Are tomatoes poisonous? For centuries, the humble tomato carried a dark reputation. Today, it’s hard to imagine a kitchen without tomatoes—whether in pasta sauce, salsa, or a slice of fresh pizza. But not so long ago, this vibrant fruit was feared as deadly. The myth was so widespread that it took one bold man’s public stunt to change minds forever.

The Tomato’s Sinister Reputation

The tomato’s journey began in South and Central America, where it was cultivated long before European explorers arrived. When the tomato made its way to Europe in the 16th century, its fate took a strange turn. Instead of being celebrated, it was branded suspicious and even dangerous.

Why? Because the tomato belonged to the nightshade family, which also included plants notorious for their toxicity, like belladonna. Its glossy, red appearance only reinforced the fear—some called it a “poison apple.”

Why Were Tomatoes Thought Poisonous?

The distrust of tomatoes wasn’t just superstition. A few real-world mishaps gave the myth teeth.

In aristocratic Europe, wealthy families often dined on pewter plates, which contained lead. The acidity of tomatoes caused the lead to leach out, poisoning diners. When they fell ill—or died—the tomato unfairly took the blame.

Botanists didn’t help matters either. In 1597, herbalist John Gerard declared the tomato “corrupt” and “not to be eaten.” His influential work solidified the tomato’s poisonous reputation for centuries.

The Legend of Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson

Enter Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson, a Salem, New Jersey landowner, horticulturist, and respected gentleman farmer. By the early 19th century, Johnson had been growing tomatoes for years, convinced of their value as a food crop. But most of his neighbors still eyed the fruit with suspicion.

On June 28, 1820, Johnson staged what became one of the most famous demonstrations in American food history. Standing on the courthouse steps in Salem, he boldly consumed an entire basket of tomatoes before a horrified crowd. Some reportedly expected him to drop dead on the spot. Instead, he calmly finished his feast, unharmed.

That daring demo is remembered as the turning point that helped Americans finally embrace the tomato as safe and delicious.

Fact or Folklore?

Like many colorful legends, this tale has a catch. Historians note that the story of Johnson’s courthouse stunt wasn’t widely written down until nearly a century later. In fact, evidence suggests that tomatoes were already being eaten in the United States before 1820. Thomas Jefferson, for example, grew and enjoyed them in the late 1700s, and early American cookbooks included tomato recipes.

So, while Johnson’s courthouse feast may have grown into folklore, it symbolized a very real cultural shift. Whether or not the event happened exactly as described, it captured the moment Americans learned to embrace tomatoes at the table.

The Tomato’s Rise as America’s Favorite

Following the so-called “trial by tomato,” acceptance grew rapidly. New Jersey—now famous for its tomatoes—became a hub of cultivation. Across the Atlantic, Naples was already perfecting pizza with tomato sauce, and soon, tomato dishes spread across the world.

Today, the tomato is one of the most popular crops globally, appearing in everything from ketchup bottles to Michelin-starred dishes.

Why This Story Still Matters Today

The tale of Colonel Johnson and the poisonous tomato myth reminds us of something bigger: how easily fear and misinformation can spread—and how one bold act can shift public perception.

It’s a lesson in curiosity, open-mindedness, and the willingness to question what “everybody knows.” Tomatoes went from being a deadly fruit to a staple of global cuisine, all because people dared to rethink the story.

FAQs About Tomatoes and Their Poisonous Past

Are tomatoes poisonous?

No. Tomatoes themselves were never poisonous. The myth was fueled by their link to the nightshade family and accidental lead poisoning from pewter plates.

Why did people think tomatoes were dangerous?

Botanists like John Gerard described them as unsafe, and pewter-leached lead made wealthy diners sick—leading to the tomato’s bad reputation.

Did Colonel Johnson really eat tomatoes in public?

The story is part legend, part history. While Johnson likely promoted tomatoes, the courthouse demonstration may have been exaggerated in later retellings.

When did tomatoes become popular in American cuisine?

By the mid-1800s, tomatoes were widely grown and eaten in the U.S., appearing in gardens, markets, and cookbooks.

What’s the truth about pewter plates and tomato poisoning?

Acidic tomatoes reacted with lead in pewter, causing poisoning. The tomato wasn’t to blame—the cookware was.

Is the Tomato a Fruit or a Vegetable?

That question was answered by the U.S. Supreme Court. Read this article for the answer.

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