“Why the Tomato Was Feared in Europe”

Introduction: Why the Tomato Was Feared

In her succinct article “Why the Tomato Was Feared in Europe for More Than 200 Years,” K. Annabelle Smith covers the entire history of the tomato, detailing its evolution from being considered a “poison apple” to being referred to as a “golden apple” and later a “love apple,” up to its present status as a widely used ingredient found in various varieties such as heirlooms, romas, cherry, and others. This short essay is aimed at the general public, particularly aspiring botanists, to guide them in tracing the history of certain vegetables based on scientific evidence and available literature. The author has meticulously crafted her narrative through extensive research, drawing references from religious texts, cultural studies, and scientific research. The article’s broad appeal lies in its brevity, echoing Shakespeare’s sentiment that “brevity is the soul of wit.”

History: Why the Tomato Was Feared

Mr. Smith has comprehensively covered the history of tomatoes in this concise two-page article. Over the span of 200 years, he explores various misconceptions surrounding tomatoes, including their association with poisoning, their classification within the “deadly nightshade” family of plants, and their transformation from being feared to being embraced as a “love apple” before becoming widely accepted as an edible fruit. Despite the brevity of the article, Mr. Smith ensures to cite academic sources to substantiate his assertions. The objective appears to be twofold: to inform the general public about the historical perceptions of certain vegetables, like tomatoes, as poisonous, while also enlightening botanists about the evolution of such perceptions and the eventual recognition of these vegetables’ significant benefits, leading to their global trade and consumption.

People and Why the Tomato Was Feared

This essay holds significant interest for the general public, offering insights into the historical perceptions of vegetables like tomatoes and prompting curiosity about other potentially overlooked edible plants. Moreover, it carries particular significance for botanists, providing a template for further research into the histories of other vegetables and uncovering the intriguing fallacies associated with them. This article serves as an inspiration for botanists, encouraging them to delve deeper into the origins and evolution of various plants, enriching our understanding of their cultural, scientific, and culinary significance. Students of botany, in particular, would find such articles compelling, as they offer valuable insights into the intersection of botany, history, and cultural perceptions of food.

Author and Why the Tomato Was Feared

The article reflects the author’s profound knowledge and keen interest in uncovering fascinating historical truths that have been debunked over time. Mr. Smith’s exploration reveals the remarkable journey of the tomato, once deemed poisonous, to its eventual acceptance as a staple vegetable, spanning a period of 200 years. In addition to botanical insights, he seamlessly weaves in religious and historical references, such as the mention of tomatoes in the Old Testament and their culinary significance dating back to the Aztecs, as well as tracing the evolution of their nomenclature. This demonstrates Mr. Smith’s passion for conducting engaging and thought-provoking research that spans various disciplines, enriching our understanding of the world around us.

Style and Why the Tomato Was Feared

Mr. Smith’s writing style follows a chronological approach, adorned with quotations from various academic sources such as “Tomato in America: Early History, Culture and Cookery,” interspersed with references to religious texts like Genesis and insights from renowned herbalists and botanists. His meticulous research extends to investigating the etymology of the tomato, adding depth to his narrative. In his quest to persuade readers, Mr. Smith employs all three classical rhetorical techniques. He appeals to logos by challenging misconceptions about tomatoes right from the outset, demonstrating that historical beliefs about the fruit were not necessarily factual. Moreover, in the penultimate paragraph, he utilizes logos once more to debunk the exaggerated dangers associated with the worm found in tomatoes. Ethos is effectively employed through the inclusion of academic opinions from notable figures of the Middle Ages, such as John Gerard, Jon Parkinson, and Emerson, lending credibility to his arguments. Finally, Mr. Smith invokes pathos by incorporating quotations from religious texts, imbuing his narrative with emotional resonance and further engaging his audience.

Works Cited: Why the Tomato Was Feared

1. Smith, K. Annabelle. “Why the Tomato Was Feared in Europe for More Than 200 Years.” Smithsonian. Com. 18 June 2013. Web. 30 April 2022.

Relevant Questions about Why the Tomato Was Feared

1. What historical events or cultural beliefs contributed to the fear surrounding the tomato in “Why the Tomato Was Feared “?
2. How did misconceptions or misinformation about the tomato’s toxicity or supposed negative effects impact its perception in “Why the Tomato Was Feared “?
3. In what ways did the tomato’s association with certain poisonous plants or its resemblance to them contribute to the fear and superstitions surrounding its consumption in “Why the Tomato Was Feared “?