Is it true that tomatoes were discovered in the New World but perfected by Italians?
The Spanish discovered tomatoes in the 16th century and brought them back to Europe. In fact the English word tomato comes from the original Aztec name tomatl, or “plump fruit.” When tomatoes were first brought to Europe some people believed that they were deadly poisonous, but fortunately Italians, who turned tomatoes into the brilliance of ragu, did not. Today tomatoes are the second most popular vegetable, with potatoes being number one.
