The tomato was not the problem. The plates were.

The Lead Plate Problem

Wealthy Europeans often ate from pewter tableware, which contained lead. Tomatoes are acidic, and when placed on those plates they absorbed lead that leached from the metal.  When people became sick afterward, the tomato took the blame.

Why The Reputation Stuck

The tomato was also part of the nightshade family, a group that includes some genuinely toxic plants. This connection made it easier for people to believe the tomato was dangerous.

The Turning Point

As tableware changed and more people began cooking with tomatoes, old fears faded. Italy became one of the earliest adopters, eventually turning the once distrusted fruit into a cornerstone of its cuisine.

The Irony

The tomato went from feared to beloved, and now appears in everything from pasta sauce to salads to soups. Few foods have made a cultural comeback as dramatic.