>> From Peru, an unidentified wild ancestor of the tomato made its way north at some time several thousand years prior to the Spanish exploration of Central America in the early 16th century. When the first “conquistadors” arrived in the Yucatan area, of what is now Mexico , they already found tomatoes.

That the tomato originated in South America, and that the tomato was an important crop among New World Indians by the 15th century is supported by strong evidence. The riddle that has kept some botanists on edge for many years is the question of where and when the wild tomato became a domesticated tomato. 

Most evidence supports Central American domestication. The strongest evidence is cultural. Pre-Columbian cultures in Peru were inclined to decorate textiles and pottery with depictions of crops and figures important to their well being. It may be significant that depictions of tomatoes on artifacts have not been unearthed. If the tomato had undergone domestication there, one would expect to find tomato representations on artifacts [6]. Linguistic evidence also supports this theory. The Aztecs of Central America called it " xitomatl ", and wild Central American tribes called it " tomati ". The writings of ancient Peruvian tribes fail to mention a tomato-like fruit as being an important part of the diet or even a word meaning tomato, while Aztec writings in Central America mention dishes comprised of peppers, salt and tomatoes, a concoction which seems likely to be the original salsa recipe. Taken together, it seems well founded that initial domestication of tomato occurred in Central America.  It is presumed that the tomato found its way across the Atlantic shortly after. Red tomatoes were said to be introduced to Italy by two Catholic priests many years later.

Plants were brought to North America with colonists early on as ornamentals from Britain, the fruits of which were reportedly most valued for pustule removing properties. In 1781, Thomas Jefferson brought tomatoes to his table, along with french fries (a visionary). George Washington Carver, the man who made peanut butter a household item, strongly advocated tomato consumption to his poor Alabama neighbors in an effort to improve their woefully vitamin-deficient diet, but met with limited success.

The original center of domestication was, as mentioned, Central America. However, further domestication on a much more intense level occurred throughout Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, and later in North America Eastern Europe seemed to produce a particularly large number of high quality cultivars. Tomato plants are naturally self pollinating, and a general characteristic of self-pollinating plants is that they become genetically homozygous after many generations.

Asthma : Vitamin C , present in fruits and vegetables , is a powerful antioxdant and anti-inflammatory. This anti-inflammatory activity may influence the development of asthma symptoms. A large preliminary study has shown that young children with asthma experience significantly less wheezing if they eat a diet high in fruits rich in vitamin C.

Cancer : Tomatoes contain lycopene —an antioxidant similar in structure to beta-carotene . Most of the lycopene in our diet comes from tomatoes, though traces of lycopene exist in other foods. Lycopene inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells in test tube research.

Tomatoes are also a source of beta-carotene. The strong association between increased intake of beta-carotene from food and a reduced risk of lung cancer does not necessarily mean that supplementation with natural beta-carotene supplements would reduce the risk of lung cancer. Dietary beta-carotene may be a marker for diets high in certain fruits and vegetables that contain other anticancer substances that may be responsible for the protective effects. Until more is known, doctors are advising smokers to avoid all forms of beta-carotene supplementation—even natural beta-carotene.

Capillary fragility : Eating plenty of flavonoid - and vitamin C -rich fruits and vegetables helps to support the structure of capillaries.

Cataracts : Some, but not all, studies have reported that eating more foods rich in beta-carotene or vitamin A was associated with a lower risk of cataracts. Synthetic beta-carotene supplementation has not been found to reduce the risk of cataract formation. It remains unclear whether natural beta-carotene from food or supplements would protect the eye or whether beta-carotene in food is merely a marker for other protective factors in fruits and vegetables high in beta-carotene.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) : In one survey, researchers gathered information from nearly 400 people (half with MS) over three years. They found that consumption of vegetable protein, fruit juice , and foods rich in vitamin C, thiamine , riboflavin , calcium , and potassium correlated with a decreased MS risk.

Night blindness : Low intake of fruits and vegetables containing beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A , may contribute to a vitamin A deficiency.

Pap smear : Most dietary studies have found that women receiving high amounts of nutrients from fruits and vegetables have less risk of cervical dysplasia . Protective effects may be especially strong from diets high in dark yellow and orange vegetables ( carrots , winter squash , etc.) and tomatoes.

Health benefits and concerns for vegetables : Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other vegetables. Read about health benefits and concerns for vegetables for a full description.