As a garden writer, I often receive samples of new plants from various companies. Perhaps the most intriguing of this spring’s batch is the Tomaccio (TM) tomato. It’s billed as a “sweet raisin tomato” which will be introduced in the US market next year. Developed through 12 years of breeding work in Israel, the plant has already been introduced in France and Germany.
The red fruits resemble a cherry tomato, but Tomaccio is designed to be easily dried because of the large pores in its skin. “Tomaccio fruit is sweet and the sweetness is enhanced when the fruit is dried,” says the press release.
Plants can be grown in the ground or in containers, but can reach up to 9 feet tall. To dry the fruits, put them in a 100-degree F oven for about three hours.
The only problem? They sent 6 of them! I put one on a container, gave one away and still have four more.
Do any of my Des Moines readers want one? First come, first served. Email me at debwiley at hotmail.com
