Wild roadside tomatoes may seem ordinary, but they are highly coveted in the Northwestern provinces. This particular type of tomato boasts a distinctive flavor and can be used to create a variety of innovative and intriguing dishes. Additionally, wild tomatoes offer numerous health benefits. Join us as we explore the reasons behind the enduring popularity of this fruit.
How Do Wild Tomatoes Differ from Cultivated Ones?
The wild tomatoes that are famous and abundant in Son La province can be found growing in vacant lots, roadside areas, and previously overlooked fields. These tomatoes were often cut down by local people in the past, but now they have become a sought-after specialty due to their delicious taste.
Wild Tomato
The wild tomato variety typically features slender, upright stems with a modest height of 2-3 meters, adorned with thorny protrusions. The leaves of this plant are characterized by a scattered arrangement, boasting elongated and wide dimensions. Clusters of delicate white flowers gracefully emerge amidst the foliage. Once fully ripened, the fruits adopt a spherical shape and exhibit a vibrant yellow hue.
Wild tomatoes are a remarkable species of tomato plants that thrive in mountainous regions, allowing for year-round cultivation and harvesting. The versatile plant offers multiple culinary and medicinal uses utilizing its roots, fruits, and leaves. Appreciated by both locals and tourists alike, wild tomatoes have become popular gift items among visitors. A typical bag of wild tomatoes weighs between 400g – 500g and is typically priced at around 8,000 – 10,000 VND.
Exploring the Advantages of Wild Tomatoes
In accordance with traditional medicine practices, wild tomatoes are widely believed to possess an array of therapeutic and health-enhancing properties. Renowned for their ability to invigorate blood flow, dissipate accumulations, alleviate swelling, diminish pain, and soothe coughs, wild tomatoes are frequently employed in the treatment of conditions such as back pain, stomach discomfort, toothaches, and coughing episodes.
According to an article in the Health and Life newspaper, wild tomatoes have a wide range of uses in folk remedies and recipes.
Remedy for soothing bee stings: Prepare a mixture by mashing white wild tomatoes with betel leaves. Extract the juice and apply it evenly on the affected area to relieve pain and inflammation caused by bee stings.
Image: Soothing bee stings
Treating foot blisters: To effectively treat foot blisters, follow these steps. First, prepare a concentrated extract using 20g-30g of wild tomato leaves. Soak your feet in this extract for a duration of 5-10 minutes. Next, crush 20g of wild tomatoes and 20g of betel leaves, and add a small amount of water. Apply this mixture to the affected areas of the skin using a cotton swab. This will help alleviate foot blisters and cracks.
Treating foot blisters
Treating Toothache Caused by Cavities
For the treatment of toothache caused by cavities, a decoction can be prepared using a combination of various natural ingredients. This includes 10g each of wild tomato roots, stem roots, hybrid bark, and trau bark. After preparing the decoction, gently rinse your mouth with the mixture and then spit it out. This method can provide relief from toothache symptoms.
Image: Treating toothache caused by cavities
“Cooking with Wild Tomatoes: A Guide”
In the past decades, wild tomatoes served as a sustenance for farmers working in the fields during challenging times. Despite their slight bitterness, these tomatoes are known for their chewy texture and delightful fragrance. They can be consumed boiled with rice or enjoyed by dipping them in salt.
Wild tomatoes dipped in salt or mixed with lime leaves and soup powder
Wild Tomatoes: A Nutritious and Tasty Delight
Wild tomatoes have gained popularity among many people due to their unique taste and nutritional properties. Apart from being delicious, they are also incredibly easy to cook. To prepare wild tomatoes, simply follow these steps:
- Start by cleaning the tomatoes thoroughly.
- Once cleaned, boil them in water for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- After boiling, serve the tomatoes with thinly sliced lime leaves and a sprinkle of salt, or mix them together for an irresistible combination.
With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful local specialty dish that is both visually appealing and mouthwatering.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about wild tomatoes and their incredible benefits. Bach Hoa XANH is pleased to share this information with you, and we hope that this article has provided you with valuable knowledge about this unique fruit.
Source: Health and Life
