SC - Poisonous Tomatoes?

[Mordonna22 at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/24/2000 2:30:21 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
owner-sca-cooks at ansteorra.org writes:

<< 
 The common tomato is Native to Central America and Mexico.  It was 
introduced 
 to native Americans who cultivated the fruit in the 18th Century.  The 
unripe 
 fruit as well as the leaves and the stems of the plant contain a toxic 
 alkaloid and are indeed poisonous.  >>

Wait a minute here........If it is native to Central America and Mexico, why 
was it necessary to introduce it to native Americans?  
Seriously, though....
Since when are green tomatoes poisonous?  Fried green tomatoes are really 
great treats.....and green tomato chow-chow is a family tradition: Late in 
the season, when the vines are in danger of frost, all the green fruit are 
gathered, coarsely chopped, and pickled with onions, vinegar, and sweet 
pickling spices.

Mordonna The Cook
SunDragon, Atenveldt