What are tomatillos? Tomatillos (TOH-muh-TEE-yos) are fruits that grow similarly to tomatoes, but are totally different in taste and texture. They are informally known as the Mexican husk tomato. The tomato sized plants should be grown in groups of at least two plants as they are not very good self pollinators.
Unlike tomatoes, they are ripe when they are green. The fruit begin as beautiful lantern like globes. As they mature, the fruit grows inside the husks. When the husks split, the fruit is ready to be harvested.
Prepping tomatillos for eating raw or cooking involves removing the dry husk from the fruit. A sticky film covers the fruit underneath, which contains some chemicals called withanolides, which, along with the husk, help ward off insects. The film is easily washed off.
I love the fresh taste of raw cut up tomatillos in salads. When you get the fruit from the grocery store, it tends to be more sour (like a green apple) and is better used for making Salsa Verde (green sauce). When you grow your own, let some of the fruits stay on the vine a week or so after the husks split, and you will have slightly sweeter fruits that can stand up nicely as an ingredient in your every day fresh salads.
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