Tree Tomato
This fruit is also known as tamarillo. It is in the same family solanaceae as the potato and the tomato. However, they taste nothing like tomatoes. It is one of the most exotic native fruits from South America, originating from the eastern slopes of the Colombian, Ecuadorian and Peruvian Andes. It grows fast and it needs plenty of water. These fruits are now cultivated in Sri Lanka,India and other parts of Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand.
The tree tomato is about 2 or 3 inches long and 1½ to 2 inches wide and is shaped like an egg but is bigger maybe the size of a goose egg, and like the tomato it is red but a darker red. They are grown in a brunch formation, and can often see them being sold on the road side or in the open markets. This fruit can be eaten fresh, used to make juices, or cooked for jams, desserts, ice cream, chutneys, jellies, or just stewed. The skin and seeds should be removed before you use them fresh or cooked. InColombiait is very popular to drink the juice, inNew Zealandthey are used in salads, chutneys, and puddings.
Ripe tree tomatoes are often just cut in half lengthwise, sprinkled with sugar, and eaten by scooping out the flesh. Or the halves may be seasoned and grilled or baked for 15 -20 minutes as a vegetable. However if you get this fruit near your clothes the juice will permanently stain your clothes. Once peeled, the fruit can then be used in savory dishes fresh in salads or cooked in casseroles, or in sweet dishes fresh or cooked such as in a pie, so it is extremely versatile. The slices could be added to apple pie instead of rhubarb or berries.
The peeled fresh fruit can be purred into smoothies giving them a wonderful color bursting with anti-oxidants. The peeled fruit can be cooked and strained through a strainer and used as a fruit sauce for desserts. Or make chutney with the fruit, onions, honey, spices, apple and some dried fruit. Commercially prepared chutneys are very popular inNew Zealand. Serve with a good quality cheese or roast beef. The peeled fruits can be used instead of the normal tomatoes to make a salsa with chilies, onions, cilantro.Stuffing for lamb – peeled and diced fruit, diced onion, breadcrumbs or for a healthier alternative some cooked brown rice, extra virgin olive oil, seasonings, spices and an egg.
As a natural remedy the tree tomato is considered a fruit that relieves stress and helps to cure migraines, and severe headaches. It is used to treat obesity, as they are low in calories. It contains phosphorus, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, iron, beta-carotene (pro vitamin A), vitamin B 6, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E and carbohydrates.
It is used for colds, sore throats, liver diseases and diabetes and improves the immune and circulatory systems. Good reasons to take advantage of this wonderful local fruit.
Colombia exports the tree tomato to the U K, Spain, Holland, France and Germany. In the international market the pulp is available either chilled or frozen. In 1996 Colombia exported 1,036 tons, and by 2002 the Colombian annual production had reached more than 112,000 tons which is cultivated on 7,300 hectares of land.
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