The fruit was already used by the Aztecs and in advanced civilisations such as the Maya. Nevertheless, the exact origin is still being determined. However, the first traces can be found in the south of the USA, where the tomato was cultivated in 200 BC. Christopher Columbus brought a few plants to Europe on his second voyage to America in 1498. At that time, Spain, Italy and Portugal had ideal growing conditions.
Despite belonging to the nightshade family, the fruit vegetable is very healthy. The natural pigment lycopene is even considered a potent antioxidant against chronic diseases. An example would be cancer.
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