Origin and history
The tomato, now a staple in our diet, originated in South America, where it was already cultivated by pre-Columbian civilizations. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century after the discovery of the New World, it was initially considered an ornamental plant before being recognized as a food in its own right. In herbal medicine and nutrition, the tomato is now celebrated for its richness in antioxidants , particularly lycopene , the natural pigment responsible for its red color and its health benefits.