Alternative to fresh tomatoes as ‘Tuta Absoluta’ outbreak, seasonality bites harder

By: Amadi Vincent Uzoma

As the price of fresh tomatoes triples in less than a month, many Nigerians are now looking for alternatives to the vegetable that is the main ingredient in the country’s legendary jollof rice dish. Tomato prices in Africa’s most populous country rose 350% to N45,000 for a 25kg basket from N10,000 three weeks ago, while a large basket increased by N40,000 to N120,000 in the same period.
Currently, many households have reduced their consumption of Jollof rice and other foods in which fresh tomatoes are the main ingredient due to sudden increases in prices. This price increase is linked to the invasion of a pest called Tuta absoluta or tomato Ebola, which is affecting tomato crops in many of the country’s main producing states.

Furthermore, adverse climate changes affect the production of this vegetable. As the Federal Government attempts to find a solution, in no particular order, BusinessDay has identified three vegetables that are good alternatives to fresh tomatoes and can be incorporated into the diet of Nigerians.

Carrots
In mixed form, carrots are a good alternative to fresh tomatoes. This vegetable not only has a sweet taste but can also produce the bright red color of fresh tomatoes when used in large quantities. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immunity, heart, kidney, and liver health, and provide other health benefits. Mixed with chili and carrots can add the red color of fresh tomatoes to Jollof rice and stews. Carrots are sold for N200 or more depending on location. They are an inexpensive alternative to fresh tomatoes.

Eggplant
Although it doesn’t give dishes the usual red color of fresh tomatoes, eggplant is a good alternative to fresh tomatoes. It contains large amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and only a few calories. Eggplants make an unusual sauce because of their thickness and sweetness. The fruit is a large egg-shaped berry with a shiny surface, ranging in color from dark purple to red, pink, yellow, or white. It can be used to cook stew that can be eaten with rice, yams, potatoes, bananas, and other dishes. Eggplants are sold in many markets in Nigeria at a more affordable price than fresh tomatoes.
Beets
Red in color, beets are an alternative to fresh tomatoes. Once mixed, beets can be added to dishes ranging from salads as a coloring agent to Jollof rice and stews.
Beetroot juice is linked to many health benefits, including improved blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance. They are also not as expensive as fresh tomatoes and they can replace fresh tomatoes, and contain many nutrients that are beneficial to human health. Sugar beets are sold in many markets across the country.