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Why is the tomato called "wolf peach"? What's the story behind its name?
Tomato, this widely eaten fruit, originally came from South America, but has quickly become an important part of cuisine around the world because of its unique taste and nutritional value. However, in addition to its delicious taste, the name of the tomato "wolf peach" has aroused people's curiosity. So, why was it given such a special name?
The scientific name of tomato is Solanum lycopersicum, and the name "lycopersicum" means "wolf peach". There is an ancient story hidden behind this name.
The reason why tomatoes are called "wolf peach" comes from the name of the ancient Greek medical scientist Galen. Galen once used "wolf peach" to refer to an unidentified plant, and the 16th-century Italian botanist Luigi Anguilara speculated that it might refer to the tomato. Although it is not entirely certain, the name eventually entered scientific parlance. This contradictory history adds to the mystique of tomatoes.
The name "wolf peach" may come from the misunderstanding of the ancients, who believed that this plant was related to the poisonous nightshade family, so they named it.
In fact, the West’s fear of tomatoes can be traced back to the introduction of tomatoes to Europe. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire and brought tomatoes back to Europe. Initially, many people thought it was a poisonous plant because it belongs to the nightshade family, and many plants in this family are poisonous. This is one of the reasons why tomatoes were considered ornamental plants rather than food for a long time.
However, over time, tomatoes gradually became accepted and became part of the food diet. Tomatoes are used in different ways in different regions according to the characteristics of different cultures. In Italy and Spain, for example, tomatoes are an integral ingredient in pasta and pizza, while in Asia they are often used in stir-fries and soups.
"As the popularity of the tomato grew, so did its many varieties and uses, gradually allaying concerns about its toxicity."
The diversity of tomatoes is also one of the important reasons for their popularity. After centuries of selective breeding since the 16th century, today's tomato varieties are not only colorful, but also present a variety of variations in size and taste. From cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes, each has its own unique flavor and use case.
In addition to its delicious taste and nutritional value, the name of the tomato "Langpeach" also symbolizes the intersection of cultures in a sense. With the process of globalization, tomatoes have been introduced to all parts of the world and integrated with local cuisine to form various styles of cuisine. Due to this shift, many tomato-related words and uses were spread, such as "tomato scrambled eggs" in Chinese and "tomato salsa" in Mexico.
“The name and history of the tomato reflect how people view and accept exotic ingredients, triggering the fusion of cultures.”
With the advancement of science and technology and the development of breeding technology, tomato cultivation has become more and more scientific. Modern agricultural technology allows tomatoes to grow in more climate conditions, and the yield and quality have been greatly improved. . However, at the same time, over-specialized breeding has also caused some varieties to lose their original flavor and nutrients, which has worried many vegetable farmers and cooking enthusiasts.
Even so, the popularity of tomatoes remains high around the world and plays an indispensable role in global food culture. Every year, festivals held for the production of tomatoes push this fruit to the world stage. For example, the Tomato Festival in Spain attracts countless tourists to taste and experience it.
Through the story of the tomato, we can not only see how a plant went from being misunderstood and excluded to being widely accepted, but we can also feel the blending and interaction of cultures. This makes people think, what is the uniqueness of tomatoes compared with other ingredients?
