Origin and history
Tomatoes, now an essential part of our diet, originated in South America, where they were cultivated by pre-Columbian civilizations. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century after the discovery of the New World, they were initially considered ornamental plants before being recognized as food in their own right. In herbal medicine and nutrition, tomatoes are now celebrated for their high antioxidant content, particularly lycopene, a natural pigment responsible for their red color and health benefits.