The high cost of tomatoes lately is pushing a lot of Ghanaians to look for cheaper alternatives for their cooking needs. Tomatoes are a major staple for the majority of Ghanaian delicacies and it becomes a huge financial burden when it is out of season.
The prices of tomatoes currently are relatively high compared to the prices in the past few years. In major markets in Accra such as Makola, Kaneshie, Ashaiman, and Agbogbloshie, a medium-sized tomato now costs between GHS 1.50 to GHS 2.50, while a small paint container of tomatoes is sold between GHC100 and GHC120.
Obviously, ordinary Ghanaians have to squeeze in order to get their favourite delicacies made with tomatoes.
While the country is waiting for its season, we’re going to help you with cheaper but equally good alternatives for your stews and soups.
The best alternative for tomatoes is carrots and the local red bell peppers. These are less expensive and also give you enough paste when blended.
Depending on where you are located, you’re likely to get 10 to 15 pieces of local red bell peppers for GHC5 and 4 to 5 medium pieces of carrots for GHC5.
How To Use Carrots and Red Bell Peppers For Stews And Soups
Wash these veggies and blend them with onions and other spices of choice.
If your blender is not strong enough, cut into pieces and boil them before blending. Follow the same process of making your tomato stew or soups using these ingredients.
You can use carrots and or local red bell pepper in place of tomatoes in your groundnut, palm nut and light soups using any protein of choice.
Tomatoes Imports In Ghana
Ghana currently imports 90 per cent of its fresh tomato from Burkina Faso, with the current national consumption demand of tomatoes in excess of 800,000 metric tons per annum.
According to trade data from the Ghana Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (Ghana Vegetables) in 2022 the annual tomato import from neighbouring Burkina Faso has hit a staggering US$ 400 million from an estimated US$ 99.5 million in 2018.
