Blended Canned Tomato Products Reappear in Economic Circles

In a bid to mitigate the financial strain of expensive tomatoes, many Nigerian households have reverted to purchasing pre-cooked tomato mix, a practice that had largely fallen out of favor. This shift is likely a response to the economic pressures facing families in the country.

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The tomato mix in question is a blend of tomatoes, habanero peppers, and onions that have been boiled and then cooled before being packaged in cellophane sachets for sale. These sachets are typically priced between N200 and N500.

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According to Mrs. Ramota Abdul, a vendor of vegetables, the decision to start selling the boiled tomato mix was driven by the frequent power outages in her area, which made it difficult for residents to use their electric blenders. The lack of reliable electricity, combined with the rising cost of fuel, has increased the expense of blending ingredients in the market.

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Mrs. Abdul's business has been struggling due to the high costs, prompting her to explore alternative ways to generate income, including the sale of the pre-cooked tomato mix. She offers both a standard version and a variant infused with ginger, turmeric, and garlic.

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Initially, Mrs. Abdul was uncertain about the demand for the product, but it has proven to be popular, with some days seeing sales of up to a basket of the tomato paste mix. The convenience of the pre-cooked mix is a major draw for many customers, who are often busy and find it easier to purchase the blended and boiled product.

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The trade in boiled tomato mix had previously fallen out of favor due to concerns over hygiene and the quality of the ingredients used, as well as the increasing adoption of handheld and electric blenders. However, the resurgence of this practice appears to be driven by the current economic and logistical challenges facing many households.

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Mrs. Rolake Daudu, a trader, recalls purchasing a similar product, known as "ata lilo" in Yoruba, during her childhood on Itire road in Lagos, where it was often served with waterleaf. She has recently started buying the boiled tomato mix again and finds it to be a valuable time-saving convenience.

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Mrs. Daudu typically purchases the tomato paste in bulk, spending between N6000 and N10,000, and then portions it out and freezes it for later use. She appreciates the quality of the product, which is made with fresh ingredients and has a dry consistency, and also values the option to purchase shredded versions.

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Mrs. Grace Amedu, a clothing vendor, was surprised to see a large crowd gathered around a seller of the boiled tomato mix, with customers ranging from students to mothers and men. While she was impressed by the seller's initiative in addressing a common problem, she remains hesitant to purchase the product due to concerns over hygiene and quality control.

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Mrs. Amedu's reservations stem from past experiences with the product, which was often made with rotten or soured ingredients, and she believes that excellent hygiene practices are essential for vendors selling this type of product. Despite her own reservations, she acknowledges the value of the service being provided by the seller.