The Unique Flavor and Nutrition of Bush Tomatoes - A Guide to Growing and Cooking

An Introduction to Bush Tomato Plants

Bush tomatoes, also known as desert raisins, kutjera, akudjura, or bush raisins, are a small, round, and bright red fruit that are cultivated in Australia's desert regions. Botanically known as Solanum centrale, bush tomatoes have been an essential food source for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. More recently, bush tomatoes have gained popularity worldwide as a unique and nutritious superfood.

The bush tomato plant is a spreading, sprawling shrub that only grows around 30 cm tall but can spread out over a large area. It thrives in the harsh Australian outback where most other plants cannot survive. The small bright red fruits are about 2-3 cm wide and grow encapsulated inside a papery husk. When fully ripe, the tomatoes dry naturally while still on the plant.

Bush tomatoes have a unique, earthy, and tangy flavor unlike any other fruits. The Inland Tribes of Central Australia traditionally used bush tomatoes as a staple food, grinding the dried tomatoes into a powder to make bush bread. Modern food manufacturers have found innovative uses for bush tomatoes in sauces, chutneys, jams, spices, candies, and even ice cream.

The Nutritional Benefits of Bush Tomatoes

In addition to their intensely rich, complex flavor, bush tomatoes are packed with nutrients and medicinal compounds. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene and carotenoids. Lycopene gives the fruits their deep red color and has been linked to improved heart health. Bush tomatoes also contain linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid important for skin health.

Some of the other nutrients found in bush tomatoes include:

• Vitamin E - An essential antioxidant that boosts the immune system and improves skin health
• Vitamin C - Boosts immunity and is vital for collagen production
• Iron - Critical for oxygen transport in the blood
• Calcium - Essential for bone health
• Magnesium - Needed for energy production and muscle function
• Zinc - Supports immune function and wound healing

In traditional Aboriginal medicine, bush tomato plants were used to treat a wide range of ailments from colds to skin conditions. Modern research has confirmed many of the medicinal properties of bush tomatoes. Extracts have exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities in laboratory studies.

How to Choose High-Quality Bush Tomato Seeds

Bush tomatoes grow best in hot, dry environments with well-drained sandy soil. They are quite tolerant of drought, high temperatures, and poor soil. However, good quality seeds are essential to get your bush tomato plants off to the right start.

When selecting bush tomato seeds, here are some important factors to consider:

• Reputable supplier - Purchase seeds from a trusted Australian grower or seed bank that specializes in native plants. This helps ensure you get viable, pure seeds of a good variety.
• Ideal variety - Choose a bush tomato variety well-suited for your climate and gardening conditions.
• Organic seeds - Look for organic, non-GMO seeds that have not been treated with chemicals.
• Harvest date - Seeds should be recently harvested, ideally within the current season.
• Proper storage - Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment in moisture-proof packaging.
• Good reviews - Read customer reviews to help determine the overall viability and quality of the seeds.

Reputable seed banks will provide detailed information about the origin, variety, harvest date, and storage conditions of the seeds. Always look for this background information when comparing seed sources.

How to Plant Bush Tomato Seeds

Bush tomato plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Growing from seed is more challenging but allows you to produce many more plants. Follow these tips for successfully planting bush tomato seeds:

1. Sow seeds in late spring or early summer. Bush tomatoes need heat to germinate.
2. Use small containers or cell trays filled with a well-draining seed raising mix.
3. Sow 3-4 seeds together in each container or cell, about 1 cm deep.
4. Keep the soil moist and provide bottom heat of 20-25C until germination.
5. Seedlings emerge in 14-21 days. Thin to the strongest seedling per cell.
6. Harden off seedlings before transplanting once the nights stay above 10C.
7. Transplant seedlings when they are 5-7 cm tall and after the last frost.
8. Space plants 1-3 meters apart in full sun.

Bush tomato seeds can have erratic, spotty germination. Soaking the seeds for 12-24 hours before planting may improve germination rates. Use bottom heat and keep varieties separate when planting to determine which have the best germination.

Caring for Bush Tomato Plants

Caring for bush tomato plants focuses mainly on providing the heat and dry conditions they evolved for. Here are some key tips:

• Grow bush tomatoes in areas with hot, dry summers and well-drained soil.
• Avoid overwatering which leads to root rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
• Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
• Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers which cause excess foliage growth.
• Prune plants occasionally to remove dead wood and encourage new growth.
• Stake or trellis plants to keep them upright and prevent spread.
• Protect young plants from frost and strong winds.

Bush tomatoes are quite vigorous growers so maintenance is minimal once established. Avoid disturbing the roots when established and allow plants to grow into their natural spreading habit.

When and How to Harvest Bush Tomatoes

One of the appeals of bush tomatoes is they dry and preserve naturally on the plant. Harvest occurs in fall and early winter after the fruits turn bright red and start to dry while still on the shrubs. Harvesting at the right stage is important:

• Harvest when fruits are fully red but still plump, before they are fully dried out.
• Pick individual fruits by hand, avoiding contact with the branches.
• Use scissors or secateurs to snip off fruit stems.
• Collect into trays or baskets to avoid crushing.
• Spread fruits out in a single layer in a well-ventilated area to finish drying.
• Dry for 1-2 weeks out of direct sunlight, turning periodically.
• Fruits are ready when shriveled and brick red color.
• Store dried bush tomatoes in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Always handle the fruits gently to avoid bruising. Dried properly, bush tomatoes will keep their flavor and nutrition for months when stored correctly.

Using Dried Bush Tomatoes

There are endless ways to use versatile bush tomatoes. The dried fruits can add a unique flavor kick to many savory dishes. Here are some popular ways to use bush tomatoes:

• Seasoning blends - Grind dried tomatoes into spice rubs, salt mixes, and blended herbs.
• Sauces and chutneys - Rehydrate and puree into pasta sauces, chutneys, relishes, and salsas.
• Marinades and dressings - Infuse into oil or vinegar for marinades, salad dressings, and drizzles.
• Baked goods - Add to breads, scones, muffins, or cheesecakes.
• Candy - Coat in chocolate or make into lollipops.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.