Tomatoes Branded Wolf Peaches

In the 16th century, Europeans gave the tomato its old scientific name, Lycopersicon, meaning "wolf peach." The ominous title wasn't a scientific warning but came from folklore around the nightshade family, which was linked to witchcraft, poison, and even werewolves. This unlucky naming fueled superstitions that eating tomatoes could transform people into monsters of the night. While the belief has no basis in reality, the tomato's sinister reputation delayed its acceptance in European kitchens for centuries.

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