Is Tomato a Love Fruit?
No, a tomato isn't inherently a "love fruit" in a literal sense. However, the nickname "love apple" (pomme d'amour) arose historically due to beliefs surrounding its aphrodisiac properties. The French, for example, adopted this name believing the exotic tomato possessed such powers. [1, 3, 8, 9] This association with love is primarily cultural and historical, not based on any scientific evidence of aphrodisiac effects.
The term "love apple" likely emerged due to several factors:
- Heart Shape: Some believe the tomato's heart shape contributed to its association with romance and love. [2, 4]
- Exotic Nature: Initially, tomatoes were viewed as an exotic fruit, adding to their mystique and potentially contributing to the aphrodisiac myth. [1, 3]
- Clever Marketing: One theory suggests the "love apple" moniker was a clever marketing strategy to boost the tomato's popularity and overcome initial hesitations about consuming this then-new food. [4]
While the aphrodisiac properties were unfounded, the name stuck, leading to the enduring association of tomatoes with love, albeit a metaphorical one. The fact that eating tomatoes leads to a desire for more tomatoes is a playful observation, not a confirmation of aphrodisiac qualities. [1]
It's important to differentiate between the historical and cultural context of the "love apple" name and any actual aphrodisiac effects. The name reflects a historical belief, not a scientific fact.
