Tamarillo: health benefits and harms

On the shelves of shops today you can find many different fruits. One of the prominent representatives is tamarillo. In appearance, the fruit resembles a tomato, but it has a very amazing taste.

What is tamarillo

The fruit is also called the tomato tree fruit. Until recently, it was not known in Russia. Only those who have been abroad could appreciate its unusual taste. But today, an amazing fruit can be found in supermarkets.

What does it look like

Tamarillo grows on trees, whose height reaches 6 m. Such a plant lives about 15 years. The leaves of the tree are large, elongated. Despite its size, the trunk can easily break due to a strong gust of wind. Fruits are formed in clusters after pink-white flowers have a pleasant aroma.

Tamarillo in appearance resembles a tomato. Its length does not exceed 10 cm. The diameter of the fruit is only 5 cm. The surface is soft and smooth, the fruit differs in the shape of an egg. The pulp of an amazing fruit can be different depending on the variety and degree of maturity. More often you can find tamarillo with orange, yellow or red pulp. Seeds resemble tomato seeds, but they are slightly larger in size. The skin is dense, bitter in taste, always colored evenly. The pulp is quite tasty, but it is slightly acidic.

Where grows

Tamarillo grows exclusively in warm countries, closer to the equator. He needs a tropical climate that allows fruits to ripen quickly, gaining sweetness and aroma. You can meet such a fruit in New Zealand. This country is considered the best exporter.

Kinds

Today there are three main types of fruit. They differ not only in appearance, color, but also in taste:

1. Orange. It is also called golden. The fruits of the tomato tree of this variety are juicy, fleshy pulp, are the largest among all species.
2. Red. This is the most popular variety, which has a wonderful and harmonious taste. Most of all, it is felt when the fruits are consumed fresh. The pulp contains seeds of red color, but orange itself. The peel, depending on the ripeness, can have any shade of red. Due to the unusual and pleasant color, the product is most often used as a decoration for various dishes.
3. Yellow. The peel and pulp of the fruit are yellow. To taste, tamarillo resembles a tomato, only more sweet. Fruit and outwardly similar to a vegetable.

For the first test, it is recommended to choose red fruits, as they have a more pronounced taste.

Composition and calorie content

The fruit has in its composition a large number of useful trace elements and vitamins. It consists of:

1. Vitamins of group B. A large group, which includes many vitamins. Each of them has a positive effect on certain systems and organs. Thus, the use of tamarillo will help support the functioning of the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and vision.
2. Vitamin A. It is also required for the functioning of immunity, supports the proper functioning of the nervous system, and is necessary for energy metabolism.
3. Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is necessary for the proper functioning of the body's defenses. It allows you to maintain immunity, cope with colds, reduce the risk of complications in various pathologies.
4. Vitamin PP It is called nicotinic acid. Required to maintain the nervous system.Vitamin takes part in the oxidation processes, helps prevent the accumulation of bad cholesterol, as well as the formation of plaques (they can cause strokes and heart attacks).
5. Vitamin E. The body contains cells that have a negative effect. In medicine, they are called free radicals. It is vitamin E that destroys them, protecting the body from their harmful effects. In addition, the substance is involved in the process of restoration of cell membranes.
6. Iron. A trace element is required for the hematopoiesis process. Its deficiency causes anemia. Such a violation leads to a general deterioration in well-being, regular darkening in the eyes with a sharp change in body position in space, nausea, and weakness. In severe cases, fainting is possible.
7. Potassium. The substance is required by the body to maintain intracellular pressure by maintaining the correct sodium-potassium balance.
8. Calcium. The fruit contains a large amount of calcium, which is needed for building bones. It is he who is an important component of bone tissue. Therefore, the fruit is recommended in the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system associated with bone destruction.
9. Magnesium. A trace element is required for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Magnesium in tamarillo is contained in sufficient quantities, which has a beneficial effect on the heart.
10. Glucose. Depending on the variety, the composition contains sugar in different quantities. It helps support brain function.
11. Phosphorus. The most important trace element, without which no chemical reaction in the body takes place. It is also needed in bone tissue. A lack of phosphorus causes a large number of diseases and disorders.

Tamarillo is not only a fruit with an amazing taste, but also a real storehouse of nutrients. The use of the fetus in sufficient quantities will have a beneficial effect on the body.

In addition to its rich composition, tamarillo allows you to maintain a figure due to the low calorie level. For 100 g of the product, only 50 kcal. This allows you to include the fetus in the diet, subject to many diets aimed at losing weight.

