Tomatoes on Trial: The Fruit v. Vegetable Showdown

In 1892, produce importer John Nix challenges the classification of tomatoes in a case that reaches the US Supreme Court. Vegetable import tariffs threaten his profits, while Nix argues that tomatoes are fruits because they grow on vines and contain seeds. The government takes the opposing position. Their dispute brings together definitions, trade, taxes, and a legal decision about the tomato.