The tree tomato, or tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.), is a semi-woody shrub cultivated for its appetizing and juicy edible fruits. Known for its rich nutritional content and delicious taste, the tree tomato is popular in desserts, salads, appetizers, pickles, or even eaten raw. While the exact origin of the tree tomato remains uncertain, it is extensively grown in the Andean regions of Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Bolivia, suggesting this area as its center of diversity. From there, it likely spread to other tropical and subtropical parts of South and Central America, then to Europe, and subsequently to the British colonies, including India.
The tree tomato is primarily cultivated in the northeastern states of India, especially Nagaland, as well as in other hilly regions of the country. In 2012, the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. applied to register the unique Naga Tree Tomato under the Geographical Indications (GI) category, and the GI tag was granted in 2014.
As of today, Nagaland boasts four GI-tagged products: Naga Mircha, Naga Tree Tomato, Chakhesang Shawls, and Naga Cucumber. These products reflect the state’s rich agricultural heritage and cultural distinctiveness. It is anticipated that more unique products from Nagaland will join the ranks earning their own GI tags.
The GI tag is a form of intellectual property that recognizes products originating from a specific location and possessing unique qualities or a reputation linked to their place of origin. For the Naga Tree Tomato, this acknowledgment is a testament to its distinctiveness and the traditional farming practices of Nagaland’s indigenous communities.
This recognition not only safeguards the authenticity of the product but also boosts its marketability, creating opportunities for farmers to access larger and more lucrative markets.
The uniqueness of the Naga Tree Tomato, as described in the GI Journal No. 61 (2014), includes:
- Unique Landraces: The Naga Tree Tomato, cultivated for generations in Nagaland, embodies a rich history of agricultural practices that have led to the evolution of distinct local landraces with unique characteristics.
- Unique Organoleptic Qualities: The Naga Tree Tomato possesses distinctive organoleptic qualities that set it apart from other tree tomatoes. Its sweet and delicious flavor pairs perfectly with Naga chili, enhancing the taste of various Naga cuisines.
- Extended Shelf Life: Its thicker skin and less succulent texture allow for a month-long shelf life at room temperature.
- Nutritional Richness: Compared to regular tomatoes, it contains more carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and essential minerals, while being low in fat.
- High Pectin and Antioxidant Levels: With a pectin level of 5% and 31.25% antioxidants, the fruit is a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidant content.
- Organic Cultivation: Grown without chemicals in Nagaland’s fertile soils, it is pest-resistant and pesticide-free.
This recognition not only highlights the Naga Tree Tomato’s agricultural and nutritional uniqueness but also underscores its cultural and ecological importance.
Traditional farming systems and indigenous agricultural practices have facilitated the evolution of diverse landraces. The landraces of the Naga Tree Tomato exhibit wide variability in morphological, biochemical, and genetic traits, making them distinct from commercial varieties.
The fruits range from oval to oblong and vary in size from small to medium. Shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple dominate, with some landraces exhibiting unique multi-colored patterns.
Naga Tree Tomatoes are known for their tangy-sweet taste, making them suitable for fresh consumption and culinary uses. These fruits are rich in vitamins A and C, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to their popularity as a health-promoting food.
Indigenous landraces are highly adapted to local climatic and soil conditions, displaying resilience to pests and diseases. The Naga Tree Tomato is intricately woven into the socio-cultural fabric of the indigenous communities. It is commonly used in traditional dishes, chutneys, and pickles. The fruit also holds economic value, as it is traded in local markets, providing a source of income for farmers.
Efforts must focus on encouraging traditional farming practices to maintain landraces in their natural habitats, establishing seed banks and germplasm repositories to safeguard genetic material, educating farmers and local communities on the importance of preserving native landraces, and conducting studies on the genetic, biochemical, and agronomic traits of these landraces to explore their potential in crop improvement programs.
The landraces of the Naga Tree Tomato are not just a source of genetic diversity but also a testament to the rich agro-biodiversity of Nagaland. Conservation and sustainable utilization of these landraces are imperative for ensuring food security, promoting rural livelihoods, and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. Collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and local communities can unlock the potential of this indigenous treasure for optimal benefit.
Dr. Mechüselie Kehie
SDRC, Chümoukedima
This article is part of the Scientific Social Responsibility initiative of DST-SERB project.