Interesting Fact About Tomato

Despite the extreme  popularity of tomatoes  and many countries, it is true that they are poisonous. Though the fruit itself doesn’t contain poison, the stem as well as the leaves contain a chemical known as glycol alkaloid.


Higher levels are said to be found in wild tomatoes, but those grown domestically still contain glycol alkaloid. This chemical is known to cause upset stomachs and nervousness. The leaves and stem can be used in cooking for flavor, but must be removed before eating. This chemical is so powerful that it is actually used as a way to control pests.

Interesting fact: In 1893, in the U.S. Supreme Court case, it was argued whether or not a tomato was a vegetable or a fruit, which dealt with taxes being paid on vegetables and not fruits. In the end, the court ruled that a tomato is a vegetable when referring to the Tariff Act, but is botanically a fruit.