Friday Feature: Tree Tomatoes , Nature’s Tangy Treasure

This week, our vegboxes are glowing with the vibrant reds of a fresh tree tomato harvest, also known as tamarillo. Grown across the highlands of East Africa, these bright, egg-shaped fruits are packed with nutrition and flavor. But more than that, they tell a story of local resilience, sustainable choices, and seasonal eating.

1. A Fruit in Season 

This week’s vegboxes are packed with a seasonal favorite that’s as eye-catching as it is nutritious: tree tomatoes, also known as tamarillos. With their deep red hue, tart-sweet flavor, and soft, jewel-toned interior, they offer a refreshing shift from the familiar.

But tree tomatoes are more than just a pleasant surprise. They’re a reminder of what happens when we eat with the seasons. These fruits ripen in waves, which means each one in your box was selected at peak ripeness, no shortcuts. Their presence reflects the rhythms of the land, not the demands of a calendar.

At ForestFoods, we see seasonal produce like this as a bridge between tradition and innovation. Grown primarily in the Kenyan highlands, tree tomatoes thrive with minimal inputs, making them a climate-smart choice. Their fast-growing nature, soil-binding roots, and resilience in cooler altitudes make them a powerful symbol of the kind of farming we believe in: natural, regenerative, and respectful of local ecosystems.

So while they bring bright flavor to your table, tree tomatoes also help deepen our connection to the land, and to the future of African farming.

ForestFoods tree tomatoes

2. Local Legacy & Community Impact 

Tree tomatoes may feel like a rediscovered gem, but they’ve long held a place in Kenyan homesteads. Traditionally grown in backyard gardens or at the edge of woodlots, they’ve been cherished for their fast growth and dependable fruiting.

Today, they’re more than a nostalgic fruit, they’re part of a broader movement toward crop diversity, climate resilience, and community nourishment. At ForestFoods, we champion these lesser-known fruits because they align with our values:

• Encouraging seasonal eating

• Supporting local biodiversity

• Offering alternative income streams for smallholder growers

• Reducing pressure on over-farmed staples

By including tree tomatoes in our vegboxes, we help shift the focus toward celebrating what grows naturally, rather than forcing the land to give what’s not in season.

3. Why You Should Love Them 

These fruits aren’t just pretty, they’re power-packed with nutrition:

• Low in calories (~31 kcal per 100g), yet full of fiber (3.3g)

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which support immunity, vision, and skin health

• Loaded with potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure and support nerve and muscle function

• High in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and carotenoids, which help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases

Their sweet-tart profile also makes them incredibly versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.

4. Quick Ways to Enjoy 

Here are some easy, delicious ways to make the most of them:

• Scoop and snack: Slice in half and eat straight with a spoon. Add a drizzle of honey or a pinch of salt for balance.

• Blend into juice: Mix with orange or passion fruit for a bright, tangy drink.

• Cook into chutney or sauce: Simmer with onion, garlic, and spices for a condiment that pairs well with meat, chapati, or rice.

• Toss into salads: Their acidity and color make a great contrast to greens or creamy cheeses.

• Layer into breakfast: Add to yogurt bowls, toast, or blend into smoothies for a nutritious morning boost.

6. Call to Action: Join the Tree Tomato Trend! 

We’d love to see how you use them!

• Try a new recipe or twist: from salads to sauces to straight-from-the-fruit bowl.

• Post a photo, tag @ForestFoods_africa, and use #TreeTomatoTales

• Let’s start a conversation about seasonal eating and how small shifts can make a big impact

These fruits are one of nature’s small surprises. Let’s celebrate them together!

Final Thoughts

This week’s feature reminds us that food isn’t just about flavor, it’s about connection. Tree tomatoes bring together nutrition, culture, community, and ecology in one bright little package.

And that’s what ForestFoods is all about.

Let’s keep learning, sharing, and celebrating what’s in season, one box at a time.