Also known as Ciliegino or cherry tomatoes,
it is considered the greatest richness of agriculture
in south eastern Sicily,
which are widely cultivated in the greenhouses
around the area of Pachino, Marzamemi and Portopalo.
This variety of cherry tomatoes,
born and developed in these fertile areas
at the beginning of the last century,
is characterized by bunches of small tomatoes of a
super ruby colour with low acidity and a particularly
sweet flavour.
The extraordinary success achieved in fruit and vegetables markets
the world over is due to the high content of beneficial substances
for the human organism.
In fact, it contains lycopene a carotenoid and a potent
age-defying antioxidant.
It helps fight some cancers and ageing diseases by countering
the damaging effects of free radicals in tissues.
The tomato is also a good source of vitamin C,
important in preventing arthritis, rheumatisms, and
cardiovascular diseases.
Due to all these factrors,
the tomato from Pachino was designated in 2003 as the
first IGP tomato ( Protected Geographic Indication) to safeguard
against possible commercial counterfeits.
The cherry tomatoes from Pachino,
a unique product appreciated all over the world,
is grown organically in healthy soil with no use
of pesticides or chemical fertilizers,
as the structures used for the cultivation (greenhouses)
must undergo specifics controls.