Tamarillo is also called is tree tomatoes known as “Ebinyanya” in Luganda. It is a small oval shaped fruit. The fruit is closely related with other solanaceae vegetables and fruits such as tomato, eggplant, tomatillo, and chili pepper. It comes in a number of varieties which include red tamarillos, golden yellow, and maroon.
This fruit is known to have originated form the semitropical high altitude Andes forests of Brazil and Peru, and introduced in East Africa before 1900. Tamarrillo is one the cheapest fruits, grown in almost all tropical Africa.
Many people tend to underrate the values and importance of the tamarillo fruit. Considering the nutritional and medicinal values of Tamarillo, underrating is a costly mistake! Everyone needs it, young or old. And if one cared, there is no household which can fail to have at least a kilo of tamarillo per week. Be it the rich, middle class or the poor class.
The natural fruit is said to have enormous health benefits according to nutritionists, credited to be one of the reason it’s seen on many menus, though it’s likely some consume it unaware of its rich benefits, all the same beneficial. This fruit helps in maintaining a good and health weight, due to its acidic properties, which act as a detoxifier, on addition tree tomatoes are very rich in vitamins and minerals due to the presence of iron in this fruit which is helpful in the formation of red blood cells to transport oxygen through the body, and its potassium essential in balancing the harmful effects of sodium in the heart.
The abundance of vitamin c in this fruit not only increases iron absorption, which clears free radicals in the blood that might damage cells, but also a disease fighter, helps in repairing and maintaining bones, teeth, and tissues in all parts of the body.
Antioxidants found in tree tomato are also of benefit, in fighting free radicals and prevent some diseases such as cancer, anemia, hypertension etc. On addition ensuring that your skin stays healthy and glowing, due to the presence of anthocyanin and flavonoids which protect the skin form oxidative stress.
Tree tomatoes can be well kept at home for about 5 to 7 days, and if refrigerated take up to 10 days. The price of Tamarillo goes for a maximum of up 1$ which is equivalent to Rwf 860 per kilogram at any market place in major cities of East Africa. This is so for Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan. However, a good bargainer can get it at a slightly lower price. It is actually highly probable that Tamarillo is cheaper in many parts of Tanzania and Uganda. Nevertheless, changing seasons will often cause an upward shift in the price of many products.
Tree tomatoes can be eaten with peels, though the skin of this fruit has a somewhat bitter taste due to the cyaniding and anthocyanin pigments. Chewing this fruit is harmless, and complements on the nutritional values delivered from the fruit, if well rinsed in hot water. However, depending on one’s wish, the skin can be peeled off and discarded. After the rinsing in hot water for up ton3 to 4 minutes, cool it immediately using a cloth. By using a knife, make a small knick on the surface and then gently peel using your fingers.
This amazing fruit can be served as salads or squeezed into juice. For better nutrition, please ensure the tree tomatoes is part of your weekly intakes. Don’t wait for sickness. Instead, contact us to be advised on the right fruit you should consume on a regular basis. Tamarillo can be conveniently consumed at the workplace, or home. For workplace purposes, you can carry the fresh tomatoes in an envelope. All you need is to wash them, put a small knick on the surface, with your teeth if you don’t have a knife and suck the juice out of the peel. This can be done with ease at the comfort of your desk. Otherwise, you can simply cut the fruit into two, pack in your container, and then scoop the flesh out when you feel your stomach is ready for them.
This is more recommended to do this an hour before a heavy meal or thirty minutes after the meal. Like all fruits, the Tamarillo is an appetizer as well as a deserter.
