Tree tomato

The name Tamarillo originated in New Zealand and was coined to promote and name the fruit. The fruits are egg-shaped and measure 10x5 cm. The skin is glossy and thin, similar to that of a tomato. The fruits are ripe when they are orange or red. The flesh is orange or red in color and tastes slightly acidic but very aromatic; furthermore, 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 can be eaten raw, for those with a sweet tooth, with a little sugar. Ideal for fruit salads, ice cream, chutney, and pies!
The tree tomato is a strongly branched, evergreen semi-shrub that grows relatively quickly. The tree tomato has a short stem, the leaf stalks grow up to 15 cm long, and the leaves are heart-shaped, growing to 35x20 cm. When the leaf is bruised, a strange, aromatic scent is released. Pruning 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 pot 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 also Solanum betaceum
Dutch: Boomtomaat (Tree Tomato)
Also: Tamarillo, Solanum betaceum
English: Tree Tomato