Tree tomato or Tamarillo (Box 22 units)

The tamarillo, also known as tree tomato or French tomato, is an ovoid fruit of 4-8cm long and 3-5cm wide with a smooth skin of red or orange colour when ripe. It has an outer layer with a firm texture and a gelatinous interior in which we find tender and edible seeds. Due to a large amount of citric acid, it has a particular but pleasant, bittersweet taste. It is a widespread fruit in tropical areas throughout South America, where it grows wild or in localised cultivation. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, potatoes, and a long list of up to 2500 species.

Properties and Benefits of Tree Tomatoes

• The tree tomato is a fruit very rich in vitamins, among which vitamins A, B6, C, and E stand out.
• It is rich in fibre, so its consumption helps regulate the intestinal tract, keeping the digestive system healthy.
• Rich in minerals, including calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium.
• High antioxidant action, which benefits our immune system and our vision.
• Low in calories, which makes this fruit a great ally in weight reduction programmes.
• It lowers blood pressure, due to the gamma aminobutyric acid. For this reason, it is particularly suitable for people suffering from hypertension.
• It reduces cholesterol, as it contains vitamin F, thus helping to take care of our cardiovascular system.