What is Tomatillo ?

Tomatillo, also called husk tomato is a fruit enclosed in a thick husk. It is believed to have come into the United States from Mexico. Tomatillos are essential constituents of fresh and cooked sauces in South America.


How do tomatillos look ?
It is a small green coloured fruit with a thick brown husk around it. The fruit is yellow when it is ripe and it fills the husk. The quality of tomatillos is decided on its firmness and its tart flavour, which is what tomatillos contribute to culinary taste. In a good quality tomatillo the husk will be fresh, not shriveled and dry.


Common names of Tomatillo
Tomatillos are also known as husk cherry, husk tomato, jam berry, Mexican tomato or ground cherry. In Spanish it is called tomato de cascara, tomato milpero and various other names. In Mexico and Guatemala, it is called miltomate.


How to preserve tomatillos ?
Fresh and ripe tomatillos- sliced or whole can stay in the refrigerator for about two weeks. They stay longer if the skin is peeled and the fruits are packed in airtight bags. This ensures its freshness for a longer period.

 


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Requirements for growing tomatillos
Like tomatoes, tomatillo plants require a warm environment and fertile soil. It should be planted about 18 inches apart in rows with a three feet gap between them. Ensure that they are protected from frost and too much sunlight. It takes 120 days for fruits to mature.

 

Origin of tomatillo
Tomatillos are believed to have originated in Central Mexico. From there, it was taken to Europe and other parts of the world. In Mexico, it was grown on a commercial basis about ten years ago. It is now an important business commodity with 80 percent of the tomatillos being exported to the US.
 

Time of availability
Tomatillos are available from May to November in most places.

 

Nutritional content of tomatillos
Tomatillos are citrus fruits with a rich content of Vitamin C.

Uses of tomatillos
Tomatillos have always been an integral part of the diet of South Americans, especially in Mexico and Gautemala. It is an essential part of the sauces which are prepared from the fruit, alongwith green chillis. This adds a nice flavour to the dishes and stimulates the taste buds. The tomatillo fruit whether cooked or raw becomes a base for chili sauces while making purees or minced meat. It is an important ingredient in stews too. When the tomato husks are added to tomale dough for making fritters, it gives sponginess to it. It also plays a role in making red meat ender and adds flavour to white rice.


Preparation of tomatillos
Tomatillos can be prepared in various ways. A simple recipe is given below:
First, remove the husks and wash the tomatillos. Now cook the tomatillos, whole or sliced into pieces. It should be steamed with a small measure of water in a covered saucepan for about five to seven minutes. You now get a sauce with the skin and seeds giving a fine texture to the sauce. This can be added to dishes for flavour or used as a seasoning with salt, pepper and hot chillis and served as a delicious side dish.
 

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Article Contributed By: Sabina Zacharias
 

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