Everything Everywhere Daily

The History of the Tomato (Encore)

Jan 12, 2025

Dive into the captivating history of tomatoes, once feared and misunderstood. Discover how these vibrant fruits transitioned from ornamental curiosities in South America to essential ingredients in global cuisines. Learn about the evolution of tomato production and the key figures who transformed them into a culinary staple. The podcast unpacks the economic significance of tomatoes and their diverse varieties around the world, revealing why they have become a beloved food.

13:20

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Quick takeaways

Tomatoes originated in western South America and were first cultivated by the Maya around 500 BC before spreading globally.

Initially feared in Europe due to their poisonous relatives, tomatoes slowly transitioned from ornamental plants to culinary staples by the 18th century.

Deep dives

The Origin of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are believed to have originated in the coastal region of western South America, particularly in areas now known as Ecuador, Peru, and northern Chile. The domestication of tomatoes likely began around 500 BC in southern Mexico, where they were first cultivated by the Maya people. Early tomatoes were much smaller than today’s varieties, resembling berries and developing a wide range of shapes and colors due to selective breeding. Historical documentation of tomatoes began with the Spanish conquest, highlighting their prevalent use in Aztec cuisine, as noted by Bernardino de Sahagún in the Florentine Codex.

Intro

4min

The Journey of the Tomato: From Poison to Culinary Staple

6min

The Evolution and Economic Impact of Tomato Production

3min

One of the most popular foods in the world is tomatoes.

Tomatoes are grown almost everywhere in the world today, and they have become the basis of several international cuisines.

However, just a few hundred years ago, very few people were eating tomatoes as we know them today.

In fact, even after they were cultivated, there were people terrified to actually eat them.

Learn more about tomatoes and tomatoes and their history on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.

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