• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

A Bit of Tomato History

One of our most popular vegetables the tomato had to travel from its native home of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia to Europe before finding its way into North American gardens and meals.

Early explorers collected and brought wild tomatoes back home to Europe. Italians were the first Europeans to eat the fruit in 1550. By the mid-18th century it became important as a food plant in Italy and to some extent in other European countries.

It made its way into US food gardens by the late 1700’s. For years many believed the fruit was poisonous and refused to eat or include them in their recipes.

Today you can choose from a large variety of tomatoes. Plant breeders work to improve the size, texture and productivity. The various shapes and colors, however, are the same as those found in the wild by the earliest explorers.

A bit more information: The tomatoes’ native habitat in the moderate mountainous regions of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia explains why wild and cultivated tomatoes are not real tolerant of excessive heat or cold.  If you experience either extreme during the growing season, select varieties bred to tolerate those conditions.

Related

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW