General Secondary School
“Hristo Botev” - Aytos
The tastiest tomatoes in
the whole world
Where do tomatoes originate
from?
Tomatoes originated from the Andes, in
what is now called Peru, Bolivia, Chile and
Ecuador - where they grew wild. They were
first cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas as
early as 700 AD.
When did tomatoes first arrive in
Europe?
 Tomatoes didn’t arrive in Europe until the 16th
Century, although it is not known how. It has
been said that they were brought back from
Central America by Spanish Conquistadors.
 Another legend suggests that two Jesuit priests
brought them to Italy from Mexico. Others say
Columbus brought the first tomato to Europe.
What were the first cultivated
tomatoes like?
The first cultivated tomatoes were yellow
and cherry-sized, earning them the name
golden apples. They were considered
poisonous but appreciated for their beauty.
What is the Latin name for the
cultivated tomato?
 The Latin name for the cultivated tomato is
Lycopersicon escutentum, which means edible
wolf's peach, though no one is quite sure why
wolf's peach.
 Soon after the tomato's arrival in Europe, it was
also known as the Peruvian apple.
Tomato output in 2005
What is being done to improve fruit quality in
respect of flavour, texture, appearance and
shelf-life?
 This is being achieved by the development of new
varieties and fruit types, improved systems on
handling fruit and grading after harvest, to allow
fruit to ripen on the vine, and understanding more
about the basic biology of plant growth and fruit
development.
 Consumer research is being undertaken to define
buying patterns and consumer expectations to
ensure the industry meets the demands of today's
market.
Bulgarian vegetable research
institutes:
 Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute –
Plovdiv
 Plant Protection Institute – Kostinbrod
 Agrarian University – Plovdiv
 Institute of Genetics – Sofia
 Institute for Plant and Genetic Resources –
Sadovo
 Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute - General
Toshevo
What is the level of Bulgarian
tomato production per year?
 In 2009 tomato production is 205 000 tones
/ ½ of fresh vegetable production/
 In 2011 the tomato production was 379 500
tones / open field produced – 123 400 tones,
greenhouse production – 256 100 tones/.
 It is 40 % of fresh vegetable production in
2011.
 The area planted with tomatoes is 14 365, 5
How many tonnes of fresh tomatoes are
consumed each year?
 At present the consumption is
about 100 kg. per capita of fresh
and processed products.
 Bulgaria's annual canned food
production is about 150 000 tons
per year while before 1994 it was
about 1 million tons per year
because of the economic crisis.
What are the nutritional benefits
of tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamins A,
C and E, beta-carotene and lycopene and
flavonoids ( also found in red wine and tea).
Tomatoes also contain potassium, calcium
and other mineral salts. Potassium has been
linked to lowering blood pressure and
calcium is vital for healthy bones and
teeth.
Grilled tomatoes
are high in
Bulgarian varieties of tomato
Sofia
Maturity
midseason
Growth habit indetermined
Leaf type
regular
Fruit color
red
Fruit shape
round, oblate
Fruit size
medium
Fruit type
slicer, canner
Indetermined, regular foliage, red, large
oblate beefsteak fruit, up to 700 gr. Sweet
flavor.
Plovdivski
Druzba
Maturity
midseason
Growth habit indet.
Leaf type
regular
Fruit color
red
Fruit shape
round
Fruit size
medium
Fruit type
slicer, canner
Cherven Eder – RedLarge Bulgarian
Indetermined, regular foliage, orangy-red
large oblate ffew seeds in proportion ruit, very
pleasant flavor. Fleshy, juicy, to its size.
Bivolsko Sertse - Bull’s Heart
Maturity
midseason
Growth habit indet.
Leaf type
regular
Fruit color
red
Fruit shape
heart
Fruit size
medium
Fruit type
cooking, paste,
slicer
Large Pink Bulgarian
Maturity
midseason
Growth habit
indet.
Leaf type
regular
Fruit color
pink
Fruit shape
beefsteak
Fruit size
large
Fruit type
slicer
Some facts about Bulgarian
tomatoes production
 Bulgaria is a major supplier of grapes, apples, and
tomatoes to Europe and the former Soviet Union.
 During the commercial 2009 the production of
tomatoes was 104 000 tons.
 The export of fresh tomatoes in 2009 is 10 740
tons, which is approximately by 35% of the total
export of fresh vegetables. The largest quantities
are exported to Romania – 9 479 tons, Germany –
564 tons, Greece – 405 tons, etc.
This project has been funded with support
from
the
European
Commission.
This presentation reflects the views only of
the author, and the Commission cannot be
held responsible for any use which may be
made of the information contained therein.
Thanks for your attention!