The Contentious History of the Cherry Tomato

(via Smithsonian) For decades, the cherry tomato has been a staple of summer salads and other dishes. But the tiny, sweet treat wasn’t always a standard in side dishes. Indeed, it didn’t become a popular feature in Western meals until the 1980s. As it turns out, though, the little cherry tomato has had a curious history that intertwines commercialism, nationalism and, of course, the search for the best flavor.