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By the late 18th century, tomatoes began to gain popularity, especially in Italian cooking, thanks to common dishes prepared by cooks in Naples. Eventually, the famed pizza Margherita was born in the 1880s when Raffaele Esposito created a dish for Queen Margherita of Savoy, solidifying the tomato's place in culinary history.
The Tomato in America: Overcoming Stigmas
Throughout the 19th century, tomatoes faced significant skepticism in the United States. Many dismissed them as "sour trash," and even referred to them disparagingly in various publications. However, as the love for Italian cuisine blossomed in America, especially with the introduction of pizza, the tomato slowly found its way onto American plates.