Tomato trees, more commonly known as tree tomatoes and tamarillos (Cyphomandra betacea). They are a different plant species from the vines that produce garden tomatoes.
Are tree tomatoes real?
The fruits originate from the Andes mountains, where they grow at an altitude of 1000 to 3000 metres. Our tamarillos are grown in Colombia, where the conditions are very favourable. Tamarillos are also known as tree tomatoes. This name is no coincidence: the fruits are oval shaped, and they come in both red and yellow.
What is a tree tomato called?
The tree tomato (Solanum betaceum), also known as tamarillo, is closely related to S. lycopersicum and bears an egg-shaped edible fruit.
Is tree tomato a tomato?
Despite their common name, tree ‘tomatoes’ are not actually tomatoes at all! Perhaps the egg-shaped red fruits of this perennial plant are responsible for this misleading name often given to Solanum betaceum,- also known as a Tamarillo.
Where does tree tomato grow?
Cyphomandra betacea) The Tamarillo, or Tree Tomato, is a small tree or shrub in the tomato family grown for its edible fruit. Native to the Andes of South America, the Tamarillo can be found growing in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia.
What does a tamarillo fruit taste like?
The flesh of the tamarillo is tangy and variably sweet, with a bold and complex flavor, and may be compared to kiwifruit, tomato, guava, or passion fruit. The skin and the flesh near it have a bitter taste and are not usually eaten raw.
What do you do with tree tomatoes?
The fruit contains small, tender, edible seeds (similar to a tomato) and can be eaten fresh, although the peel is usually avoided. Tamarillo is used in chutney, mixed into sauces, made into a dessert topping, pressed into juices, baked, and pickled.
What are the benefits of tree tomatoes?
Tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) is appreciated for its excellent nutritional qualities, being considered a good source of antioxidants compounds, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, sugars, organic acids, pectins and flavonoids.
How big does a tree tomato grow?
Tamarillos are very quick growing and will crop in 18mths reaching a height of 2-3 meters. They require well drained soil and protection from wind and frost.
What are the health benefits of tamarillo?
Health Benefits
Tamarillos are pleasingly low in calories. They have a substantial amount of dietary fibre (one will give you about nine percent of your daily intake), and contain decent amounts of potassium, vitamins A, C, E and pro-vitamin A, along with antioxidants.
How long does tree tomatoes take to mature?
Peak production is reached after 3-6 years depending on the cultivar, and the life expectancy of the crop is about 12 years. There are various tree tomato varieties which are mostly distinguished by their color. Red fruits variety– mostly used for fresh market fruit due to their appealing color.
Are tamarillo skins poisonous?
The entire tamarillo tree and unripe fruits are poisonous, but the ripe fruit is not. The tamarillo fruit’s skin is bitter and not palatable to dogs. The seeds are bitter and can cause digestive problems.
How many fruits can a tree tomato produce?
The tree usually forms a single upright trunk with lateral branches. They produce 1 to 6 fruits per cluster.
What is a tree tomato fruit?
What is Tree-tomato? Juicy, sweet and citric, Tree-tomato is a small oval-shaped fruit. Also known as Tamarillo tree tomatoes are thought to have originated in the semitropical high-altitude Andes forest of Brazil and Peru. Tree-tomato, also known as “Tree Tomato”, is now cultivated in many parts of the world.
How do you prune tree tomatoes?
When the plant has aged, it is essential that you carry out this type of pruning. You should cut 30-40 cm from the base stem in order to allow the growth of new branches, a new productive top, and in same way, the lengthening of the productive life of the crop.
Can tree tomato be eaten raw?
Consumed raw, sprinkled with herbs or in the form of salads, the juice of tree-tomato acts as a detoxifier when consumed. Its acidic properties help cut down fat.
Is tamarillo a Superfood?
It has a good source of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin. Other nutrients in tamarillo are carbohydrates, protein, fat, calcium, potassium and sodium (2) (3). It also contains minerals such as, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron.
Can I eat tree tomatoes?
Tamarillos are also known as “tree tomatoes”, making them a perfect ingredient for creating a sauce. The sauce can be used with a variety of meats and in a variety of dishes.
Where does tamarillo grow?
Origin: The tamarillo is generally believed to be native to the Andes of Peru and probably also, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia. It is cultivated and naturalized in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. It is widely grown in New Zealand as a commercial crop. Seed from Argentina were imported by the U.S.Dept.
How can you tell when a tamarillo is ripe?
Quality and ripeness
Once ripe, tamarillos feels soft. Unripe specimens are orange-yellow, once ripened the fruit turns red-brown.
How long do tamarillos take to ripen?
However fruit can be expected in 18 months from planting. You don’t get much faster results than that when it comes to perennial plants. For a longer lived tree (approximately 15 years) grow a grafted tamarillo.