Desi Tamatar

Desi tomatoes, sometimes called country tomatoes or gavran tomatoes in Maharashtra, are the traditional heirloom varieties that formed the basis of Indian cooking long before hybrid varieties arrived. Larger and irregularly shaped compared to hybrids, Desi tomatoes have a deeper red colour, thicker flesh, and a boldly intense tomato flavour with pronounced acidity that cuts through the richness of heavy Indian gravies and masalas. While they may lack the cosmetic uniformity of hybrid varieties, their superior flavour profile makes them the preferred choice of home cooks and chefs who prioritise taste. The high acid content makes Desi tomatoes excellent for making tangy chutneys, tomato rasam, and tomato-based canning and preservation. They are also richer in lycopene and Vitamin C compared to hybrid varieties due to their longer time on the vine. Grown using traditional low-input farming methods, these tomatoes are minimally treated with agrochemicals. Sourced from farms in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Best consumed within 3 days at room temperature once fully ripe. Origin: Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.