How many of these tomato facts did you know?
There is a lot more to the mighty tomato than meets the eye. Read on to discover 5 interesting facts about tomatoes you probably didn’t know.
Originally thought to be poisonous
Contrary to popular belief, the tomato didn’t have a very popular reputation to begin with. Dubbed as the ‘poison apple’ by European aristocrats in the late 1700s, the humble tomato was thought to be poisonous after a number of wealthy men died not long after eating it. The real culprit, however, was the pewter plates they were eating from mixed with the acidity of the tomatoes, which resulted in lead poisoning! Whoever could have predicted such a deadly combination?
The first tomato wasn’t red
Yep, the very first cultivated tomatoes were, in fact, yellow and cherry-sized, not red like many people think! In fact, when tomatoes first arrived in Europe in the 1600s, they were given the name pomi d’oro, which literally translates to golden apples… so there you go!
Tomatoes don’t belong in the fridge
If you want your tomatoes to retain their juicy flavour, don’t store them in the fridge! Instead of keeping them fresh, the cold air from the fridge actually stops them from ripening – which is what gives tomatoes their flavour. Storing tomatoes in the fridge can also affect the membrane of the skin and it may end up being a bit squishy. But, if you do make the mistake of storing your tomatoes in the fridge, there is a way to bring them back – just leave them out on the bench for 24 hours before using them. You’re welcome.
94.5% of tomato’s weight is water.
Feeling a bit dehydrated? With such a high percentage of water, the tomato is one of the best in water-dense foods, meaning its going to help you stay hydrated for longer. Whether you throw it in a salad, make a sauce or eat as is – you’re also getting a vegetable that’s high in nutrients, low in calories and makes the perfect snack.
Originally found in South America, not Italy
Ask someone where they think the tomato originated from and they’ll probably tell you Italy. However, it was actually Peru where tomatoes grew in abundance. Eventually cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas, they then spread across Central and South America, before arriving in Europe. Maybe one for the next dinner party?
