Pomodoro di Pachino facts for kids
The Pomodoro di Pachino is a special kind of tomato from the southeast coast of Sicily, Italy. Its name means "Tomato of Pachino" in English. These tomatoes have a special label called IGP (Protected Geographical Indication). This label means they come from a specific area and are grown in a certain way. The European Union gave them this protection in 2003.
What Kinds of Pachino Tomatoes Are There?
There are four main types of Pomodoro di Pachino tomatoes that can have the special IGP label. They include both small cherry tomatoes and larger salad tomatoes.
- Ciliegino: These are small, round cherry tomatoes. They are often very sweet.
- Costoluto: This type is a large tomato, great for salads. It looks a bit like a beefsteak tomato.
- Tondo liscio: These tomatoes are round and have a smooth skin.
- Grappolo: This name means 'grape' tomato. They often grow in clusters, like grapes.
Where Are Pachino Tomatoes Grown?
The special area where Pomodoro di Pachino tomatoes can be grown is in Sicily. This area is bordered by a few towns. To the north, you'll find Noto. To the south, there's Portopalo di Capo Passero. Both of these towns are in the Province of Syracuse. To the west, the area reaches Ispica, which is in the Province of Ragusa. This specific region helps give the tomatoes their unique taste and quality.
