Description

🍅 Tomato Specifications – General Overview

1. Variety:

• Popular Indian Varieties for Export:

  • Pusa Ruby, Pusa Early Dwarf – Round, red, early maturing.

  • Arka Rakshak, Arka Vikas – Firm, disease-resistant, export-grade.

  • Hybrid Varieties – Longer shelf life, better firmness, uniform size.

2. Size & Grading:

• Graded by diameter:

  • Small: 35–50 mm

  • Medium: 50–65 mm

  • Large: 65–80 mm

• Export preference: Medium to large, uniform shape, and size.

3. Color:

• Skin: Bright red to deep red when fully ripe (depends on variety).

• Flesh: Juicy, red, and firm with small seeds.

4. Shape & Texture:

• Round to slightly flattened or oval depending on the variety.

• Firm, smooth skin without cracks, bruises, or green shoulders.

• No soft spots, wrinkles, or water-soaked areas.

5. Ripeness & Maturity:

• Export preference: Breaker to pink stage (partially ripe, firm).

• This allows for ripening during transit while reducing spoilage.

6. Moisture Content:

• High (over 90%), making it perishable.

• Requires careful handling and cooling post-harvest.

7. Packaging:

• Common pack sizes: 5 kg, 10 kg, or 20 kg in:

  • Corrugated fiberboard boxes

  • Plastic crates with padding

• Ventilated and cushioned to avoid bruising.

• Labeling includes:

  • Variety

  • Grade

  • Net weight

  • Country of Origin

  • Date of Harvest

8. Shelf Life:

• At room temperature: 3–5 days

• In cold storage (12°C to 15°C): Up to 10–14 days

• Chilling below 10°C may affect taste and texture.

9. Storage Conditions:

• Temperature: 12°C to 15°C (depending on ripeness stage)

• Relative Humidity: 85% – 90%

• Keep away from ethylene-sensitive products during storage.

10. Nutritional Content (per 100g):

• Calories: ~18 kcal

• Rich in: