In honor of Hispanic History month let's talk more about the culinary exchanges that happened in 1492. Tomatoes originated in Central America but Iberians introduced them to Europe and Africa in the early sixteenth century as part of the Colombian exchange that occurred after 1492. Europeans first used them ornamental purposes while Africans cooks gradually exhibited a love for using them for seasoning sauces, stews, and soups. It was not until later that Europeans started cooking with them because they believed tomatoes would poison them. More tomorrow.
