The Santorini tomato 'τοματάκι Σαντορίνης' (tomataki Santorinis) is a variety of
cherry tomato
The cherry tomato is a type of small round tomato believed to be an intermediate genetic admixture between wild currant-type tomatoes and domesticated garden tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes range in size from a thumbtip up to the size of a golf ball ...
from
Santorini
Santorini ( el, Σαντορίνη, ), officially Thira (Greek: Θήρα ) and classical Greek Thera ( English pronunciation ), is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast from the Greek mainland. It is th ...
, Greece. Santorinis have a deep red color and have firm, not particularly moist flesh with a high seed content. They are known for their high carbohydrate content and a sweet, strongly acidic taste. They have a round, slightly flattened shape and weigh 15–27 grams. They often have pronounced flutes, especially those growing lowest on the plant. The fruits generally ripen in 80–90 days.
Growing Conditions
Santorini is a volcanic island, and its characteristic soil and weather define the character of Santorini tomatoes. The island receives less than 370mm of rainfall annually, so the crops must rely on dew and the high, 71%, humidity throughout the year. The soil contains no nitrogen, and the tomatoes are often unfertilized. On the other hand, the soil contains sodium, which is
hygroscopic
Hygroscopy is the phenomenon of attracting and holding water molecules via either absorption or adsorption from the surrounding environment, which is usually at normal or room temperature. If water molecules become suspended among the substance ...
, and can absorb moisture from the air and traps it. The water stress and limey, alkaline soil largely account for the selective breeding that developed this tomato.
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.
The Santorini tomato has been protected with an official designation of origin since June 13th 2013.
See also
*
List of tomato cultivars
There are more than 10,000 tomato varieties available.
__NOTOC__
Table of tomatoes
See also
* Lists of cultivars
* List of tomato dishes
Notes
#
::Some tomato cultivars will be marked with disease resistance codes, signifying that the pla ...
*
Cherry tomato
The cherry tomato is a type of small round tomato believed to be an intermediate genetic admixture between wild currant-type tomatoes and domesticated garden tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes range in size from a thumbtip up to the size of a golf ball ...
References
{{Tomatoes
Tomato cultivars
Santorini
Greek products with protected designation of origin