Tomatillo, (Physalis philadelphica), also called Mexican ground cherry or Mexican husk tomato, annual plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and its tart edible fruits. The plant is native to
Mexico and Central America
, where it has been an important food crop for millennia.
Who invented tomatillo?
Tomatillos—also called husk tomatoes and Mexican ground cherries—predate tomatoes by about 300 years and are generally smaller, with tinier seeds and denser flesh than tomatoes. Tomatillos were first domesticated by
the Aztecs
around 800 BCE, and have been an important crop in Central America ever since.
Why are tomatillos toxic?
Is a tomatillo toxic / poisonous? There are parts of the plant that are poisonous, including the leaves, husk, and stem. As the fruit ripens, the papery husk
(also known as the lantern) will loosen, revealing the fruit inside
. The husk will leave behind a sticky residue.
Are tomatillo part of the tomato family?
Tomatillos aren’t baby tomatoes. Yeah. Even though the Spanish name translates to “little tomato,”
they are something else entirely
. … Tomatillos, sometimes called husk tomatoes, look like green, unripe tomatoes with a dry, leafy husk that wraps around the outside.
Where are tomatillos grown?
If you’ve ever seen one, you probably wonder, “What is a tomatillo?” Tomatillo plants (Physalis philadelphica) are native to Mexico. They are quite common in the western hemisphere of the United States, and will most assuredly be found growing in
Texas and New Mexico
.
Can you eat tomatillos raw?
If eaten raw, tomatillos can be a little acidic and sharp-tasting. When cooked, their flavor tends to mellow, letting their sweeter side shine. Toss raw chopped tomatillos in
salads
, or roast or grill them whole and add them to salsas and dips.
How poisonous are tomatillos?
A:
Ripe and mature tomatillos are not toxic
. It is one of the edible seasonal fruits in USDA’s SNAP-Education for Nutrition Education. However, everything else in the plant is poisonous. Unripe tomatillos are also toxic, so you have to make sure you are getting the ripe ones before mixing them with your food.
Are tomatillos healthy for you?
Tomatillos contain
a high level of fiber
, that can help to improve digestion! One cup of tomatillos contains 2.6 grams of fiber– this accounts for 10% of the daily fiber needs for women and 7% for men. 2. Tomatillos contain unique antioxidant phytochemicals that have been linked to anti-cancer properties.
Are tomatillos good for arthritis?
Tomatillos also contain significant amounts of vitamin C and phytochemical compounds that are antibacterial and potentially cancer fighting. Traditional healers in India touted tomatillos as
beneficial for arthritis
, and joint and muscle conditions because they fight inflammation in the body.
Are tomatillos toxic to dogs?
If your dog sometimes visits your vegetable garden, be sure to limit his access to the tomato, potato and other nightshade plants, including bell pepper, eggplant and tomatillo. Leafy greens and lettuces are fine, but the leaves and stems of certain plants like potato, tomato, and rhubarb are
harmful
.
Can tomatillos and tomatoes be planted together?
You can grow both tomatillos and tomatoes in pots on a warm patio or porch
, but choose determinate varieties of tomatoes – these stop getting taller by mid-season – or miniature tomato cultivars, and keep tomatoes and tomatillos in separate pots for best results.
Is tomatillo a pepper or tomato?
Tomatillos are small,
round fruits resembling little tomatoes
bearing a papery outer covering. They are members of the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Though they are usually green, they can ripen to be any number of other colors, including yellow, purple, and red.
What’s the difference between green tomatoes and red tomatoes?
There are two types of green tomatoes, those that are green when fully ripe (generally heirloom varieties), and yes,
unripe tomatoes
. … Unripe (red) tomatoes will be pale green all over, feel nearly solid and will have a more acidic or tart flavor.
What can you not plant with tomatillos?
Unfriendly Plants
Corn and kohlrabi
should be planted in a separate area of the garden when growing tomatillos. Corn attracts pests that attack the tomatillo plant, and kohlrabi stunts the growth of the tomatillo plant. The plant does not grow well with fennel or dill, either.
Do tomatillos like hot weather?
Tomatillos are simple to grow with a tart distinctive flavor that is delicious in salsa and sauces.
Tomatillos thrive in warm weather
and are often heavy producers.
What can I use instead of tomatillos?
For a tomatillo substitute, buy
underripe tomatoes and add a squeeze of lime juice
. You will often see tomatillos in Mexican dishes like salsas, tacos, soups, and enchiladas. This swap might work well in a recipe like Slow Cooker Chicken Verde, Ceviche Verde, White Chili with Avocado Cream or Baja Fish Tacos.
