Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) - Such a Lovely Little Plant

In short: Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) is a frost-sensitive evergreen shrub that reaches 2 to 4 m in a container of at least 20 litres and bears egg-shaped, sweet-tart fruits. It starts flowering after 1.5 to 3 years, fruits ripen 6 to 8 months after flowering, and one well-fed plant can produce up to 20 kg.

The tree tomato (lat. Solanum betaceum) - also known as Tamarillo - is a small-growing shrub from the nightshade family (lat. Solanaceae). This family also includes, for example, nightshades and potatoes. It originates from Peru - the Peruvian Andes. Therefore, it is hardy and suitable for growing in our conditions. It is an exotic, lesser-known crop that is now coming to the forefront and increasing in popularity. The ancient Incas already enjoyed these small tomatoes. However, the plant is much larger and more climbing than a classic tomato. In nature, this climbing plant grows up to 5m in length. It is cultivated from northern Argentina to southeastern Mexico. The main exporters of Tamarillo currently include Colombia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Visually, it is a climbing, fast-growing, and distinctly decorative plant. You will grow an evergreen tree or shrub that is richly branched with fleshy branches and adorned with large leaves. These leaves are slightly hairy with distinct vein patterns. Young leaves have a purple color. The plant blooms throughout the year, continuously, even when some flowers fade and the tree tomato bears fruit. The flowers are similar to potato flowers. They form grape-like inflorescences, have a pleasant fragrance, and are pink-white in color.

How to Grow Tamarillo

In indoor conditions, Tamarillo thrives at temperatures around 20°C. For sun-ripened fruits, it is advisable to take the plant outside, into the sun. Outdoors, temperatures around 28°C and a sunny location suit it well. Preferably a sheltered side. It is suitable for growing in containers of at least 20l in size. In our conditions, it grows to a length of 2-4m. It is an evergreen plant that grows very quickly and will soon be adorned with decorative fruits. If you grow the plant indoors, choose a bright location (preferably the brightest in the apartment) with sufficient sunlight. However, do not place it directly behind a window where there is a risk of intense heat that could burn the plant. Indoors or when growing in a greenhouse, we must hand-pollinate the plant using a small brush to achieve fruit harvest as well.

Sowing - Tree tomato propagates very easily from seed. Purchased seeds germinate well and seedlings grow very quickly. Place a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot and use substrate for sowing, or sow in peat pellets, which make it easy to transplant outdoors or into a larger container. Always maintain a drainage layer so the plant doesn't stand waterlogged with roots in water. It's advisable to pre-grow it indoors in February and plant/place it in its position in May. The plant begins to flower after 1.5 - 3 years. If it doesn't bloom, it's good to pinch the tips or prune and rejuvenate the plant. Basal shoots should be removed. Sunlight should always reach the flowers and fruits. If we shorten the root system during transplanting, this can lead to the plant producing more fruit in the lower part as well, with fruits appearing in this section of the plant.

Watering - should be regular. However, the plant doesn't need to be waterlogged to prevent root rot. We recommend watering every other day, moderately, with settled water. Intervals between watering can be extended depending on outdoor temperatures and conditions. However, we shouldn't let the roots dry out. It's advisable to place mulch bark on the surface of the container to retain moisture during dry months. Tree tomato has a shallow root system. Unlike tomatoes, tree tomato is resistant to pests. However, the plant still needs to be monitored.

Fertilizing - just like tomatoes, tree tomato is also demanding in terms of nutrition. Fertilize it every 14 days. The soil for growing tree tomato should be as nutritious as possible, rich in humus. One tree can produce up to 20 kg of fruit with good care.

Overwintering - the plant is very hardy, but doesn't overwinter outdoors in our conditions. To fully enjoy its perennial nature (it can vegetate for approximately 12 years), it's advisable to cut the stem back to 50-80 cm in autumn. If you have a dark room for overwintering, keep the plant at around 5°C. If you have a bright room, maintain the temperature around 18°C. During overwintering, tree tomato usually drops its leaves. In spring, place the overwintered plant outside preferably after the last frosts. You can gradually harden the plant. It's also possible to leave the plant over winter in a cool room without cutting, and in February cut it back to 150 cm and gradually add warmth and bring it into the light.

How to Consume Tamarillo

Consuming Tamarillo is simple. After removing the bitter skin, which is not eaten, you're left with the tart flesh. It's consumed sprinkled with sugar, or you can reduce its acidity by soaking it overnight in sugar. Tamarillo jam can also be made - those who dare to try it will enjoy it. Tamarillo stains strongly, so don't be surprised if you get marks while peeling and cutting on your chopping board. Definitely don't cut it on your new kitchen countertop.

The fruits of the Tree Tomato taste like tomatoes, though their aroma is more pronounced than their flavour. They're excellent for seasoning and garnishing savoury dishes. They can be added to vegetable sauces, similar to how you use tomatoes. They're also added to refreshing summer cocktails, not only for their taste but also for their high content of vitamin C, A, B1, B2, calcium, phosphorus and iron. You can drink Tree Tomato juice like tomato juice. It can be seasoned with pepper and salt, or lime juice and orange juice.

You can also add Tree Tomato to salads - its flavour pairs wonderfully with kiwi, grapefruit, avocado, mango, and the dressing can be wine-based. You can also mix in cubed cheese and ham rolled into mini rolls. This salad makes an excellent side dish for summer barbecued meat. For grilled meat, you can prepare a dip (meat sauce). Blend peeled Tamarillo and mix with finely chopped onion, pepper, salt, ketchup, a teaspoon of mustard and a piece of chilli pepper.

Tamarillo contains very little fat. It's an antioxidant. It contains fibre. It's suitable for weight loss diets. It's usually tolerated by people allergic to tomatoes and peppers. It's suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It contains important pectin, so it's good for eyesight. It's recommended for people to prevent hair loss and bone thinning. It reduces cholesterol, and consumption is suitable for supporting brain function and high blood pressure. Heat-treated Tamarillo was formerly used as a compress for throat inflammation and tonsillitis.

Tamarillo is an evergreen plant that will decorate your garden for several years, and you can prepare its fruits in many ways during the summer months.

Author: Hana Michalíková