The fruit many people in the Western world thought was poisonous until around 1820 was the tomato. Despite being a staple in many cuisines today, tomatoes were historically viewed with suspicion in Europe and North America. This misconception stemmed from their resemblance to deadly nightshade, a toxic plant in the same family (Solanaceae), and their use in decorative rather than culinary contexts. The fear persisted until the early 19th century when attitudes began to shift, partly due to events like the public tomato-eating demonstration by Robert Gibbon Johnson in 1820, which helped debunk the myth in the United States. However, the exact date and story vary, as acceptance was gradual across regions.