The Curious Case of Abraham Lincoln and the Tomato Incident

Tomatoes are a staple in many diets today, featuring prominently in dishes ranging from hearty tomato soup to fresh burger slices. However, their ubiquity was not always the case. In the 1860s, tomatoes were less common, especially in some areas of America. An intriguing historical tidbit reveals that Abraham Lincoln, despite residing in the grandeur of the White House, had never seen or tasted a matured tomato until over halfway through his presidency.

Historical Context

In the mid-19th century, tomatoes were still domesticated and commonly grown for food in America. There was widespread “tomatophobia,” or fear of tomatoes, due to rumors about their supposed toxicity. This fear stemmed from tomatoes belonging to the nightshade family, which includes several toxic plants.

Spread of Tomato Popularity

The Civil War and advancements in transportation during this period contributed significantly to the spread of tomato popularity across the country. Union soldiers, under President Lincoln’s command as commander-in-chief, included tinned tomatoes in their rations since fresh vegetables were difficult to come by on the waterfront. Despite this military use, people at home continued to avoid raw tomatoes.

Overcoming ‘Tomatophobia’

The turning point came when an acquaintance named Robert Gibbon Johnson publicly ate a tomato on the steps of Salem courthouse. This act helped dissipate fears about their toxicity; however, it took years before society widely accepted them as safe for consumption.

Lincoln’s First Encounter with Tomatoes

Lincoln finally encountered ripe tomatoes during a banquet organized by his staff halfway through his term. The event featured various foods from across the nation, aiming to provide him with experiences that regular citizens often couldn’t enjoy. Initially eyeing them suspiciously, Lincoln tasted them upon reassurance from his chef. According to accounts, he was so impressed that he ate quite a few.

Aftermath and Legacy

Whether this experience spurred Lincoln to grow tomatoes in his garden afterward remains unclear. However, he became somewhat fond of them after this incident. This seemingly minor event offers a unique perspective on how times have changed. It highlights how even prominent historical figures like Abraham Lincoln experienced new foods much later than we might expect today.

In summary, while it may be hard to believe, given today’s commonality of tomatoes in our diets, they were once rare. They feared fruits in America—so much so that even President Abraham Lincoln did not encounter them until well into his presidency.