity of the herbs to suit your own tastes.