Health benefits of tamarillo fruit

General benefit

The fruit of a tomato tree brings invaluable benefits to the body due to its composition. The beneficial properties of the fetus include:

1. Maintaining the nervous system. This is due to the presence of group B vitamins.
2. Strengthening immunity. Tamarillo contains a sufficient amount of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is considered an important element for immunity. Thus, the fetus will be useful for colds, flu, acute respiratory infections, and also as a prophylaxis.
3. Elimination of constipation. The fetus contains a sufficient amount of fiber, which helps to cope with stagnant processes in the intestine.
4. Strengthening bones and teeth. Tamarillo is known for its sufficient calcium content, which is an indispensable and basic building material of bone tissue.
5. Maintenance of the cardiovascular system. Magnesium is present in the fruits, without which the work of the heart muscle is disrupted. Cardiologists recommend that their patients include the fetus in their diet.
6. Reducing the risk of oncology. This is achieved due to the presence of antioxidants.
7. Increased hemoglobin levels. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, which can negatively affect the general condition and cause the development of certain disorders in the fetus during pregnancy. Hemoglobin is maintained due to the content of iron in the fruits.
8. Elimination of edema. This property is due to the presence of sodium in the composition, which maintains the necessary balance.
9. Bowel cleansing. This property is due to the presence in the composition of fiber and trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract.

Such a fruit as tamarillo has an invaluable benefit for the body due to the content of important trace elements and vitamins.Its use can improve the condition of the skin, hair, nails, maintain immunity and replenish the supply of substances necessary for the body.

For women

Tamarillo is good for the female body, as it contains a large amount of vitamins. They have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails. In addition, calcium is present in the fruits, which is the building material for bones, which helps to reduce the risk of joint diseases associated with the destruction of their tissue.

Tamarillo also contains B vitamins, which have a positive effect on the state of the nervous system. Women are more likely than men to be stressed, and eating the fetus will help restore and maintain a normal psycho-emotional state.

For men

According to statistics, men most often suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system. Tamarillo contains magnesium in sufficient quantities. This helps to support heart function and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Also, the fruit of a tomato tree helps prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques that begin to form on the walls of blood vessels. They gradually block the lumen, impairing blood circulation. As a result, the heart suffers, the risk of acute disturbances in its work increases. Thus, tamarillo will also benefit the male body.

During pregnancy

When a woman is expecting a baby, it is important for her to take a responsible approach to her diet. This is due to the fact that many products can cause negative consequences for the child in the future.

Experts recommend that you include fruits in your diet, including tamarillo. But eat it should be used with caution, in small quantities, like other products. This approach to nutrition will help to eliminate the occurrence of intolerance in the child.

Eating a tomato tree fruit during pregnancy will help a woman maintain immunity, which is weakened, and reduce the risk of colds.

Tamarillo also helps to cope with constipation due to its fiber content. During pregnancy, women are often prone to stagnant processes in the intestines.

When breastfeeding

The lactation period is an important period in the life of the baby and mother. A woman needs to be even more attentive to the choice of food products, since everything that mother eats, passes into breast milk.

Tamarillo can be used for lactation a year after the birth of the baby. You need to eat the fetus in small quantities, watching the reaction of the baby.

The benefits of tamarillo when breastfeeding is a high content of vitamins and minerals that help maintain immunity. Also in the fruits there is calcium, which is necessary to strengthen the bones of the child.

For kids

Experts recommend giving tamarillo to children over the age of 10 years. This will help to avoid an adverse reaction to the fetus in the form of an allergy. It can manifest itself in the form of a rash, itching on the skin, redness, irritation. In rare cases, nausea may occur.

In other cases, the fruit of a tomato tree will bring invaluable benefits to the child's body. It contains calcium, which is necessary to strengthen bones and teeth. In addition, tamarillo is known for its sufficient content of vitamin C, which is necessary to maintain immunity, accelerate the healing process and reduce the risk of complications in the presence of colds.

When losing weight

Nutritionists recommend including tamarillo in your diet, subject to certain diets aimed at reducing and maintaining weight.This is due to the fact that in the fruits there is a sufficient amount of necessary vitamins, trace elements. At the same time, the fruit belongs to low-calorie foods. 100 g of the fetus contains only 50 kcal, which is not reflected in the figure.

Fruits will help not only maintain weight, but also replenish the supply of necessary substances, avoiding the negative consequences that can occur when you constantly follow a strict diet.

Harm and contraindications

Like any fruit, tamarillo can not always be beneficial for the body. Experts do not recommend eating the fetus in the presence of individual intolerance to the product, allergies to it. This is because serious consequences can occur.

Also, with caution, the tomato fruit should be used during pregnancy and lactation, after consulting with a doctor.

It is important not to overeat, since excessive consumption can lead to an allergic reaction and intolerance. An allergy to the fetus is manifested in the form of a rash, redness, swelling of the skin, runny nose or cough. In complex cases, a manifestation of Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock is possible.

Experts warn that the tomato tree fruit should be eaten with caution in the presence of diabetes, since it contains a sufficient amount of carbohydrates and glucose.

Consult with a doctor before using the product should be with gastritis, colitis. This is due to the fact that tamarillo can irritate the intestinal wall, have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Most often it is recommended to use the product stewed or steamed.

Otherwise, if tamarillo is used correctly and in small quantities, the product will not harm the body.

How to choose and store

A few years ago, few people knew about a product like tamarillo. Today it can be found in large supermarkets. Choosing the most delicious fruit is easy. To do this, you must follow a number of simple rules:

1. No damage should be present on the surface. Bacteria penetrate the flesh through them, the product begins to deteriorate quickly.
2. The peel should have a uniform color, without dents.
3. You should pay attention to the stalk. It should fit snugly on the surface of the fruit.
4. A ripe fruit tends to recover after light pressure. If there is a dent in the pulp, you should not choose such a fruit.
5. Of great importance is the manufacturer. The most delicious, quality fruits come from New Zealand.

It is important to remember that the color of the pulp does not always indicate the ripeness of tamarillo. It can be red, orange or yellow, depending on the variety.

Store the product for 10 days in the refrigerator, in the compartment for vegetables and fruits. In cases where the fruit is unripe, it can be put in a dark and warm place. Tamarillo can be frozen. In this case, the fruits must be peeled. Even after freezing, the fruit does not lose its beneficial properties.

How to eat tamarillo

Eat fruit mainly in dishes such as sauces, salads and desserts. The product is great as a filling for pizza, additives to meat dishes, soups. Tamarillo is also used to make unusually tasty sandwiches.

The fruit of the tomato tree is used in cooking for making juice, mousse, marmalade and other desserts. Use it fresh. At the same time, it should be properly prepared.

How to clean

Before you eat tamarillo or use it in cooking, you need to remove the skin, as it does not have a good taste and quite harsh. To do this without difficulty, the fruit is dipped in boiling water for several minutes. After that, the skin is scraped off.

If the fruit is consumed fresh, it can be cut in half and scoop off the flesh with a spoon. Thus, only the peel remains.

Cooking Application

The fruit is widely used in cooking due to its unusual taste. It is used not only for desserts, but also for the preparation of first, second courses, appetizers, salads.

Jam

From tamarillo, like any fruit, you can make jam, which will be a great addition to pancakes, pancakes. To prepare it you will need:

• 450 g of fruits;
• 300 g lingonberries;
• 350 g of sugar;
• 10 carnations.

Tamarillo should be washed, remove the skin. Rinse lingonberries and pour cold water for 20 minutes. Then dry the berries, combine with tamarillo and fill everything with sugar. Stir everything, add cloves. She will add spicy aroma to jam.

It is better to let the resulting mixture brew for about an hour. This is necessary in order for the berries to secrete juice. After that, put everything on a slow fire and after boiling, cook for 40 minutes, stirring constantly.

Wash and sterilize cans thoroughly before use and then dry. Lids also need heat treatment. Proper sterilization will help to avoid unpleasant consequences in the form of sugar jam or mold.

Cool the prepared jam a little, pour over the jars and close all the lids. In the first 3 days, it is better to put the banks upside down.

Biscuits

One of the popular recipes is considered to be biscuits with tamarillo and strawberries. First of all, you need to prepare the dough. It will require:

• 180 g butter or margarine;
• 290 g of flour;
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar;
• a quarter teaspoon of salt;
• 100 ml of cold water.

Combine all the ingredients for the dough in a large container and mix thoroughly. Roll out the dough into a cake, wrap in cling film and put in the refrigerator for the night.

To prepare the filling, you need 7-8 fresh fruits, which should be peeled. Then cut them into rings. You will also need a small amount of strawberries, which need to be washed and chopped.

Divide the dough into several small parts, each rolled into flat cakes. Then lay out tamarillo and strawberries. To prevent juice from flowing out, slightly wrap the edges of the cakes. Put biscuits on a baking sheet, place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees and bake for 15 minutes.

Such biscuits are suitable for tea or coffee. Served cold.

Warm salad

A warm salad is also made from tamarillo, which will be a great addition to any table. To prepare it you will need:

• 300 g of shrimp;
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 2 teaspoons of wine sauce;
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil;
• 4 tamarillo;
• 1 teaspoon lime juice;
• 50 g of peanuts.

