1. Tomatoes
In 18th-century Europe, tomatoes earned the ominous nickname “poison apples”. Aristocrats believed the fruit was deadly, as many fell ill or died after eating them from pewter plates—unaware that the acidic tomato leached toxic lead from the dishes. Over time, science dispelled the myth, and tomatoes shed their dangerous reputation. Now, they are a beloved ingredient, found in salads, sauces, and cuisines across the globe. Smithsonian Magazine
