Morelle de Balbis (Lychee Tomato)

Spiky, cherry-sized fruit native to South America, aka Litchi Tomato or Fire and Ice. Bright red skin when ripe with a unique flavour that blends the sweetness of a cherry with the tanginess of a tomato. Grows to 5 feet and has thorns and white or light blue flowers. Often used in sauces, jams, and preserves. High in Vitamin C and A. The berries are ripe when the calyx is completely open from September until the first frosts. If harvested earlier, the normally sweet taste will be more acidic. Harvest when needed and consume them quickly. Wear a pair of thick gloves or scissors to make the job easier. Unripe fruits and other plant parts are toxic due to solanine content. More than one plant is recommended for pollination. Annual. 75-90 days to maturity.