where do tomatoes originate from

Tomatoes originate from the Andean region of South America, mainly in the countries that are now Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and parts of western South America. They were likely first domesticated either in western South America or in Mesoamerica (including Mexico). The wild ancestor of the tomato was probably first cultivated by ancient peoples such as the Incas and Aztecs, with evidence of cultivation dating back to at least 7000 years ago. The tomato was introduced to Europe in the early 16th century by the Spanish, who encountered it in the Americas, particularly in the Aztec Empire (now Mexico), where it was already an established food crop. The word "tomato" itself is derived from the Aztec word "tomatl." Initially, tomatoes were sometimes grown as ornamental plants in Europe before becoming a staple in various cuisines. In summary, tomatoes come from the Andean region of South America, with early cultivation by indigenous peoples in Central and South America before spreading globally after European contact.