Man-Eating Tomato / Poro Poro (Solanum viride) - Seeds

The fruit with a grisly 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.

Historical & Curious facts The name perfectly describes this interesting plant! The "man-eating tomato" (called "Poro Poro" or "Boro Dina" on the islands) is said to have actually been used by cannibals in Fiji. The leaves and fruits were cooked together with the victims' flesh in traditional earth ovens. The enzymes and acids contained in the plant were supposed to make the tough human flesh more tender and digestible (Not a serving suggestion!).

Growth & Appearance

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

• Growth height: Can reach a good 100 to 150 cm as a pot plant.

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

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

Origin Its home are the tropical islands of the Pacific, especially Fiji, Tahiti and Tonga.

Ingredients Like many wild nightshades, Solanum viride contains poisonous 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 strong heat (cooking or frying).

Usage

• In the kitchen: The fruits are extremely bitter and inedible raw! However, this disappears during cooking. Boiled, they make a spicy, slightly sour sauce.

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

Location, care & other important things

• Location: Sunny, warm and sheltered from wind.

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

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

Cultivation is basically the same as for normal tomatoes. Since the plant loves warmth and can be cultivated perennially, an early start indoors is worthwhile.

When to sow?

• Pre-cultivation (indoors): From end of February to early 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 sowing containers in a bright, warm spot. For rapid germination, Solanum viride needs a cozy 20 to 25 °C.

• Germination period: Depending on the temperature, the first seedlings will appear after about 5 to 10 days. As soon as they form the 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 no more frosts are threatening.

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