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What is a Love Apple?

Published in Food History 2 mins read

A "love apple" is an old name for the tomato, stemming from the French term pomme d'amour.

Origin of the Name

The French called the tomato pomme d'amour, meaning "love apple", because they believed it had aphrodisiac properties. This belief contributed to the romantic association with the fruit. While it's not proven to be an aphrodisiac, the flavor of tomatoes does seem to inspire many people to want more.

Key Facts about the "Love Apple":

Aspect Description
Name "Love Apple" (pomme d'amour in French)
What it is An old name for the tomato.
Origin Attributed to the French due to the belief in the tomato's aphrodisiac powers.
Modern View No proven aphrodisiac qualities; however, eating tomatoes does seem to inspire a craving for more.

Tomato's Romantic History

Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its aphrodisiac qualities, the name "love apple" has stuck around for some time in a few circles.

Conclusion

While it's not a magical love potion, the tomato, once known as the "love apple," remains a beloved fruit worldwide with a fascinating etymology.

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