Was tomatoes thought to be poisonous?

Yes, tomatoes were once thought to be poisonous. This was due to a misunderstanding about the effects of solanine, a glycoalkaloid that is found in tomatoes and other members of the nightshade family. Solanine is toxic in high doses, but the amount of solanine in tomatoes is not high enough to cause harm. In fact, tomatoes are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The belief that tomatoes were poisonous originated in the 16th century, when Italian physician Pietro Andrea Mattioli wrote about the dangers of eating tomatoes. Mattioli believed that tomatoes could cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, indigestion, and hallucinations. He also claimed that tomatoes could be fatal if they were eaten in large quantities.

Mattioli's warnings about tomatoes were based on anecdotal evidence, and there was no scientific evidence to support his claims. However, his warnings were taken seriously, and tomatoes were avoided by many people for centuries. It was not until the 19th century that tomatoes began to be eaten more widely.

Today, tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the world. They are used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to pasta sauces. Tomatoes are also a good source of nutrition, and they are linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke.