The Vegetable that’s really a Fruit!

Did you know that the tomato, known locally as nyanya, is actually a fruit? We only refer to it as a vegetable because of a minor technicality – it is not eaten in desserts and is less sugary than other fruits. But seriously – it’s a fruit!  Despite their controversial identity, tomatoes remain a tasty addition to any dish, we just recommend that the dish not be dessert!

Tomatoes originated from South America, gradually travelling to the rest of the world courtesy of the Spanish who came across this tasty delicacy. For a long time they were grown as ornamental plants because people feared that they might be poisonous.  While we are unsure as to when this changed, we now know that they can be enjoyed eaten raw or cooked. Tomatoes are also processed into tomato juice, ketchup, puree, paste and “sun-dried” tomatoes to be used in a variety of dishes.

In Kenya, tomatoes are often cultivated in greenhouses to ensure production throughout the year. However, even with greenhouse technology, tomatoes are sensitive plants that need careful monitoring until they are ready for harvest. They are classified as either fresh – for daily consumption needs, or processing – for use in the making of products like tomato sauces or paste. Farmers are spread out throughout Kenya, from the highlands to the warm areas of Kisumu, Machakos and Garissa. All it takes is a focused investment to reap the benefits of this multifaceted fruit. Greenhouse technology has opened up tomato production in new areas, while extending opportunities to youth who have taken to tomato farming to literally grow their own fortune.

The demand for our beautiful tomatoes comes mainly from the European Union, particularly countries like Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. We also export tomatoes to Russia. As with a lot of food crops produced in these markets, demand increases especially during winter seasons experienced in northern climates. Thankfully our location along the equator provides us with 12 hours of sunshine throughout the year, enabling us  to reap the benefits of agricultural gold! Any tomato farmers out there with a story to share?