Tomatoes are probably the vegetables that generate the most interest, from a financial aspect. The tomato found its way to Messinia from various sources, and quickly became a staple product in many areas. Of the many varieties traditionally cultivated (chondrokatsari, katsari, rosé, Canadeza), the chondrokatsari is the one that stands out, holding a prominent place as a favorite among the people of Messinia. The aim of the study is to assess the nutritional value of this particular variety. Promulgating the nutritional value of this traditionally cultivated Messinian variety will contribute to increasing its added value, and will open the door to more cultivation opportunities. The assessment of its nutritional value will be based on determining the variety’s bioactive elements, and its antioxidant properties. These will be studied alongside maturation time and cultivation techniques, in order to determine the conditions that improve its nutritional profile. Finally, the unique nutritional characteristics of the chondrokatsari variety will be compared to those of other tomato varieties.

The aim of this scientific study is to create a genetic record and determine the genetic differences between the chondrokatsari and other cultivated varieties, which can be found in various areas in Greece. Creating a genetic record for the variety is the first and most important step in order to document and protect it, through the national list of cultivated varieties.

The study is carried out by the Technological Educational Institute (T.E.I.) of Peloponnese, and the first results are expected within 2016.