Tamarillo fruit (beetroot cymbid): where it grows, as it is, description, taste

Tamarillo is a fruit that is very similar to a tomato. Therefore, a plant that fructifies with exotic curiosities is called a tomato tree. The taste of this fruit is far from familiar to every person, but it is universal in its characteristics and surprisingly useful for everyone.

Tamarillo is a fruit, but it looks similar to the usual tomato, eggplant or pepper.

Tamarillo: description (botanical)

The plant belongs to the Solanaceae family. Beetroot cyfomander is another name for this original representative of the plant world. It is an evergreen tree, reaching 2-3 meters in height. But it can not be called a full tree, it is more like a bush. It has a brilliant foliage. Has small inflorescences of a white-pink shade which exude a pleasant aroma.

The plant prefers a subtropical climate and pleasant warm weather. Argentina, Brazil - the most favorable areas for successful cultivation. The life of the plant is approximately 15 years. Fruiting begins after the first year of life. Tamarillo is a fruit that can not stand even the lightest frost.

Shape and color of ripe fruit

The fruit of the tomato tree has an ovoid shape and reaches a length of 10 cm. Berries grow in large bunches. Their number in one bundle can reach 12 pieces. The rind is characterized by a variety of colors: it can be orange, red, yellow and muted-violet. Under the thin skin is a delicate flesh, which has a golden hue. When cutting a fruit inside, a lot of black bones are found, neatly located along the core.

The origin of tamarillo, the cultivation area

The exact place where the tamarillo was first discovered was officially unknown. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, America may well be the birthplace of the fruit because of its prevalence in these regions. It is cultivated in Venezuela, the mountainous regions of Costa Rica and others. The largest supplier and importer of tamarillo to the world market is New Zealand, which is actively engaged in production. Ripe fruit is harvested from June to August.

Types of tamarillo

To date, science is aware of the existence of three main types of fruit tamarillo:

• Red. This version is beautiful in its original form. It has a harmonious taste, which is maximally revealed, if it is raw. This species is most popular. It has a bright red skin and orange flesh. Seeds have a reddish tinge. Due to the correct and beautiful positioning of bones it is often used for decorating various culinary masterpieces. He can decorate even the most plain-looking dish with its rich color and pleasant aroma. For the first acquaintance with the fruits of an exotic plant it is recommended to try the red tamarillo. The fruit of this variety is considered classic and the most correct.
• Yellow. Would it be unusual to try a very sweet tomato? The fruits of the tomato tree yellow provide an opportunity to enjoy the soft taste and sweetness of the pulp. In size, this tamarillo is less red. In appearance and cut, it does not differ from ordinary tomato.
• Orange (golden). The fruits of orange tamarillo in their sweetness represent the average variant between red and yellow. Advantage over other species is the size of the fetus. The fleshy and juicy tamarillo of a golden hue is significantly larger than representatives of other species.

Caloric content of tamarillo

Fashion for a healthy diet is gaining momentum. So, tamarillo can be a good help in the choice of a vitamin and low-calorie product. 100 grams of fruit contains only 31 calories. Can be used as a full meal, as well as complement the main dish as a side dish.

Beneficial features

Beetroot cymonade is extremely rich in vitamin and mineral composition. It contains a huge amount of substances that are necessary for the full functioning of the human body. Useful properties of fruit:

• Can be used as a component of dietary nutrition due to its low caloric content. Welcome the use of tamarillo in the process of losing weight, as well as with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and diabetes.
• Contains a small amount of carbohydrates, rich in dietary fiber.
• Potassium and sodium are important elements to ensure a balanced diet. The fruits of tamarillo are able to support the body with these substances.
• Contains vitamins: A, C, B ₆ , thiamine, riboflavin.
• Fruits of golden and orange color are enriched with vitamin A to a greater extent than fruits of red color.

Contraindications to use

Tamarillo is recommended to be used as a remedy after serious illnesses. The product has no contraindications, except for individual intolerance. Information on the healing properties of the fruit is not found, but it is an excellent source of essential trace elements for the body. Abundance of nutrients is the main reason for introducing this fruit into your diet.

How to eat tamarillo?

Many people wonder: how to eat tamarillo? This is a very important point, because the process involves several interesting nuances. First, the fruit has an inedible peel, so before you eat the fruit, you need to remove it. The catch is that a ripe tamarillo can not be cleaned with a knife, because it has a very soft structure.

We are ready to tell you how to eat tamarillo:

• Option 1. Dip the fruit for half a minute in boiling water and gently peel off the skin, as is done when cleaning conventional tomatoes.
• Option 2. You can simply cut the fruit into two pieces and eat the pulp with a dessert spoon, as is done with a ripe avocado.

How to choose tamarillo

In order not to be disappointed in a great product, it is necessary to choose it correctly. The ideal tamarillo is distinguished by the gloss of the skin, it has no defective formations and dents, the stalk is present and adheres to the fruit. It is necessary to evaluate the goods by touch. It should be soft, but elastic enough. If you press the surface of the fruit with your finger and release it sharply, it must return to its original shape. Also, you should pay attention to the color. It should be pleasant and homogeneous.

Storage

Tamarillo can be kept in the refrigerator for 14 days. For long-term storage, it is recommended to freeze with preliminary peeling.

Recipes

Its taste resembles passion fruit, and a beautiful shape attracts aesthetically. Fruit can become an exotic highlight of cooking:

• Puree from fruits of tamarillo will be an excellent marinade for meat products.
• Fruit salad in combination with ordinary tomatoes can surprise guests.
• An interesting fact: the fruit of a tomato tree is equally beautiful in both salty and sweet dishes. For this reason, it can be the main ingredient in the dessert menu.
• The product can act as a component of smoothies for healthy eating and weight loss.
• The decor of the tamarillo fruit is an excellent option of the "final touch" in the preparation of the dish.
• From fruits of a tomato tree the useful and low-calorie jam turns out.

Now you know what tamarillo is and how to use it properly.