This crop is also known by the name of "Bitter Tomato", "Ngogwe" or "Ntongo". This is a tropical plant, and its growth is almost the same as eggplant.
The plant grows to a height of one to one and a half meters and its branches and leaves form a bush. Candle tomatoes can be classified into two groups: the type that produces small, very bitter fruits and the type that produces large, slightly bitter fruits.
The color of the fruit is green or green-yellow, or yellow-white, and when fully ripe it turns red. When the fruits reach maturity, they are no longer suitable for eating, except for providing seeds for planting. The fruits are cooked or fried and made into a sauce, or mixed with other vegetables. It is also cooked with ndi.
Planting: Seedlings are grown by planting seeds that are planted in the nursery and cared for like other crops. When the seedlings reach a height of 10 to 15 centimeters or four 4 leaves are planted in the garden, at a distance of 50 by 75 centimeters or 90 by 90 centimeters, up to 120 by 120; this depends on the size of its bush. "Ngogwe" plants are cared for like eggplants, they need fertile soil and sufficient moisture. Crops begin to be harvested two months after transplanting, and harvesting continues for a little longer.
Enemies: Candle Tomato is a tough plant, as it can withstand water shortages more than other types of Vegetables. Similarly, you are not much attacked by some Diseases
caused by rain or slowness. Although there are diseases and insects that attack this crop, the effects are not so great as to frighten or discourage the farmer. Cleaning the garden and changing the crop rotation can eliminate the threat.
Harvesting: Vegetables are harvested when they are still fresh. So that they can stay for a long time (even two weeks) without spoiling, it is recommended to pick them together with a part of their fruits. The pods are peeled when preparing them for cooking. Therefore, this product can be transported to distant markets without damage.
Farmer increase production in vegetable crops to grow your economy.
Benefits of bitter tomatoes (ngogwe)
1. It improves the health of the body because it contains many nutrients including vitamin A, B and C.
2. It contains vitamin K that helps to strengthen the blood vessels, so it helps the exercise of blood circulation in our bodies.
3. It contains potassium minerals that add water to the body but also contains potassium minerals.
4. It contains Vitamin A that strengthens the skin and the ability of the eyes to see well
5. It helps a person to avoid problems with stomach full of gas but also helps men to avoid hernia disease.
6. It is an ingredient that helps reduce sugar levels.
NB: A distance of 50 cm by 75 cm is very good because you can get a lot of crops and reduce the amount of weeds if you consider in cover crop but you have to make sure your land is well fertile because the use of fertilizers is high.
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