Tamarillo
Tamarillo
Tamarillo (pronunciation: /tæməˈrɪloʊ/), also known as the tree tomato, is a small tree or shrub in the flowering plant family Solanaceae (the nightshade family). It is best known as the species that bears the tamarillo, an egg-shaped edible fruit.
Etymology
The name "tamarillo" is derived from the Maori word "tama", meaning "leadership", and "rillo", meaning "small". The name was chosen to distinguish the tree tomato from the common garden tomato and to emphasize its exotic, tropical nature.
Description
The tamarillo tree usually grows up to 3–4 m tall and has evergreen leaves. The flowers and fruits hang from the lateral branches. The fruits are egg-shaped and about 4–10 cm long. They are either yellow-orange or red, depending on the variety.
Cultivation
Tamarillos are native to the Andes of Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia. Today, they are cultivated in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, USA, Kenya, and India.
Uses
Tamarillos are eaten fresh or used in cooking. They are also used in sauces, desserts, and cocktails. The fruit is high in vitamins and iron and low in calories, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.
Related Terms
- Solanaceae: The plant family to which the tamarillo belongs.
- Andes: The mountain range where the tamarillo originates.
- Maori: The indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, from whose language the name "tamarillo" is derived.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tamarillo
- Wikipedia's article - Tamarillo
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