Tree tomato

The name Tamarillo originated in New Zealand and was coined to promote and name the fruit. The fruits are oval-shaped and 10x5 cm in size. The skin is shiny and thin, similar to a tomato. The fruits are ripe when they are orange or red. The flesh is orange or red in color and tastes slightly sour, but very aromatic; otherwise, the taste is comparable to that of a common tomato. The skin is bitter and can be easily removed by briefly dipping it in boiling water. The fruit is good to eat raw, with a little sugar for those with a sweet tooth. Ideal for fruit salads, ice cream, chutney, and pies!
The tree tomato is a heavily branched, evergreen subshrub that grows quite quickly. The tree tomato has a short trunk, the leaf stalks can grow up to 15 cm long, and the leaves are heart-shaped and grow to 35x20 cm. When the leaf is bruised, a strange, aromatic scent is released. Pruning of the plant is possible to keep it in check. The beautiful flowers are 2 cm wide and grow in clusters at the tips in April-May. They have 5 petals that are light pink or lavender colored with yellow stamens; the tree tomato is self-pollinating. The plant can produce ripe fruits without problems as a potted plant. In summer, place it outdoors in the sun. For optimal production (ripe in October-November), the Tamarillo must overwinter frost-free at a minimum temperature of 10°C. An older plant can tolerate 3 degrees of frost for a short time and can spend the winter in a much cooler place.

Names:
Latin: Cyphomandra betacea, or Solanum betaceum
Dutch: Boomtomaat
Also known as: Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum
English: Tree Tomato