Solanum quitoense facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Solanum quitoense |
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| Whole and transversely-cut fruit | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Solanum
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| Species: |
quitoense
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Solanum quitoense, known as Naranjilla ( "little orange") in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Panama and as Lulo ( from Quechua) in Colombia, is a tropical perennial plant from northwestern Colombia. The specific name for this species of nightshade means "from Quito."
The lulo plant is attractive, with large elongated heart- or oval-shaped leaves up to 45 cm in length. The leaves and stems of the plant are covered in short purple hairs. Naranjilla are delicate plants and must be protected from strong winds and direct sunlight. They grow best in partial shade.
The fruit has a citrus flavour, sometimes described as a combination of rhubarb and lime. The juice of the naranjilla is green and is often used as a juice or for a drink called lulada.
Agriculture
The naranjilla has been proposed as a new flavoring for the global food industry, but it fares poorly in large-scale cultivation, presenting an obstacle to its wider use. Its fruit, like tomatoes, is easily damaged when ripe, so is usually harvested unripe. The fruits are found at markets. It is common for locals to make beverages by adding sugar and water to the freshly squeezed fruits.
Images for kids
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Rural Costa Rican farmers prepare fruit with salt
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Unripe fruit flesh
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Ripe fruit flesh
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New leaf
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Bud
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Bud and young leaf
See also
In Spanish: Lulo para niños
