A tomato rich in traditions
Son Gil hanging tomato is a spanish heirloom tomato, red-pink with hints of orange that is round shaped.
The history of these hanging tomatoes and the traditional handling and conservation process date back from not too long ago, specifically at the post-war period, where families were focused on continuous supply of food rich in vitamines for all seasons and for the whole year.
These hanging tomatoes are heirloom tomatoes, without genetic modification, which are harvested in summer and will last hanging without refrigeration until March/April, intensifying their flavor over the winter months. You may wonder- how is it possible that they last so long without the use of cold rooms?
Well, you already know that ethylene is the worst tomato's enemy. If the tomato is placed in a closed environment like a plastic bag, the ethylene ends up rotting the tomato.
Therefore, if the tomatoes are ventilated, and placed in a dry aerated place, hanged by the stems, and do not have cuts and cracks, they keep quite well for a long time. In fact a selection is made before and shortly after they are hung. Some varieties are obviously better than others for hanging tomatoes. The secret is always the same, a cool place (maximum 24 degrees), shaded and ventilated, without sudden changes in temperature and not exposed to too much heat, excessive humidity or bad odors.
Despite the fact that tomatoes have existed in the area for several centuries, the history of these hanging tomatoes and the whole culture of their handling and conservation dates back not long ago, specifically to the post-war period, a convulsive period in which In a logical way, the philosophy of subsistence is established among families with the supply of food according to seasons and for the whole year, with special emphasis on this type of food full of properties and vitamins.
Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 24C-28C
Germination time in days: 7-14 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 80-120 days
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil requirement: Well drained and rich
Sowing and cultivation: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.Sow seed in a propagator from March in warmth. Keep small plants in a sunny, frost-free environment until they can be planted in the greenhouse from late April or outdoors in late May.
