Tomato can be a taken as a vegetable or fruit, and it is widely grown in various parts of the world. Its bright red exterior and rich vitamin C make it very popular, be it the big or small variety. Kaohsiung’s famous tomato cultivation areas are Lujhu, Meinong and Alian. Lujhu’s favorable soil, weather condition and technology assure the quality of Lujhu’s tomatoes. There are over ten varieties of tomatoes such as Jin-mi, Ai-zhu, Jin-ying, Beauty, Li-jin, sweet, black pearl, momotaro, etc.
Meinong’s “orange-honey tomato” is a new variety nurtured by local farmers. The cherry tomatoes are irrigated with fermented milk, which are high in protein and can be easily absorbed, increasing the flavor and sweetness of the orange-honey tomatoes by more than 10 brix. Its unique firm mouthfeel is gradually receiving good response by the market. The unique geology of Alian, with the right level of moisture in the soil, creates an overall condition highly suitable for cultivating tomatoes. Some of the well-known varieties are Sheng-yun, Sheng-nu and Yu-nu.