Discover the qualities and benefits of the blue tomato. They will surprise you !!

tomato pot full of blue or purple tomatoes

tomato plant full of blue or purple tomatoes

The blue tomato is a new variety of tomato, although it has been marketed for some years now, it has not been massive. They are indigo blue on the outside which can become more intense If it receives more sunlight, it is red on the inside, equal to a conventional tomato and with almost priceless seeds.

Currently this tomato is grown in the United States, the United Kingdom and Andalusia.

From

hand holding a plum-like blue colored tomato

hand holding a plum-like blue tomato

Its origin dates back to Norwich in the United Kingdom, specifically in the John Innes Research Center where more than 300 scientists collaborated to through a process known as transgenesis, alter the genes of the conventional tomato and add genes of a flower called Antirrhinus major or better known as Dragon mouth.

Likewise and in other parts of the world the contributions of the blue tomato have been studiedAs in Valencia, since through the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Plant Biology, they created blue tomatoes for therapeutic purposes, used among other cases to make vaccines.

Features

This modified vegetable has been shown contains high proportions of anthocyanins which gives that characteristic blue color and enhances it as a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants.

And although at first its creation was related exclusively to medicinal purposes, nowadays there are companies dedicated to its cultivation and commercializationafter the blue tomato seed was developed by Oregon State University in the United States and was available for commercialization.

How is the blue tomato different from the other more common varieties?

In addition to its color, this tomato has different characteristics and benefits than conventional tomato, here are some of them:

The flavor of the blue tomato is fruity, with a lot of juice and many refer that it has a slight aroma of plum and green tomato, which makes it an excellent ingredient for salads, stews, jams, sauces, among others.

It has a slightly thinner skin than tomato salad and is a little less acidic. Has a higher composition of flavonoid antioxidantsin addition to containing a greater accumulation of vitamins A, B6, C and K, rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron, among other components than traditional tomatoes.

Since the commercialization of the blue tomato is usually not so common, tend to be more expensive than traditional tomatoes.

Benefits

blue tomatoes inside a box in a supermarket

blue tomatoes inside a box in a supermarket

Thanks to its components rich in antioxidants, the blue tomato has beneficial numbers for the human bodyIt should be noted that to enhance its nutrients and properties it is recommended to consume raw blue tomato. Among the advantages in the consumption of this vegetable are:

  • Helps reduce inflammation.
  • It is a regulator of diabetes.
  • Helps prevent brain aging.
  • Combat memory impairment.
  • Reduces tiredness and fatigue.
  • Its regular consumption levels cholesterol.
  • It helps in the production of collagen that will help us to strengthen our bones and cartilage.
  • Relieves fluid retention.
  • Supports the digestive system.
  • Regulates hormonal activity.
  • Contributes to the formation of red blood cells.
  • Helps the liver to rid itself of toxins.
  • Stimulates the immune system and the nervous system.
  • Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
  • Helps in the prevention of colon, prostate and breast cancer.

Despite being so contradictory the opinions on transgenic origin of this vegetable, the main one being the defenders of organic foods where they question whether or not the blue tomato should be consumed.

Farming

In its origins, the blue tomato was produced through cross pollination and after its first harvest in 2012, seeds were developed that would later be commercialized.

As a curious fact we can say why the tomato was used to make this cross and produce the so-called blue tomato, the reason is both scientific and logical.

El tomato it is perhaps the vegetable that is consumed in greater measure in the whole world. It is easy to use in the preparation of various dishes and beneficial for components and nutritional contentIn addition, they favor the concentration of substances within their skin, making this vegetable have been considered for such a great test.

Today there are different centers that sell blue tomato seeds, which is why the you can grow in a home garden.

If it is your decision to grow the blue tomato yourself, We recommend immersing the seed in a little water Until it begins to show signs of germination, make sure that the place where you are going to plant the plant of this vegetable is a place with a lot of sunlight and a warm climate.

Similarly there are agricultural companies that have dedicated themselves to the cultivation of tomato azul and that they later market their products in different supermarkets.

And although today many people buy this vegetable to satisfy their curiosity, many others buy and consume it as one more food that enriches their daily diet. Thanks to your great taste and showiness it is increasingly used for cooking recipes.

Recipes

three tomatoes with a color like large plums

three tomatoes with a color like that of large plums

Once washed, cut the tomato into thin slices and season with a little salt and oil made of olives.

If you want you can add pieces of mozzarella cheese, a touch of fresh basil and balsamic vinegar. It will be a temptation to your senses due to the juiciness of the blue tomato along with the combination of cheese and seasonings.

We also recommend that you make a base tomato sauce for your stewsTake some well-washed tomatoes and bring them to a boil in a liter of water. Once the water has boiled and you notice that the tomato skin comes off easily, put the tomato to rest together with the water.

When it has a suitable temperature and you are not going to burn, take the tomatoes and remove the skin, it will be very easy.

Then blend the tomatoes with the water where you boiled them, you can have more or less consistency by adding more or less water according to your convenience. This sauce base can be used in various preparations and you only have to add the complement you want.

Reserve in airtight glass jars and keep in the fridge. In this way it will help you to be faster in the preparation of your dishes since you will have a rich base sauce waiting to accompany whatever you need.

Discover the qualities and benefits of the blue tomato. They will surprise you !!

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