Are tomatoes poisonous? – A closer look at the supposed risk

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the world and are an integral part of most cuisines. Whether raw in salads, as a sauce, in stews or on pizza – tomatoes are used in countless dishes. However, the question is repeatedly raised in various sources: Are tomatoes poisonous? This often leads to confusion, as tomatoes in their ripe form are widely available and considered safe to consume. However, there are in fact some aspects of the tomato plant that can pose health risks in certain situations. It is important to understand these in order to protect yourself from potential dangers.

The toxic components of the tomato plant

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which also includes other plants such as potatoes, aubergines and peppers. Many of these plants produce chemical compounds that can be toxic in large quantities. In the case of the tomato plant, it is mainly solanine that has a potentially toxic effect.

– Solanine is an alkaloid found in various parts of the tomato plant, especially in the green parts such as the leaves, stems and unripe green fruits. Solanine has a toxic effect on the human body and can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain when consumed in large quantities. In very high doses, it can even lead to serious symptoms of poisoning.

Ripe tomatoes are safe

For most people, however, there is no cause for concern when consuming ripe tomatoes. Solanine is mainly found in high concentrations in the green parts of the plant. As tomatoes ripen and their colour changes from green to red, the solanine content decreases significantly and ripe tomatoes are considered safe and non-toxic.

It is therefore important when eating tomatoes to ensure that the fruit is fully ripe and no longer has any green spots. In some cases, tomatoes may still have green areas at the tip or stem base, which should be removed to minimise the risk of solanine ingestion.

Solanine in other tomato products

Another topic that is repeatedly discussed is products made from tomatoes, such as tomato paste or ketchup. As these products are usually made from fully ripened tomatoes, the solanine content in these products is minimal. Tomato paste, ketchup and similar products are considered completely harmless and are safe to consume.

Tomato plants and pets

One point that many people do not realise is that tomato plants can be poisonous to pets, especially dogs and cats. If a pet accidentally eats the green parts of the tomato plant, it can cause symptoms of poisoning. Here too, the solanine content of the green parts of the plant is the problem. Dogs that eat small amounts of the green parts can show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and general weakness. Pets should therefore be kept away from tomato plants to avoid possible risks.

Other risks: Unripe tomatoes and green tomatoes

Although ripe tomatoes are generally safe, unripe green tomatoes may also contain solanine and should be handled with care. In some traditional cuisines, such as Southern cooking in the USA, green tomatoes are used, particularly in dishes such as fried green tomatoes. Green tomatoes are safe in moderation, but care should be taken not to consume them in large quantities. There is a risk of solanine poisoning, especially with raw green tomatoes.

Another problem is the storage of tomatoes: If tomatoes are stored in a warm place for too long and begin to sprout green shoots or sprouts, the solanine content can also increase. It is advisable to dispose of such tomatoes to avoid health risks.

Conclusion: Tomatoes are generally safe

To summarise, it can be said that tomatoes in their ripe form are completely safe for most people to eat. The toxic components such as solanine are mainly found in the green parts of the plant and in unripe fruit. As long as you make sure that the tomatoes are fully ripe and there are no green parts left, there is no need to worry about poisoning. Similarly, tomato products such as ketchup, sauces or tomato paste are safe and do not contain significant amounts of solanine.

Nevertheless, care should be taken to enjoy green tomatoes in moderation and to keep pets away from the tomato plant. If you follow these simple precautions, you can enjoy tomatoes without hesitation and fully savour their versatility in the kitchen.