Tamarillo needs to be peeled. Only flesh is needed. Also boil the shrimp, peel and chop them. In the shrimp add garlic, previously grated or finely chopped, oil, sauce, a pinch of granulated sugar, lime juice. Mix everything and let it brew.

Add peanuts and tamarillo to the mixture, leave for an hour to soak it. Serve to the table, spreading on plates and adding greens to taste.

Tamarillo in batter

Cooked tomato tree fruits according to this recipe will be an excellent dessert. To prepare you need to take:

• 5 fruits of tamarillo;
• 2 bars of chocolate;
• coconut flakes.

First of all, remove the peel from the fruit. This can be done by lowering the fruits for 5 minutes in boiling water. Then melt the chocolate in a water bath. Dip the fruits into chocolate, put on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle everything with coconut, put in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. The dessert is ready.

Thus, tamarillo is used not only for the preparation of desserts. The product is also used for soups, salads.Fruit allows you to add a unique taste, aroma to the dish.

Is it possible to grow at home

Tamarillo is increasingly popular. Today, many gardeners, having tasted an amazing fruit, are wondering whether it is possible to grow it yourself. Experts say that the yellow variety is best for these purposes. The fruits will be as similar to mothers as possible.

But it’s important to follow a few rules:

1. It is better to remove the seeds from the fruit only with tweezers. So they will not be damaged. Dry them before sowing. To increase germination, place in the refrigerator for a day.
2. Plant the seeds in a shallow box with fertile soil to a depth of not more than 2 cm. Sprouts will appear after 2 weeks.
3. Transplant sprouts into separate pots after a month. They should have good drainage. It is important that the pots are not too large. The tree does not have large roots.
4. Plants need moist air, good lighting. In this case, one should not allow direct sunlight to fall on them, since they are destructive.
5. In the hot season, the pot with the plant can be put on the balcony or the street.
6. Avoid exposure to frost and gusts of wind.
7. Watering is carried out daily. This is best done in the morning, especially when tamarillo bears fruit.
8. Once a week, the plant requires fertilizer.

Tamarillo grows well in open ground even in those conditions that are far from natural. The tree on the site is able to grow up to 4 m and bear fruit in the second year.

To get a good crop, dry leaves should be picked. Tamarillo is unpretentious enough. With proper care, it is able to bear fruit for 6–12 years.

Interesting Facts

A fruit like tamarillo has recently become popular in Russia. A few years ago, few people knew about him. But today, the fruits are widely used in cooking. Here are some interesting facts about the fruits of a tomato tree:

1. The name was given to the fruit in January 1967 by a breeder from New Zealand Thompson. But the fruits have been known for a long time.
2. It is believed that the name of the fruit was given for promotional purposes. It helped attract potential buyers.
3. The name is formed from two French words “tama” (leader) and Spanish “rillo”. But many scientists suggest that the name of the fruit was from "amarillo." Translated, it means "yellow." It was this color that the fruits of the tomato tree had when they were first seen in South America.
4. In New Zealand, where tamarillo is very popular, whole fruit plantations are grown.
5. Even with large yields, the product is exported in small quantities. This is due to the fact that tamarillos do not withstand low or high temperatures, quickly deteriorate, and poorly tolerate transportation.
6. You can store the product at room temperature for no more than 5-7 days. In the refrigerator, fruit can lie for 14 days.
7. Tamarillo was known during the Second World War. The fruit was introduced into the diet of the soldiers of the member countries of the anti-Hitler coalition. The thing is that the product saturates the stomach and satisfies hunger for a long time.
8. Thanks to the effects on the nervous system, tamarillo can relieve headaches caused by nerve stress and disorders.
9. Despite the appearance, the product tastes like passion fruit.
10. Tamarillo refers to fruit. In this case, the closest relatives of the plant are potatoes, tomato, eggplant.
11. Due to its characteristics, the product can be used not only as a fruit (an additive to desserts), but also as a vegetable (included in the first and second courses, appetizers and salads).

Tamarillo is a fruit that has a number of unique features. It has signs of both vegetable and fruit. This allows you to widely use it in cooking for cooking soups, main dishes, snacks, desserts, juices.

The composition of tamarillo is quite diverse.The fruit contains a large number of trace elements and vitamins that are necessary to maintain the functioning of the whole organism. But the fetus should be eaten correctly. To enjoy its taste, the peel must be removed. It is quite tough and can ruin the whole impression, especially if tamarillo is used for the first time. But it is important to remember that excessive consumption of such an exotic fruit can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of indigestion, an allergic reaction.

Photo Tamarillo