Sustainable bush produce systems – Post-harvest storage of Solanum centrale and impact on produce quality

Sustainable bush produce systems – Post-harvest storage of Solanum centrale and impact on produce quality Report

DKCRC Research Report

  • Author(s): De Sousa-Majer, M., Singh, Z., De Lima, F., Ryder, M.
  • Tertiary Author(s): Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre
  • Published: 2009
  • Publisher: Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre
  • Volume: 46

Abstract: Solanum centrale is the focal species of the research reported here because it has an existing commercial value and has provided the bulk of commercial bush food produce sourced from desert Australia. The fruit resembles a raisin in size and shape but certainly not in taste. The wider native food industry calls this fruit the bush tomato. Note that in central Australia the fruit of other species is commonly called bush tomato. All Aboriginal dialects have names for the plant, which include Akatyerr(e), Katyerre, Kampurarrpa and Yakajirri. Solanum centrale is found naturally throughout the central and western desert regions of Australia (SA, WA and NT) that are low rainfall, arid regions. Solanum centrale has been, and still is, an important food plant for Aboriginal people in desert Australia. It is a plant that requires water (from rainfall or irrigation) for flowering and fruiting; however, it is well able to withstand and survive periods of drought. The plant responds positively to disturbances such as fire and mechanical damage (e.g. roadside grading). In the modern native foods industry, which dates back approximately 30 years, the fruit of S. centrale has held an important place. The fruit has been in demand over this period and continues to be sought after as an ingredient for a variety of end uses in the food industry.

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Suggested Citation
De Sousa-Majer, M., Singh, Z., De Lima, F., Ryder, M., 2009, Sustainable bush produce systems – Post-harvest storage of Solanum centrale and impact on produce quality, Volume:46, Report, viewed 15 February 2025, https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=5625.

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