Tomato leaves are known for their species-specific, earthy and slightly spicy scent. While there are those who find this scent pleasant, there are also those who find it offensive.
This pungent aroma, thought to be part of the tomato plant's defense against pests and diseases; It comes from oils stored at the tips of hair-like structures called trichomes in the stem and leaves of the plant. When you look closely at the plant, you can notice these hairs.
When insects, animals or farmers touch the tomato plant, we get this familiar smell when the volatile chemicals in the oils released by crushing the bulbs at the ends of the trichomes mix into the air.
Considered to be a pest deterrent, these oils and compounds are safe for humans to touch and eat.
The plant's association with the nightshade (dogcurrant) family gave the tomato an unpleasant reputation in colonies in Europe and America in the 1700s.
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Other nightshades, including the more dangerous and deadly nightshade, produce a toxic chemical called solanine . It was once believed that the tomato plant also produces solanine. However, studies have shown that the tomato plant produces a chemical called tomatin instead of solanine.
Studies show that the danger of ingesting tomatine is low in terms of human health. In order for an adult to take a dangerous dose of tomatine, he must eat at least 1 kg of tomato leaves. There are even studies that suggest that tomatine may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of certain cancers.