Bulgarians love tomatoes and they are almost always present on the table in some form or another. Tomatoes are also one of the healthiest foods, according to scientists, due to the natural antioxidants they contain. Bulgarian scientists from the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute in Plovdiv have created a unique tomato variety, containing twice more vitamin C and antioxidants. This new tomato also contains a high dose of carotene. The variety was named “Plovdiv Karotina.” The tomatoes are medium sized and orange-coloured. Here is more about them from Doctor Daniela Ganeva from the institute.
“This variety contains Vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which makes it a very healthy food. The Plovdiv Karotina can be used for production of foods for children. The tomatoes look very good and have delicious taste. The natural sugars and organic acids make the variety also good for the production of tomato juice.”
The Bulgarian scientists have actually launched production of tomato juice from the new variety thanks to the financing provided by the EU-Balkan Vegetables project, which aims at increasing the capacity of the experts working in the institute and developing innovations.
“A small part of the financing was used for developing this new variety,” Associate Professor Dimitrina Kostova says. “We were able to show how a Bulgarian variety of tomatoes can be used for the production of a healthy product of great quality. The tomato juice is produced by a small local company, keeping to all of the modern requirements. No preservatives or concentrated juices are added. Currently Bulgarian companies mostly use imported tomato paste, which often contains starch and other additives. That is why we decided to create a truly natural product, which does not leave doubts about its contents.”
A glass of the tomato juice provides half of the daily dose of vitamins A and C. Doctor Daniela Ganeva adds that thermal processing even enhances the nutritional value of tomatoes. Carotene and lycopene prevent harmful oxidation, which helps the prevention of various diseases such as cancer, as well as conditions such as fatigue and insomnia. The new tomato juice helps prevent osteoporosis too. The Bulgarian scientists aim the tomato juice to reach kindergartens and schools, where children need a more healthy diet.
English: Alexander Markov
