Tomatillos are very popular in Mexican cuisine, but what is a tomatillo and how do you use it? Read on for the answers and recipes for some of the best ways to use the delicious green fruit!
Tomatillos taste tangy, slightly tart and citrusy, with a hint of sweetness. “Their taste can vary depending on their ripeness,” Salinari says. “As they ripen, they become sweeter and less tangy.
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. Before using them, be sure to scrub the fruit clean.
Some people believe that the unripe fruit is also poisonous. There is some debate over this, so it is probably best to avoid using them until they are fully ripe. The unripe fruit is very sour, so it isn’t something most people will want to eat anyway.
What’s the difference between a tomato and a tomatillo?
At first glance, tomatillos look very similar to green tomatoes, but they’re actually two very different fruits. Even though the word “tomatillo” literally translates to “little tomato” in English, don’t be fooled. They’re not the same thing.
Like tomatoes, a tomatillo plant is easy to grow, and both are plants in the nightshade family. But that’s where the similarities end.
Tomatoes are sweeter, red in color and don’t have the vibrant tartness that tomatillos have.
Why tomatillos aren’t just little green tomatoes (and why they’re awesome)
FAQ
Do tomatillos taste different than tomatoes?
What is the flavor of a tomatillo?
Does tomatillo taste like cucumber?