Tomato Warnings Falsified

BY STUDENT X

The most recent item to arrive from the New World for consumption is a curious fruit called the tomato. The tomato was introduced by local herbalist, John Gerard. Countries known to eat the tomato previously include Italy and Spain, but despite their eating without incident, Gerard believed the crop to be poisonous. Fear of sickness and even death has caused a general avoidance of the tomato. Recently, it was confirmed that while some of the leaves of the tomato plant contain poisons, the fruit itself is safe.

Picked from a sprawling plant, these juicy red globes appear similar to an apple but contain a much fleshier middle. Locally, the tomato is most commonly used in soups, broths, and as a garnish. My husband and I had the privilege of sampling this rare fruit at a recent banquet and while I enjoyed the sweet and tangy combination of flavors, my husband said he’d rather throw it!

So Elizabethans, fear the tomato no more! If you can get your hands on one, I recommend you take a bite and decide for yourself – is the tomato a staple or a fleeting fad?