Naranjilla
Naranjilla (lat. Solanum quitoense) is a fruit shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family. Naranjilla is often called naranjilla or Quito nightshade.
Description
Naranjilla is a rather pretty herbaceous fruit and ornamental shrub, capable of reaching a height of one and a half to two meters. Even though its stems are quite thick, they are still very fragile.
The carved and rather large leaf blades of this culture are endowed with purple hairs (elastic, sparse spines rise between these hairs) and clearly defined veins. In protected ground, the width of the leaf blades can reach thirty centimeters and the length — ninety. And the flowers and fruits of the bizarre plant are characterized by slight pubescence.
Naranjilla flowers can be either snow-white or pale lilac. By the way, they are very similar to potato flowers. Most often their diameter reaches two to three centimeters.
The round-elliptical orange naranjilla fruits, covered with easily removable white hairs, reach a diameter of six centimeters. Each fruit is divided inside by thick partitions into four sectors and is filled with numerous creamy-whitish seeds. The sweet and sour taste of this fruit is reminiscent of a mixture of strawberries, passion fruit and pineapple, and in appearance the fruits look like shaggy tomatoes.
Where does it grow
The foothills of the Andes are considered the birthplace of naranjilla. Now this crop is actively cultivated in Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia and the Antilles.
Application
Naranjilla is widely used for preparing various desserts, fruit drinks and juices.
This fruit is very rich in vitamins and carotene, so it is recommended for people who have any eye problems. In addition, regular consumption of naranjilla will help get rid of insomnia and overcome fatigue, since the B vitamins contained in the fruit have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. And ascorbic acid in these healthy fruits helps strengthen the immune system and makes the body more resistant to the negative effects of all kinds of infections and viruses.
Pepsin contained in naranjilla has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system, and fiber significantly improves intestinal function and helps not only cope with constipation, but also prevent its occurrence. And “bad” cholesterol will be eliminated from the body very quickly. And since naranjilla is low in calories, it can be safely consumed without harming your figure.
Growing and care
Naranjilla can be grown as a greenhouse plant or as a garden annual. When growing this crop, it is important to take into account that it is a short-day plant — if the daylight hours are long, such a nuisance as pollen sterilization cannot be ruled out. In addition, naranjilla is quite sensitive to cold and cannot withstand even minor frosts. She also does not welcome excessive dryness with heat — the growth of this beauty is delayed both when the thermometer rises above thirty degrees and when it drops below ten degrees. And if you try to grow naranjilla in regions with high night temperatures, it simply will not bear fruit.
This crop needs high humidity: even in moderately dry conditions, its growth will be suspended, and the leaves of the plant will become soft and lethargic. Naranjilla also does not like direct sunlight and is intolerant of salt.
Naranjilla is propagated both vegetatively and by seeds. At the same time, seed germination can reach only 50%.
