Cannibal Tomato/Poro Poro (Solanum viride) - Seeds

The fruit with the chilling history

Scope of delivery: 20 seeds each.

IMPORTANT NOTE in advance: This is not a normal tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), but a completely different, wilder species of the genus Solanum.

History & Curiosities The name of this interesting plant really says it all! The "cannibal tomato" (called "Poro Poro" or "Boro Dina" on the islands) is said to have actually been used by cannibals on the Fiji Islands. The leaves and fruits were cooked together with the flesh of the victims in traditional earth ovens. The enzymes and acids contained in the plant were supposed to make the tough human flesh more tender and easier to digest (Not a serving suggestion!).

Growth & Appearance

• Lifespan: Perennial (shrub) if overwintered frost-free.

• Height: Can easily reach 100 to 150 cm as a container plant.

• Habit: Grows as a sprawling, slightly woody shrub with lanceolate leaves.

• Blossom & Fruit: Bright red, slightly ribbed fruits develop from white, star-shaped flowers. They look like tiny, high-gloss beefsteak tomatoes or small mini-peppers.

Origin Their home is the tropical islands of the Pacific, in particular Fiji, Tahiti, and Tonga.

Ingredients Like many wild nightshades, Solanum viride contains toxic steroidal alkaloids (such as solanine) in its green parts and unripe fruits. The ripe, red fruits also contain plenty of sharp bitter substances and tannins. However, these substances are largely broken down and neutralized by high heat (boiling or frying).

Use

• In the kitchen: The fruits are extremely bitter and inedible raw! However, this disappears when cooked. When boiled down, they make a spicy, slightly acidic sauce.

• Black humor on the side: Perfect for a Rotenburg salad plate (please forgive the bad joke).

Location, Care & other important things

• Location: Sunny, warm, and sheltered from the wind.

• Care: The cultivation and care are very similar to that of normal tomatoes. It needs nutrient-rich soil and regular watering.

• Overwintering: A big advantage over the normal tomato: Poro Poro is perennial! The plants can be brought inside before the first frost and overwintered in a cool, bright place. This way, you will have a strong shrub again the next year.

Cultivation is basically the same as for normal tomatoes. Since the plant loves heat and can be grown as a perennial, an early start indoors is worthwhile.

When to sow?

• Pre-cultivation (indoors): From the end of February to the beginning of April.

How to sow?

• Sowing depth: Place the seeds about 0.5 cm deep in potting soil and cover lightly with soil.

• Germination conditions: Moisten well and place the seedling pots in a bright, warm spot. For rapid germination, Solanum viride needs cozy 20 to 25 °C.

• Germination time: Depending on the temperature, the first seedlings will appear after about 5 to 10 days. As soon as they form their first true pairs of leaves, they can be pricked out (separated) into their own small pots.

Planting out & Location

• Outdoors: Only after the Ice Saints (mid-May), when it is reliably warm outside and there is no longer a risk of frost.

• Tip for overwintering: Since the plant is perennial and can be overwintered in a cool place, it is recommended to plant it directly in a large container (at least 10 to 15 liters). This way, you save yourself the tedious digging out of the bed in autumn and can simply move it to its winter quarters!