Surprisingly for many, the well-known intense red tomato is a fruit that can not only be found in that color, that is why in this article you will be able to discover everything related to blue tomato or purple, its characteristics, way of cultivating and more.
Blue Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum)
It often happens that when we hear about tomatoes, the image that comes to mind is a beautiful red fruit in the shape of a tree apple, with a beautiful spherical or oval structure, however, you should know that there are other Types of tomato.
It may be very possible that you do not know it, but every year new varieties of tomatoes appear on the market, which can impress anyone thanks to their qualities, as is the case with the surprising and very particular indigo blue tomato.
El blue tomato It is a new species of tomato, which despite having been on the market for some time, there are still many people who do not know it or know of its existence, because the distribution and information about it has not been very abundant.
These tomatoes are indigo blue on the outside and could look a stronger color if they were to receive direct sunlight, however, this indigo blue tomato on the outside it has a structure quite similar to the traditional red tomato, and its seeds are hardly noticeable.
Currently, this type of tomato can only be found in the United Kingdom, the United States and Andalusia. This is the result of a genetic transformation, that is, a transgenic food created with the aim of multiplying the therapeutic properties of polyphenols and antioxidants, which the tomato naturally possesses.
All these properties have proven to obtain an enormous possibility of prolonging survival and acting preventively against pathologies that are so serious, such as cancer.
El indigo blue tomato is real and currently, you can see outdoor cultivation of this fruit in regions of Spain, although it should be noted that the price of these tomatoes is a little higher than the price of traditional tomatoes, however, you can also appreciate that these fruits are in high demand.
They can be used for special occasions, such as when you want to surprise someone with their extraordinary color and flavor, and they can be combined with other types of tomatoes, which can result in a fascinating dish. These real tomatoes have a very intense and fruity flavor, for this reason they are more expensive than traditional tomatoes.
Characteristics of the Blue Tomato
The characteristics of blue tomato They are a little different from those of other presentations that can be found on the market, among them we can mention the following:
- His skin color is indigo blue.
- It has a distinct flavor, very intense and fruity.
- The juiciness is higher, so they contain a lot of juice.
- It contains a large amount of antioxidants, in addition to a greater storage of vitamins A, B6, C and K, rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron, among others.
- They have a slight aroma of plum and green tomato, this characteristic makes it an excellent ingredient for stews, salads, jams, sauces, among others.
- El indigo blue tomato It has a higher value than traditional tomatoes.
- It should be noted that although this tomato has a blue skin, it is red inside, although it is a darker shade.
- Due to the antioxidant substances that they possess, the more direct sun this plant receives, the more dark tones the fruits can obtain.
- This tomato is highly demanded by the therapeutic sector, due to the origin of the genetic transformation of the blue tomato.
- Furthermore, the indigo blue tomato It is also widely used by chefs in important restaurants around the world, due to the beauty of its color.
- The variety of possibilities offered by this crop is very large, both in the culinary aspect and in its contribution to health.
- It has been found that the indigo blue tomato reformed has large amounts of anthocyanins, which gives it a well-defined blue color and gives it strength to become a powerful supplier of antioxidants.
- When the development of this blue tomato, was for the purpose of using it for medicinal uses, however, there are currently factories dedicated to planting and trading these tomatoes.
Origin of the Blue Tomato
The origin of blue tomato comes from a research carried out in the United Kingdom, more specifically in a research center, where its development was carried out by more than 300 scientists, who through transgenesis, sought to change the genes of the traditional red tomato and add genes of a flower called Antirrhinum majus.
In the same way, in different places, studies have been carried out on the contribution of the blue tomato, as was the case in Valencia through the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Plants, who made blue tomatoes to use them for therapeutic purposes, and among other cases used to make vaccines.
Benefits of Blue Tomato
The benefits offered by indigo blue tomato They are due to its elements rich in antioxidants, highlighting that this fruit offers many benefits for the human body, however, it is recommended to consume it raw to enhance its nutrients and properties.
Among the advantages obtained by eating blue tomato, are the following:
- Helps reduce inflammation.
- It is a regulator of diabetes.
- Relieves fluid retention.
- Supports the digestive system.
- Regulates hormonal activity.
- Reduces tiredness and fatigue.
- Helps prevent brain aging.
- Its consumption levels cholesterol.
- Contributes to the formation of red blood cells.
- Helps the liver to rid itself of toxins.
- Combat memory impairment.
- Helps in the prevention of different types of cancer.
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
- Stimulates the immune system and the nervous system.
- It improves the production of collagen, which will help us to strengthen our bones and cartilage.
However, despite all the benefits mentioned above, there are many opposing opinions, all due to the transgenic origin of this species and behind this are the defenders of organic food, where there is a dispute about whether or not to eat the blue tomato .
Blue Tomato Cultivation
At first, the indigo blue tomato It was created through cross-pollination and after its first harvest in 2012, the seeds that were later marketed were created.
If you have wondered why the tomato was used to make this cross, and in this way create the so-called blue tomato, the reason is scientific and logical, because the tomato is probably the most commercialized and consumed vegetable in the whole world.
All thanks to the fact that the tomato is very easy to use and is used to prepare multiple meals, in addition to being very beneficial due to the number of nutritional components it has, also helping the accumulation of substances inside its skin, which allowed this vegetable to was taken into account for this extraordinary experiment.
Currently, you can find places where they sell blue tomato seeds, which you can plant in your home garden without any inconvenience, and even following the same instructions for prune tomatoes.
However, if you wish to cultivate the blue tomato In your garden, the most advisable thing is to place the seed inside a glass of water and after it begins to germinate, locate the place where the tomato plant is going to be grown, in addition to placing it in a place with a lot of sunlight and where the weather is very hot.
But if you are looking for an easier option, there are currently also agricultural companies that are dedicated to the cultivation of blue tomatoes, to later market and sell them in different supermarkets.
There are people who seek to acquire these blue tomatoes just to satisfy their curiosity, however, many others buy and consume it as a regular food that favors their daily dietG, and due to its extraordinary flavor and showiness, it is used much more in kitchen Recipes.
Gastronomic uses
El blue tomato It can be used in the same way as the traditional tomato or any other presentation of tomatoes, with them you can make sauces, salads, juices, stews, among others. It should be noted that when cooking blue tomatoes, they usually lose part of their color, so it is recommended to consume them preferably raw.
In the same way, if the color is left aside, then you can consume them in the way you prefer, either in sauces and jams, which will not retain the color, but their fruity flavor will be the same, which means that they can be consume according to the preference of each person.
Properties
Some of the properties of the indigo blue tomato are the following:
- Juices rich in anthocyanins increase the number of lymphocytes and the secretion of cytokinins.
- Reduction or oxidation of all the substances that we ingest through food, such as those that have been burned and bring with them free radicals that create potentially harmful substances for the human body.
- It also decreases the accumulation of glucose in the blood, due to the action of compounds that inhibit digestive enzymes.