Kerala's young farmer grows 70 types of tomatoes including a 'black beauty;' Here's why it's considered most nutritious

Did you know that India has around 1,000 varieties of tomatoes growing in the country? According to the University of Vermont, there are more than 10,000 varieties of the "vegetable fruit," which is a major presence in various preparations worldwide. If you love tomatoes and are eager to explore a few of these varieties, you can visit young farmer Suraj Purushothaman's farm in Mathamangalam, near Bathery in Kerala's Wayanad. The youngster, who has won the award for the Best Student Farmer in Kerala a while ago, grows around 70 varieties of tomatoes on his farm.

It's been almost five years since he became obsessed with tomato varieties, and his farm features those that weigh from 20 grams to half a kilogram per tomato. He also has tomato saplings that can be grown in tea cups to reach heights of up to 10 feet, and tomatoes in various colours, including pink, green, yellow, red, white, brown, and purple. However, the most unique of them all are his black tomatoes! 

Why are black tomatoes special?
Apparently, it's a variety that was developed in the US from wild tomatoes. While they are cultivated quite extensively in Pakistan and Europe, they are not yet popular in our country. Regardless, it has grown in certain parts of the country as 'Indigo Rose Tomato' and is even considered a superfood in some places. Interestingly, the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences states that black tomatoes are rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids—bioactive compounds that make them highly nutritious.

Here are a few of their health benefits:
1) Black tomatoes possess anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent chronic diseases.
2) Black tomato extracts can apparently inhibit the growth of certain cancer cell lines.
3) They can help with enhanced sperm motility and improve male fertility.
4) They can neutralise free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress and improve sleep quality.
5) Black tomatoes can also help reduce fine lines, sun damage, and wrinkles while boosting collagen production.