Santorini tomato

The Santorini tomato ‘Τοματάκι Σαντορίνης’ (Tomataki Santorinis) is a cherry tomato which comes from it's namesake Santorini, Greece. Santorinis have a deep red color and are firm, not particularly moist flesh with a high seed content. They are known for a bolstered carbohydrate content and a sweet strongly acidic taste. These cherry tomatoes have a round, slightly flattened shape and weigh between 15 and 27 grams. The tomatoes often have pronounced flutes especially those growing lowest on the plant. The fruits generally reach maturation in 80-90 days.[1]

Growing Conditions

The volcanic island's soil and weather of Santorini are very influential in the growth of Santorini tomatoes. The island receives less than 370mm of rainfall annually, so the crops must rely on large dew deposits daily and an average 71% humidity throughout the year. The soil of Santorini contains no nitrogen, and are often unfertilized by farmers to enhance the distinctive flavor, but has an abundance of Thira soil, pumice and lava with a quantity of sodium present; sodium is Hygroscopic meaning it absorbs moisture from the air and traps it in the soil, where plants can slowly access it. The water stresses and limey, alkaline soil largely account for the selective breeding that developed this tomato.[2]

History

It is widely believed that an abbot of the Capuchin monastery in Ano Syros (Cyclades) brought the first cherry tomatoes to Greece in 1818. The variety of tomato began to be regularly cultivated in 1875. By the 1900s, 20,000 acres of tomatoes were regularly being harvested in Santorini. Tomato production has declined since this time due to various environment, political, and tourism issues.[3][4]

The Santorini tomato has been protected with an official designation of origin since June 13th 2013.[5]

See also

References
  1. "'ΤΟΜΑΤΑΚΙ ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗΣ' (TOMATAKI SANTORINIS)". Official Journal of the European Union. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
  2. "'ΤΟΜΑΤΑΚΙ ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗΣ' (TOMATAKI SANTORINIS)". Official Journal of the European Union. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
  3. "Cherry Tomato Santorini Tomatina Greek Cherry Tomato History Santorini Greek Food Recipes". Santorini.com. Retrieved 2012-05-14.
  4. "Santorini from the Late 19th Century to 1956 — The Thera Foundation". Therafoundation.org. 2006-04-06. Retrieved 2012-05-14.
  5. "'ΤΟΜΑΤΑΚΙ ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗΣ' (TOMATAKI SANTORINIS)". Official Journal of the European Union. Retrieved 2020-06-28.
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