The Surprising Origin of the 'Love Apple'
The tomato's journey from a humble and feared plant to a beloved fruit with a romantic nickname is a fascinating tale of cultural misunderstanding and culinary evolution. Originating in South America, the tomato was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. However, its initial reception was far from enthusiastic. Belonging to the nightshade family, which includes many poisonous species, the tomato was met with suspicion and fear across Europe. This fear, compounded by the fact that acidic foods like tomatoes would leach lead from pewter plates, leading to lead poisoning, solidified its reputation as a dangerous plant in some parts of the continent.
Despite this, certain European cultures, particularly the French and Italians, began to embrace the tomato, if cautiously at first. The French, intrigued by the fruit's vibrant red color, gave it the moniker 'pomme d'amour,' or 'love apple'. This name was likely based on the mistaken belief that the tomato had aphrodisiac qualities. This romantic legend, whether based on wishful thinking or a simple misinterpretation of its Italian name ('pomo d'oro' for 'golden apple'), was the origin of the term 'love fruit'. It would take centuries and the popularization of Italian cuisine in America and elsewhere for the tomato to fully shed its poisonous reputation and become a worldwide kitchen essential.
The Journey from Suspicion to Culinary Staple
The tomato's transition from a feared oddity to a culinary powerhouse wasn't a quick process. In colonial America, for instance, tomatoes were primarily grown for decoration rather than consumption, due to the lingering fear of them being poisonous. It wasn't until the early 19th century that they began to be widely accepted as food in the United States, thanks to figures like Thomas Jefferson and the rise of commercial canning.
Key factors in the tomato's popularity shift:
- Dispelling myths: The gradual understanding that the tomato plant itself, but not the fruit, was related to poisonous nightshades helped to allay fears.
- Culinary innovation: The incorporation of tomatoes into popular dishes, particularly in Italian cuisine, showcased their versatility and delicious flavor.
- Seed hybridization: Companies like Burpee developed hardier, more reliable hybrid varieties that were easier for home gardeners to grow, further popularizing the fruit.
- Growing accessibility: The increase in commercial production and canning made tomatoes widely available year-round, securing their place in the modern pantry.
The Tomato in Modern Cuisine and Culture
Today, the tomato is used in countless dishes worldwide, from sauces and soups to salads and sandwiches. Its nutritional value, packed with antioxidants like lycopene, and its versatile flavor profile make it an indispensable ingredient. The story of the 'love apple' now serves as a quaint historical footnote, a charming origin story for a fruit that once inspired both fear and passion.
A comparison of romantic fruits:
| Fruit | Historical/Cultural Association | Origin of Association | Modern Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Love Apple | French belief in aphrodisiac qualities due to vibrant color | A historical curiosity; a symbol of culinary passion |
| Strawberry | Perfection, Love | Victorian language of flowers; legend of sharing a double strawberry | Common romantic motif on Valentine's Day; sweet treat |
| Fig | Fertility, Desire | Greek and Roman mythology connections to deities | A luxurious and sensual fruit; symbolic of abundance |
| Pomegranate | Marriage, Fertility | Roman brides wore pomegranate wreaths; Chinese wedding gift | Symbol of abundance and prosperity; often called 'Aphrodite's fruit' |
| Apple | Aphrodisiac | Medieval European rituals involving sleeping with an apple | Symbol of knowledge, temptation, and health; historical romanticism |
Conclusion
The question of which fruit is called love fruit has a clear historical answer: the tomato. Its journey from a feared, potentially poisonous member of the nightshade family to a beloved culinary staple is a testament to how cultural perceptions can change over time. While the 'love apple' moniker stemmed from a misunderstanding in 16th-century France, it has endured as a romantic and fascinating piece of food folklore. Today, we appreciate the tomato not just for its storied past but for its undeniable place in kitchens and cuisines around the globe. The story of the love fruit is a delicious and romantic chapter in our shared culinary history.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Love Fruit
What is the historical origin of the 'love fruit' nickname? The nickname 'love fruit' comes from the French term 'pomme d'amour' or 'love apple,' given to the tomato in the 16th century. It was believed to have aphrodisiac qualities, possibly due to its vibrant red color.
Were tomatoes actually considered poisonous at one point? Yes, when tomatoes were first introduced to Europe, they were widely feared and considered poisonous because they belonged to the nightshade family. This reputation took centuries to overcome.
Why did the French call the tomato the 'love apple'? The French called it 'pomme d'amour' because of the mistaken belief that it was an aphrodisiac. Another theory suggests it was a corrupted version of the Italian name, 'pomo d'oro' ('golden apple').
Is there any nutritional basis for the tomato being an aphrodisiac? No, there is no nutritional or scientific basis for the tomato being an aphrodisiac. The historical belief was based on folklore and appearance rather than any proven effect.
Are there any other fruits considered 'love fruits'? Yes, other fruits are also associated with love and romance, including strawberries, figs, and pomegranates, each with their own unique historical and cultural significance.
When did the tomato become widely accepted as a food? In America, the tomato's acceptance as a food became widespread in the 19th century, after centuries of being viewed with suspicion. Its popularization was aided by figures like Thomas Jefferson and the growth of commercial food production.
What makes the tomato a versatile food today? Tomatoes are versatile due to their range of flavors, from sweet to acidic, and their ability to be used in countless dishes, including raw in salads, cooked in sauces, and preserved in cans. They are a nutritional staple rich in lycopene.
Does the term 'love apple' still refer to tomatoes? While the term is not in common use, it is still a recognized historical nickname for the tomato, often brought up in discussions of food history and culture.
