The tomato originates from Central and South America, with Mexico being the first known
cultivators. The conquistadors took seeds back to Spain, and soon became popular in other European countries. Strangely enough, it was first grown only for ornamental purposes in Italy for fear that it was poisonous due to the fact that it belongs to the nightshade family. And it was for the same reason that they were not popular in the United States until 1820. Today China is the world’s largest producer, followed by the United States and Turkey.
Health Benefits.
A study conducted by the Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill University concluded that frequent tomato consumption might play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer, with evidence pointing to the greater effectiveness of cooked tomatoes.
