UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has said it is to trial a new breed of black tomato, called the Kumato.

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The Kumato, a super-sweet tomato that originated in the Galapagos Islands, has been developed to withstand the dry, salty growing conditions of the Mediterranean, reported Reuters.


Sainsbury’s said the Kumato has high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, and is believed by some to be an aphrodisiac.


“The story goes that seeds were fermented and spread by giant tortoises after consumption of the tomato,” Sainsbury’s was quoted by Reuters as saying. 


“Moreover, it was said that tortoises eating these tomatoes were mating considerably more than those who didn’t, harking back to the once traditional view that tomatoes are a natural aphrodisiac,” the retailer added.

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