The Kumato® is a natural fruit grown in South Africa by a Barbeton based company called Simple Salads. The brainchild of the Peter Bakker, this variety was developed by a Dutch seed company and is thriving on local shores. South Africa is one of five countries in the world which grows Kumato® and Simply Salads is the only producer in the country.
Kumato® tomatoes grow from special tomato plants that naturally produces dark but extra-sweet fruits, thanks to a naturally higher “brix” level (fructose content) than traditional red tomatoes.
It has brownish-green colour and is quite sweet. The Kumato® ripens from green to dark brown and it has a stronger, harder skin than a regular tomato, and therefore a longer shelf life. Basically, a Kumato® is a tomato that ripens from the inside out, so upon cutting into it, you get all that delicious juiciness without having it go bad and bruise on the outside.
If the genetic modification bell is ringing in your head – don’t worry. The Kumato® is the outcome of many years of effort in traditional plant breeding techniques, using natural methods. Originating from wild tomatoes growing spontaneously, it was subsequently adapted to tolerate the dry, salty growing conditions of the Mediterranean.
They are equally nutritious as tomatoes, and are especially rich in potassium, magnesium and Vitamins A and C. They are available at Pick ‘n Pay or Spar supermarkets and recently won the Eat In ‘Innovation Award 2008’.