7. Tomato Was Poisonous
In 18th-century Europe and colonial America, many people believed the tomato was deadly poisonous. This suspicion arose partly because tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, which includes genuinely toxic plants. Additionally, acidic tomato juice could leach lead from pewter plates, causing illness and reinforcing the fruit’s dangerous reputation. It wasn’t until the 19th century that tomatoes gained acceptance as a delicious—and safe—food staple, forever transforming global cuisine. Explore the tomato’s history at Smithsonian
