1. Mutual Cultural Influence of Colonization and Migration
General Secondary School
“Hristo Botev” - Aytos

2. The tastiest tomatoes in the whole world
Bulgarian Tomatoes
The tastiest tomatoes in the whole world

3. Where do tomatoes originate from?
Tomatoes originated from the Andes, in what is now called Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador - where they grew wild.  They were first cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 AD.

4. When did tomatoes first arrive in Europe?
Tomatoes didn’t arrive in Europe until the 16th Century, although it is not known how.  It has been said that they were brought back from Central America by Spanish Conquistadors.
Another legend suggests that two Jesuit priests brought them to Italy from Mexico.  Others say Columbus brought the first tomato to Europe. 

5. What were the first cultivated tomatoes like?
The first cultivated tomatoes were yellow and cherry-sized, earning them the name golden apples. They were considered poisonous but appreciated for their beauty.

6. What is the Latin name for the cultivated tomato?
The Latin name for the cultivated tomato is Lycopersicon escutentum, which means edible wolf's peach, though no one is quite sure why wolf's peach.
Soon after the tomato's arrival in Europe, it was also known as the Peruvian apple.

7. Tomato output in 2005

8. What is being done to improve fruit quality in respect of flavour, texture, appearance and shelf-life?
This is being achieved by the development of new varieties and fruit types, improved systems on handling fruit and grading after harvest, to allow fruit to ripen on the vine, and understanding more about the basic biology of plant growth and fruit development.
Consumer research is being undertaken to define buying patterns and consumer expectations to ensure the industry meets the demands of today's market.

9. Bulgarian vegetable research institutes:
Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute – Plovdiv
Plant Protection Institute – Kostinbrod
Agrarian University – Plovdiv
Institute of Genetics – Sofia
Institute for Plant and Genetic Resources – Sadovo
Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute - General Toshevo

10. What is the level of Bulgarian tomato production per year?
In 2009 tomato production is tones / ½ of fresh vegetable production/
In 2011 the tomato production was tones / open field produced – tones, greenhouse production – tones/.
It is 40 % of fresh vegetable production in 2011.
The area planted with tomatoes is , 5 ha.

11. How many tonnes of fresh tomatoes are consumed each year?
At present the consumption is about 100 kg. per capita of fresh and processed products.
Bulgaria's annual canned food production is about tons per year while before 1994 it was about 1 million tons per year because of the economic crisis.

13. What are the nutritional benefits of tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and lycopene and flavonoids ( also found in red wine and tea).
Tomatoes also contain potassium, calcium and other mineral salts.  Potassium has been linked to lowering blood pressure and calcium is vital for healthy bones and teeth.  Grilled tomatoes are high in carotene and folate.         

14. Bulgarian varieties of tomato
Sofia
Maturity
midseason
Growth habit
indetermined
Leaf type
regular
Fruit color
red
Fruit shape
round, oblate
Fruit size
medium
Fruit type
slicer, canner

15. Indetermined, regular foliage, red, large oblate beefsteak fruit, up to 700 gr. Sweet flavor.
Plovdivski

16. Druzba Maturity midseason Growth habit indet. Leaf type regular
Fruit color
red
Fruit shape
round
Fruit size
medium
Fruit type
slicer, canner

17. Cherven Eder – RedLarge Bulgarian
Indetermined, regular foliage, orangy-red large oblate ffew seeds in proportion ruit, very pleasant flavor. Fleshy, juicy, to its size.

18. Bivolsko Sertse - Bull’s Heart
Maturity
midseason
Growth habit
indet.
Leaf type
regular
Fruit color
red
Fruit shape
heart
Fruit size
medium
Fruit type
cooking, paste, slicer

19. Large Pink Bulgarian Maturity midseason Growth habit indet. Leaf type
regular
Fruit color
pink
Fruit shape
beefsteak
Fruit size
large
Fruit type
slicer

20. Some facts about Bulgarian tomatoes production
Bulgaria is a major supplier of grapes, apples, and tomatoes to Europe and the former Soviet Union.
During the commercial 2009 the production of tomatoes was tons.
The export of fresh tomatoes in 2009 is 10 740 tons, which is approximately by 35% of the total export of fresh vegetables. The largest quantities are exported to Romania – 9 479 tons, Germany – 564 tons, Greece – 405 tons, etc.

21. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This presentation reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Thanks for your attention!