The world has seen and produced a number of tomatoes over the centuries and there are a whole lot of them out there. However, how many of you know that there’s a tomato called Green Zebra? No, they are not black and white as one would think, but they are green with dark stripes.
As food technology is becoming more advanced, we might expect some strange fruits and vegetables out there. Science is not only shaping our technology, but will also dictate what kind of food we will be eating in the future. So Green Zebra tomatoes might only be the tip of the iceberg.
This vegetable doesn’t only look unusual, but those who have tasted it, said it tastes awesome and it has a number of nutritious benefits.
Green Zebra tomatoes are small, globular fruits, averaging 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter. The skin is smooth and taut with a light green base, covered in mottled, vertical striping.
According to Glen Seeds, a South African vegetable seed company, the Green Zebra is described by some people as a high-quality chardonnay wine. Those who know their wine will know that chardonnay has a variety of tastes such as fruity with moderate acidity, and sometimes a hint of vanilla.
“It [a Green Zebra tomato] is sweet with some citrus undertones. A distinct green tomato taste with lots of complex flavours, Green Zebra is good for salads and snacking, and adds a zing to baked dishes. If you are into making tomato jam, this one is highly recommended,” reads the website.
Glen Seeds sells the seeds of these peculiar vegetable seeds for R24.
History of the Green Zebra
The Green Zebra tomato was created by Tom Wagner from Washington in the United States, when he used four heirloom tomatoes, including an Evergreen, a medium-size green tomato.
According to an article written by Amy Grant, Wagner had been thinking about improving upon one of his favorite tomatoes, Evergreen, in the 1950’s. While he liked Evergreen tomatoes, they tended to crack. Wagner was determined to improve them, although it required some time.
In an article published by Tomato Dirt, Wagner said he first conceived the idea of a green striped tomato when he was growing up, and he came across the Evergreen that intrigued him.
“I thought it was a crazy-looking tomato. It was late-maturing, and I didn’t know when it was ripe. When is a green tomato ripe?”
According to the article, Wagner felt that the Evergreen’s fatal flaw was its tendency to crack, it is the perfect tomato for throwing, but fell apart in his hands.
“Right then, Tom determined that he would develop a green one that wouldn’t crack,” reads the article.
Green Zebras are botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum, are bi-colored and an early to mid-season cultivar belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family.
Nutritional value
You’re probably wondering if this strange-looking plant has any nutritional value?
Well, you will be surprised to learn that Green Zebras are an excellent source of potassium, which assists in regulating fluid levels in the body, and are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system. They also provide magnesium, iron, and fibre.
ALSO READ: Powdery mildew: Watch out for this tomato disease
Get the Mzansi Flavour newsletter: A weekly serving of craveable recipes and handy lifestyle tips.
