Vitaetom, a Belgium company specializing in organic greenhouse-grown vegetables, recently introduced a new organic variety of tomatoes called Ruby Red.
This deep red plum tomato is a first in the organic market, and its cultivation earned Koen Van Hauteghem, the third-generation owner of Vitaetom, a nomination for the BioVLAM 2024 award.
HortiDaily reports adapting the Ruby Red to organic farming was challenging due to differences in planting methods and soil requirements compared to conventional practices.
The Ruby Reds are grown directly in the soil within heated greenhouses, which required adjustments in planting density and fertilization methods to ensure the best growth.
Despite the challenges, Van Hauteghem is optimistic about the tomato’s potential, noting its excellent flavor and shelf life, which helps reduce food waste.
The first harvest has been well-received, leading to plans for expanding the cultivation area significantly next year.
