Tomatoes

Tomatoes are native to Central America and western South America. They are part of the Solanaceae family, also referred to as Nightshades, and are related to peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. They are believed to have been domesticated by the indigenous peoples of Mexico. Tomatoes traveled east to Europe by way of the Spanish conquistadors, after which they spread throughout the rest of Europe and beyond. A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, it is not surprising that many people do not know that the humble tomato originated thousands of miles away.