It is thought that the first person to publicly eat a tomato in the United States and dispel the widespread myth that tomatoes were poisonous was Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson.
According to a popular story, in 1820, he stood on the steps of the old Salem County Courthouse in New Jersey in front of a crowd of over 2,000 people who had gathered to watch him commit what they believed would be a fatal act.
These spectators had come from far and wide, many expecting to witness a man risk his life by eating what was then considered a deadly poison.
Colonel Johnson reportedly bit into a basket of ripe tomatoes without suffering any ill effects, thereby challenging the prevailing beliefs of the time.
This act is said to have played a significant role in changing public perception about tomatoes, helping to transform them from a plant grown purely for ornamental purposes into a staple of American cuisine.
However, it’s worth noting that this story, while widely shared, is apocryphal and lacks direct historical evidence.
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About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.