
PARTICIPATORY EVALUATION OF TOMATO HERITAGE VARIETIES
Ano Lechonia, 7.9.2016, LOTUS ORGANIC RESEARCH FARM
On Saturday, July 9, 2016, the Eco Research Farm LOTUS, the headquarters of AEGILOPS in Ano Lechonia Volos organized a participatory evaluation field day for around 30 tomato varieties, mainly domestic and unimproved, originating from various areas of Greece and grown for either amateur or professional purposes. The evaluation included field assessment of both the plants and their fruit at the ripening stage. Specifically, the robustness of the plants, appearance of the fruit, the yield and the taste were assessed, using a questionnaire and a visual scale rating. Also from the research, participants were asked to justify their possible choice of preference or not for specific varieties for cultivation or consumption. The range of varieties evaluated came from the region of Thessaly (Pelion, Olympus, Larissa, Karditsa), Macedonia (Thessaloniki, Mount Athos, Drama), Achaia, Ionian, Lesvos, Chios and the Cyclades and included large fruited, mesocarp and small fruited varieties (pink, black or red), for various uses.
Research Guests The research involved about 30 amateur and professional growers and gardeners, members and friends (young and old) of AEGILOPS. The tasting took place under the shade in the traditional farmhouse courtyard accompanied by homemade bread, pies and grilled fish and of course ample raki and wine.