Desi Tomato (Local Tomato)

Desi Tomato (Indian Local Tomato) – Description:

Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)

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🍅 Description:

Desi tomato, also known as local Indian tomato, is a small to medium-sized round fruit with thin, smooth red skin and a juicy, tangy-sour pulp. Unlike hybrid tomatoes, desi tomatoes have a stronger aroma, sharper taste, and are preferred for traditional Indian cooking.
They are generally bright red or deep orange-red and have soft seeds embedded in juicy flesh.

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🌱 Plant Characteristics:

• The desi tomato plant is a bushy annual herb that grows up to 1 meter tall.

• It has green, hairy stems and yellow flowers that develop into fruits.

• Grows best in warm, sunny climates and well-drained loamy soil.

• Commonly grown in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

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🧅 Nutritional Value:

Desi tomatoes are rich in nutrients and contain:

• Vitamin C – boosts immunity

• Vitamin A – good for vision and skin

• Lycopene – a powerful antioxidant

• Potassium, folate, and fiber

• Very low in calories and fat

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💪 Health Benefits:

• Promotes heart health and reduces cholesterol.

• Aids digestion and supports weight loss.

• Helps in skin health and provides a natural glow.

• Strengthens immunity and fights free radicals.

• Keeps the body hydrated due to high water content.

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🍛 Culinary Uses:

• Essential ingredient in Indian curries, gravies, chutneys, and rasam.

• Used in soups, sauces, and salads.

• Adds a tangy flavor to dal, sambar, and vegetable dishes.

• Used fresh, cooked, or blended into tomato puree.

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🌍 Common Names:

• Hindi: Desi Tamatar

• English: Indian Local Tomato / Native Tomato

• Telugu: Nattu Tamata

• Tamil: Nattu Thakkali

• Marathi: Desi Tomato

• Punjabi: Desi Tamatar