Back in the 1700s, Europeans thought tomatoes were poison. They called them “wolf peaches” and grew them only as ornamentals. Rich people ate from pewter plates, which leached lead when acidic tomatoes hit them. That gave them lead poisoning—and tomatoes got the blame.
Today, we know better. But the oddball lore continues. For example, did you know that yellow tomatoes have less acid and more vitamin A? Or that cooked tomatoes have more lycopene than raw? Heat unlocks it. So your spaghetti sauce is a superfood—until you eat a whole pot.
Who Should Watch Out? (Spoiler: Not You)
Most people can eat tomatoes freely. But if you have gout, go easy. Tomatoes contain purines, which can raise uric acid levels. However, recent studies say the effect is tiny—like, “half a cookie” tiny. So unless you’re a tomato farmer snacking all day, you’re fine.
Pregnant folks, listen up: tomatoes are awesome for folic acid and hydration. But too many can cause heartburn (thanks, acid). That’s a common pregnancy woe anyway. Just don’t blame the tomato for everything—it’s not the enemy.
And what about nightshade sensitivity? Tomatoes are in the nightshade family, along with potatoes and eggplants. A tiny percentage of people get joint pain from them. The science is thin, but the internet loves a conspiracy. Try an elimination diet—but don’t toss your salsa yet.
What To Do With Too Many Roma Tomatoes at Maddison Westacott blog
