That Beautiful Little Tomatillo
Posted by Linda on Dec 03, 2009 on the Juice Daddy Blog
Tomatillos have a great taste and are not used often here in America, unless you are of hispanic origin.
Photo of our tomatillos at home. They range from 2 inches in diameter to 4 inches in diameter...and believe it or not, they are not hot as some believe they are. They are great in salsas and in veggie tonics. Share this blog with your friends
Linda and I use tomatillos frequently in raw salsas and also in juice.
But here’s a LITTLE BIT about their background:
1. Although the name “tomatillo” translates as “little tomato” these tangy citrus-like fruits of the plant.
2. Tomatillos are only distant cousins of tomatoes. They are more closely related to Cape Gooseberries. Found in specialty vegetable departments or at farmer’s markets in New Zealand when they ripen at the end of February, and looking like small green tomatoes with papery covers around them.
3. Tomatillos are native to Mexico, with one variety growing wild there. The fruits, which are about the same size as a cherry tomato, do not change colour as they ripen, though if left on the plant for long enough they may turn slightly yellow, but we don’t let that happen, because if they turn yellow (which takes a few weeks to happen), they lose their flavor and good taste.
Leaving their papery covers on, you can store tomatillos in the fridge, unlike tomatoes, where they will keep well for several weeks.
Some Healthy Benefits of Tomatillos:
Tomatillos are now considered an anti-cancer food and contain many nutrients, including vitamins C and K, lycopene, potassium, flavonoids and folate.
Promising results relating to colon cancer are being studied.
To see Tomatillo recipes on the Juice Daddy Blog click HERE.
