Is anyone familiar with Cameron Highlands & Kampong?

Mrs.B _in_WY · November 23, 2010

I traded seeds with a gardener in Malaysia recently and asked if he had access to any local tomato varieties. He sent Cameron Highlands and Kampong. I found a little information about the Cameron Highlands - as in a retreat/resort area of Malaysia - as well as an impressive-looking Cameron Highlands Greenhouse but no specific information on Cameron Highlands tomato. Ditto on Kampong. I did ask my gardener friend if he has any additional information on these guys, but it may be a while before I hear back.

In the meantime, I thought I'd ask people here if they've grown either variety or if they have any general information about them.

Thank you!

MikeT_PDX · November 23, 2010

Mrs. B

While I haven't grown either of those varieties, I've lived and worked in Malaysia and have spent time at the Cameron Highlands.

As the name suggests, Cameron Highlands is high up in a mountainous region, and the climate is much different than that in the lowlands....in fact it reminded me of Oregon: while I was there the days were warm and dry, and the nights were chilly. They grow crops there that are more typical of temperate climates: I recall fields of strawberries, roses, and tea.
(And as an FYI, a Kampong is the name given small, traditional Malaysian villages.)

I would grow those if I were you, and expect good quality fruit. The thing I remember most about my time in Malaysia is that GOOD food is very important. Only the very best restuarants and food hawkers survive; the people are proud of their cuisines and very particular that everything is prepared perfectly. The produce markets are the best I've ever seen....only top quality fruits and vegetables are offered for sale.

This may not be much help with a description of those tomato varieties, but I would almost guarantee any variety of produce popular in Malaysia is first rate.

good luck.....Mike

Mrs.B _in_WY · November 24, 2010

How very encouraging Mike. Thanks very much!

I was a little worried about even asking my friend to send Malaysian varieties in the first place. I mean, honestly, why would an "tropical" tomato want to move to Wyoming? I'd feel nearly as badly for the tomato as I did for my stepson when he came to live with us -- from Phoenix. The poor guy didn't have any of the essentials like hat, gloves, coat, etc. Furthermore, he thought "packs" were something to be worn on his back instead of his feet

.

Thank you again!

PS - My friend sent quite a few seeds, so I'd be happy to share if anyone else is interested in trying them. too.

Mrs.B _in_WY · November 28, 2010

My friend sent the following information about these two varieties:

The Cameron Highlands tomato should do well in your cool climate. They are big and lovely with very little seeds. We use them mainly for salad. The Kampong variety is the common variety that grows practically everywhere. They are smaller and taste a bit sour. They are used mainly for curry dishes.

November 23, 2010	#1
Mrs.B _in_WY Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cheyenne, WY - zone 5a Posts: 33	Is anyone familiar with Cameron Highlands & Kampong? I traded seeds with a gardener in Malaysia recently and asked if he had access to any local tomato varieties. He sent Cameron Highlands and Kampong. I found a little information about the Cameron Highlands - as in a retreat/resort area of Malaysia - as well as an impressive-looking Cameron Highlands Greenhouse but no specific information on Cameron Highlands tomato. Ditto on Kampong. I did ask my gardener friend if he has any additional information on these guys, but it may be a while before I hear back. In the meantime, I thought I'd ask people here if they've grown either variety or if they have any general information about them. Thank you!

November 23, 2010	#2
MikeT_PDX Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 17	Mrs. B While I haven't grown either of those varieties, I've lived and worked in Malaysia and have spent time at the Cameron Highlands. As the name suggests, Cameron Highlands is high up in a mountainous region, and the climate is much different than that in the lowlands....in fact it reminded me of Oregon: while I was there the days were warm and dry, and the nights were chilly. They grow crops there that are more typical of temperate climates: I recall fields of strawberries, roses, and tea. (And as an FYI, a Kampong is the name given small, traditional Malaysian villages.) I would grow those if I were you, and expect good quality fruit. The thing I remember most about my time in Malaysia is that GOOD food is very important. Only the very best restuarants and food hawkers survive; the people are proud of their cuisines and very particular that everything is prepared perfectly. The produce markets are the best I've ever seen....only top quality fruits and vegetables are offered for sale. This may not be much help with a description of those tomato varieties, but I would almost guarantee any variety of produce popular in Malaysia is first rate. good luck.....Mike

November 24, 2010	#3
Mrs.B _in_WY Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cheyenne, WY - zone 5a Posts: 33	How very encouraging Mike. Thanks very much! I was a little worried about even asking my friend to send Malaysian varieties in the first place. I mean, honestly, why would an "tropical" tomato want to move to Wyoming? I'd feel nearly as badly for the tomato as I did for my stepson when he came to live with us -- from Phoenix. The poor guy didn't have any of the essentials like hat, gloves, coat, etc. Furthermore, he thought "packs" were something to be worn on his back instead of his feet . Thank you again! PS - My friend sent quite a few seeds, so I'd be happy to share if anyone else is interested in trying them. too.

November 28, 2010	#4
Mrs.B _in_WY Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cheyenne, WY - zone 5a Posts: 33	My friend sent the following information about these two varieties: The Cameron Highlands tomato should do well in your cool climate. They are big and lovely with very little seeds. We use them mainly for salad. The Kampong variety is the common variety that grows practically everywhere. They are smaller and taste a bit sour. They are used mainly for curry dishes.