What is a Tomatillo?

What is a Tomatillo? They are small, round fruits that belong to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Native to Mexico and Central America, they’re easily recognized by their papery husks that surround the bright green fruit. Although they look like green tomatoes, tomatillos have a distinct tart, citrusy flavor and are an essential ingredient in many Mexican and Southwestern dishes, especially salsa verde.

If you are interested in other interesting ingredients for recipes, check out our What is Chayote Squash? or What is Jicama and How to Eat it?

What Do Tomatillos Taste Like?

They have a bright, tangy flavor that’s often described as a cross between a green apple, lime, and tomato. They’re less sweet than ripe tomatoes and have a refreshing acidity that adds depth to sauces, soups, and salsas. When cooked, tomatillos become slightly sweeter while maintaining their signature tangy flavor.

Are Tomatillos the Same as Green Tomatoes?

No. Although they look similar, they are completely different fruits.

Tomatillos:

• Grow inside a papery husk
• Naturally green (some varieties turn yellow or purple when ripe)
• Tart and citrusy flavor
• Sticky coating beneath the husk
• Common in Mexican cuisine

Green Tomatoes:

• Simply unripe tomatoes
• No papery husk
• Firmer texture
• More mild and slightly acidic flavor
• Often used for frying or relishes

How Do You Prepare Tomatillos?

Before using:

• Remove the papery husk.
• Rinse them well to remove the natural sticky residue.
• Pat them dry.
• Use them raw or cook them by roasting, grilling, broiling, or simmering.

Roasting this fruit enhances their sweetness while adding a subtle smoky flavor.

How Are Tomatillos Used?

Tomatillos are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including:

• Salsa verde
• Enchilada sauce
• Chile verde
• Tacos
• Burritos
• Soups
• Chili
• Grilled salsas
• Marinades
• Salad dressings

Nutritional Benefits

Tomatillos are naturally low in calories and provide several important nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Antioxidants
• Niacin

They also contain naturally occurring plant compounds that may help support overall health as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat tomatillos raw?

Yes! Raw tomatillos have a crisp texture and tangy flavor that works well in fresh salsas and salads.

How do you know when they are ripe?

Ripe tomatillos usually fill their papery husks, which often split open as the fruit grows. The fruit should feel firm and bright green, although some varieties ripen to yellow or purple.

Do you peel tomatillos?

No. Simply remove and discard the papery husk. The fruit itself does not need to be peeled.

Why are they sticky?

The sticky coating beneath the husk is completely natural. It washes away easily with warm water before cooking.

Can you substitute green tomatoes for tomatillos?

Not exactly. While both are tart, tomatillos have a brighter, citrus-like flavor and a softer texture when cooked. Green tomatoes can work in some recipes, but the taste will be noticeably different.

How should they be stored?

Store them with their husks on in a paper bag or loosely covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Remove the husks just before using them.

Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa

This Tomatillo Green Chili Salsa by Noshing With The Nolands is bursting with flavor. It is a salsa verde that is perfect with a simple tortilla chip or on any taco, burger, or enchilada. It is a must make recipe if you are a lover of Mexican foods.

Pin it HERE!!

Pin it HERE!!