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tomatoes: the fruit blamed for scores of deaths

tomatoes are so acidic that in the late 1700's they would actually leach the lead from pewter plates — killing those who ate them.

by chris arnold
published sep 13, 2022
last updated sep 28, 2022
read time 3 minute read
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read time 3 minute read
join the conversation
some people don't like tomatoes because they are also a nightshade
the vast majority of canadian tomatoes (93 to 100 per cent, depending on who you ask,) are grown in southern ontario — typically greenhouses. getty
let’s get this out of the way first; tomatoes are fruits, not vegetables. but however you pronounce it — tom-ay-tow, or tow-matt-oh — you’re sure to get a healthy, tasty fruit to add to almost any meal. (just stay away from any lead-containing dishware.) the versatile fruit is a favourite of mature gardeners and professional chefs for its bold flavour and easy care. 

where do tomatoes come from?

although they’re often synonymous with italian cuisine, tomatoes are originally from central and south america, specifically bolivia, chile, colombia, ecuador, and peru, according to seed change. the seeds spread from their original home to cover the americas, europe, and then the rest of the world. 
china grows the most tomatoes of any country on earth, producing about 56 million tonnes annually. india, the united states, turkey, and egypt are the next largest growers, but none come close to touching china’s annual production numbers. 
the vast majority of canadian tomatoes (93 to 100 per cent, depending on who you ask,) are grown in southern ontario — typically in greenhouses.

tomatoes contain super-potent antioxidants

tomatoes are a great source of vitamin c, according to healthline, which helps with tissue repair and forming collagen. the potassium in the fruit is also beneficial to blood pressure and preventing heart disease, while vitamin k1 helps prevent blood clots.

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potatoes contain nutrients like potassium, vitamin c, b6, fibre and protein. getty

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tomatoes also contain lycopene, one of the most potent antioxidants that people can eat, according to a study published in the national library of medicine. lycopene helps to regulate cholesterol and coronary artery disease, and can help prevent cancer. 

tomatoes are acidic

tomatoes are quite acidic, meaning people who are sensitive to acid or have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, could have some pain after eating them. in fact, they are so acidic that in the late 1700s, tomatoes would leach the lead from the pewter plates that were common in well-to-do homes at the time, according to smithsonian magazine. not realizing the connection to the plates, people dubbed the fruit “poison apples” following the frequent deaths of aristocrats after consuming tomatoes. 
there are also people who consider tomatoes to be unhealthy because they’re a nightshade — a group of foods that contain small amounts of alkaloids. alkaloids are a compound that can have different effects on people, and include morphine and nicotine. but unless you’re allergic, there is no scientific evidence that eating small amounts of nightshades can cause inflammation or are otherwise bad for you.
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canadian society for exercise physiology
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when to harvest

when tomatoes are turning green it’s almost time to pick them. the fruit will start to emit ethylene gas that will slowly turn the crop from green, to yellow, and to red. thanks to this process, tomatoes can in fact be picked before they’re fully ripe. the gasses will continue to ripen the fruits even after they’ve been plucked from the plant. 

ways to eat tomatoes

there are so many varieties of tomatoes, from the cherry to the steakhouse — there are also an equally high number of ways to prepare them.
steakhouse, one of the largest tomatoes, can weigh more than a kilogram and look more like a small pumpkin than a large tomato. one of the easiest ways to eat it is by making tomato salad. simply dicing the tomato, adding mozzarella cheese, and drizzling with a vinaigrette can make an easy, light main dish or side. 
cherry tomatoes, on the other hand, are best served as they are, straight from the vine. they pop like grapes and can even quench your thirst in the process due to their
high water content.
 
chris arnold is a toronto-based writer.
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