Tomatillo is the member of Solanaceae or nightshade family which also includes tomato, ground-cherry, potato, eggplant and chili peppers. It is a small, green Mexican fruit enclosed in a husk. The fruit look like a small unripe tomato and is usually green or yellow. They’re about the size of a large walnut or a small lemon. Husks are not for human consumption and are supposed to be removed before consuming these green veggies. They have a faintly tart, lemon-like essence, which is tastier when chosen green than if the fruit is allowed to darken to yellow, red, or even purple.
| Name | Tomatillos |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Physalis philadelphica |
| Native | Mexico |
| Common/English Name | Husk cherries, tomato verde, husk tomatoes, tomate, jamberberries, strawberry tomatoes, and Mexican green tomatoes, Mexican groundcherry, large-flowered tomatillo, or Mexican husk tomato. |
| Plant Growth Habit | Small annual glabrous shrub |
| Growing Climate | Prefers sunny location |
| Soil | Well drained, fertile soil that warms up quickly in the spring. |
| Plant Size | Average of two to four feet in height |
| Leaf | Leaves are typically serrated and can either be smooth or pubescent. |
| Flower | Flowers come in several colors including white, light green, bright yellow, and sometimes purple. Flowers may or may not have purple spots toward the center of the corolla. |
| Fruit Shape & Size | Small spherical shaped berry about 2.5-4 cm in diameter |
| Fruit Color | Fruit can be of several colors when ripe, including yellow, green, or even purple. |
| Flavor/aroma | Faintly tart, lemon-like essence |
| Taste | Slightly sweeter taste |
| Weight | 30-50 g. |
| Major Nutrition | Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 15.4 mg (17.11%) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 2.442 mg (15.26%) Copper, Cu 0.104 mg (11.56%) Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 13.3 µg (11.08%) Iron, Fe 0.82 mg (10.25%) Manganese, Mn 0.202 mg (8.78%) Potassium, K 354 mg (7.53%) Phosphorus, P 51 mg (7.29%) Total dietary Fiber 2.5 g (6.58%) Magnesium, Mg 26 mg (6.19%) |
| Health Benefits |
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| Calories in 1cup (132gm) | 42 Kcal |