The red gold of eastern Sicily – try them in a summer salad!
Origin
Contrary to popular belief, pachino tomatoes (with Protected Geographical Indication) did not originate in Italy. The variety was introduced in 1989 by a multinational Israeli seed company called HaZera Genetics. Until the late 1980s, only classic salad tomatoes were grown so the spread of this variety was a true revolution. Today we know it as the typical Sicilian tomato, cultivated in the region of Pachino and Portopalo di Capo Passero, and parts of the the areas of Noto and Ispica. These are in the southeast of Sicily where the terrain is fertile, the climate semi-arid with high temperatures, and the sea currents enable a breezy, mild climate even in the winter. Low precipitation and the near absence of nighttime frost create the ideal microclimate for pachino tomatoes, and give them their unique flavor. The cultivation of pachino tomatoes largely takes place in greenhouses or tunnels protected with polyethylene sheets and anti-insect nets. The harvest is done manually every 3 or 4 days , virtually all year long.
Cook It
There are 4 varieties of pachino tomatoes, each with a distinct flavor: round and smooth, ‘costoluto’ or ribbed, cherry (also called ciliegino) and bunched. Their characteristics include a round shape, firm flesh, smaller seed cavity, bold fragrance and high sugar content. They’re delicious either raw or cooked. They work well in summer recipes like salads, cold pasta, or bruschetta, and they’re great on pizza too. A typical gourmet recipe from Sicily is braided sea bass with tuna roe and pachino tomatoes
Did you know that?
The Consortium for the protection of PGI pachino tomatoes was formed in 2003. Today there are 35 associate companies which produce an annual yield of about 5000 tons of pachino tomatoes. Besides their sweet taste, firm pulp and shiny skin, one of their other characteristics is their long shelf life. They can be stored for a long time if kept in a cool place. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they are refreshing and cleansing. They contain high levels of lycopene and carotene, which are helpful for the body, especially for men because they can help protect against prostate problems. They have a high water content (94%) and contain fructose and glucose with only 0.2% fat.
