love apple crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for the solution to the "love apple crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate answers along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "love apple crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
TOMATO: A common name for the fruit of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, often used in cooking and historically referred to as "love apple" due to its alleged aphrodisiac properties.
More About "love apple crossword clue"
The term "love apple" for the tomato has a fascinating history, primarily stemming from early European perceptions of the fruit. When tomatoes were first introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, they were viewed with suspicion. Many believed them to be poisonous due to their botanical relation to nightshade plants. However, the French, charmed by their vibrant color and plump shape, dubbed them "pomme d'amour," or "love apple," possibly linking them to a belief in aphrodisiac qualities, or simply celebrating their beauty.
This romanticized name spread, and for centuries, tomatoes were often cultivated more as ornamental plants than as food. It wasn't until the 19th century that they gained widespread acceptance in European and American cuisine, largely thanks to Italian culinary traditions. In crosswords, "love apple" remains a delightful and somewhat nostalgic clue for the everyday "TOMATO," a nod to its intriguing past.
Understanding such historical context can often provide a crucial hint for tricky crossword clues, connecting common modern terms with their sometimes obscure origins.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider historical context: Many crossword clues, especially those for common fruits or objects, might refer to archaic or historical names. If a clue seems off, think about its etymology or cultural nicknames, just like "love apple" for "TOMATO".
- Check letter count carefully: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. Sometimes, a clue might have multiple valid answers, but only one fits the grid's length.
- Look for synonyms and wordplay: Crossword setters love wordplay. Even if "love apple" directly points to "TOMATO," other clues might use puns, homophones, or indirect synonyms. Broaden your thinking beyond the literal meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a tomato sometimes called a 'love apple'?
The term 'love apple' for a tomato dates back to the 16th century, likely originating from the French 'pomme d'amour'. It's believed to be linked to the fruit's reputation as an aphrodisiac or simply due to its perceived beauty and rounded, heart-like shape.
Are there other historical names for tomatoes used in crosswords?
While 'love apple' is the most common historical nickname found in crosswords, some rarer clues might hint at 'wolfpeach' (from its scientific name, Lycopersicon esculentum, where 'lyco' means wolf), reflecting early suspicions about its edibility. However, 'TOMATO' is almost always the direct answer when 'love apple' is clued.
What other types of clues might lead to the answer 'TOMATO'?
Besides 'love apple', clues for 'TOMATO' often refer to its color ('red fruit'), its culinary uses ('pizza topping', 'ketchup ingredient', 'salad ingredient'), its botanical classification ('berry', 'fruit that's often a vegetable'), or even its origin ('South American native').