Tomatoes are one of the most popular and versatile ingredients in the world, but there’s more to them than meets the eye! From their surprising history to their quirky scientific traits, here are three fun facts about tomatoes that might just surprise you.
- Tomatoes Were Once Thought to Be Poisonous!
Can you imagine a world where people were afraid to eat tomatoes? Back in the 16th and 17th centuries, Europeans believed tomatoes were toxic because they belonged to the nightshade family—a group of plants that includes some poisonous varieties. Wealthy people who ate tomatoes off pewter plates sometimes got ill due to lead poisoning, which only fuelled the myth. Thankfully, tomatoes were later embraced as a delicious and safe food, and today, they’re a staple in cuisines worldwide!
- Tomatoes Are Technically a Fruit
Botanically speaking, tomatoes are a fruit because they develop from a flower and contain seeds—just like apples and oranges! However, in 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tomatoes should be classified as a vegetable for trade and taxation purposes. Why? Because they’re typically used in savoury dishes rather than sweet ones. So whether you call it a fruit or a vegetable, tomatoes remain one of the most delicious and debated foods in history!
- There Are Over 10,000 Varieties of Tomatoes!
From tiny cherry tomatoes to massive beefsteak tomatoes, there are thousands of different varieties grown around the world! Some are deep red, while others come in yellow, orange, green, purple, and even black! One of the most unusual is the Blue Tomato, which has high levels of anthocyanins—an antioxidant also found in blueberries. Whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or rich flavours, there’s a tomato variety out there for everyone!
