Tomatoes

The tomato is a fruit native to western South America, brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century and initially considered poisonous and ornamental. Its name "pomodoro" (tomato) derives from the term "pomo d'oro" (golden apple), given to it by Pietro Andrea Mattioli in 1574 for its golden color, which later became red through subsequent breeding. Its original name was "tomatl," a term used by the indigenous people.

• South America: The tomato is native to western South America (including Ecuador, Peru, and Chile).
• Aztecs: They were the first to cultivate and develop the tomato in its largest forms in Mexico, calling it "xit tomati."
• Arrival in Europe: In 1540, Hernán Cortés brought the seeds to Europe, specifically to Spain.

• Aztec term: The Aztecs called it tomatl, from which the Spanish and English terms "tomato" derive.
• Golden apple: The Italian physician Pietro Andrea Mattioli named it "pomodoro" (from the Latin poma aurea, golden apples) in 1574 due to its initial yellow color.

• First in Europe: Italy was one of the first European countries to discover the tomato, with Sicily using the term Pumurammuri.
• Consumption: Consumption began to spread in the 17th century, with the preparation of sauces and preserves, especially in Naples.
• Ideal soil: Tomato seeds were planted in volcanic soil between Naples and Salerno, which proved ideal for cultivation, like that of San Marzano.