Tomatillo

Also known asMexican Husk Tomato · Physalis philadelphica

Name: Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica), also called Mexican husk tomato or tomate verde — a small, round, green fruit enclosed in a papery husk, with a tart, tangy, slightly citrusy flavour. It is related to the tomato but is a different plant, in the same genus as the cape gooseberry.

Description

The tomatillo is native to Mexico and was domesticated by the Aztecs, who may have grown it before the tomato. It is a key ingredient of Mexican cuisine, and the base of salsa verde, a green sauce used in enchiladas, chilaquiles and tacos.

When tomatillos ripen, they fill the husk and split it open. They are usually used while still green and firm, though they turn yellow or purple when fully ripe and become sweeter. The surface is sticky when the husk is removed, and should be rinsed.

Main nutrition value

Tomatillos provide vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and fibre, along with plant compounds called withanolides, for very few calories.

How best to be consumed

Tomatillos are usually cooked, but can also be eaten raw in salsas.

1. Remove the husks and rinse off the sticky coating, then roast, broil or boil until soft.
2. Blend with chillies, onion, garlic, coriander and lime for salsa verde.
3. Add raw, finely chopped, to fresh salsas for a bright, tangy flavour.
4. Simmer in stews, soups and sauces for chicken and pork.
5. Choose firm fruits that fill their husks, and store in the fridge in a paper bag.

Overconsumption could cause…

Tomatillos are safe and healthy in food amounts.

1. Heartburn or reflux from the acidity, particularly in sensitive people.
2. Reactions in a small number of people sensitive to nightshade plants, such as joint or digestive complaints, though evidence is limited.
3. Stomach upset from eating the husk, which is not edible, or unripe raw fruit in large amounts.
4. Heat and salt in prepared salsas.

GroupsFruit VegetablesNightshade family (Solanaceae)Low sodiumMexican and Latin AmericanFresh

Related foodsHabaneroJalapeñoPoblanoSerrano PepperBeefsteak TomatoBell Pepper / Capsicum

Wikipedia — Tomatillo, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomatillo