She Strengthens

Uncovering the Flavorful World of Tomatillos

What’s Behind the Mysterious Fruit?

Tomatillos, a staple in Mexican cuisine, are often misunderstood. With their green skin and tart flavor, they’re frequently mistaken for green tomatoes. However, this unique fruit boasts a distinctive texture and a flavor profile that’s all its own.

The Family Ties

Botanically speaking, tomatillos belong to the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes and cape gooseberries. Although they share a similar heritage, tomatillos are a distinct species, characterized by their intensely sour flavor and golf ball-sized fruit.

A Rich History

Evidence suggests that tomatillos have been cultivated in Mexico since at least 800 B.C. They played a significant role in the diets of the Mayans and Aztecs, and today, they remain a primary ingredient in Mexican and Central American cuisine, particularly in recipes like salsa verde and chile verde.

Selecting the Perfect Tomatillos

When shopping for tomatillos, look for those with dry, papery husks that cover the fruit snugly. Avoid ones that are shriveled, damp, or have dark spots, as these may be spoiled. The fruit should be firm, with a sticky, protective residue on the skin that can be easily rinsed off.

Unlocking the Flavor

Tomatillos can be cooked to bring out their juices and subtle sweetness, making them a great addition to authentic Mexican mole. Alternatively, they can be enjoyed raw, adding a tangy, acidic flavor to salads and other dishes.

7 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Tomatillos

1. Tomatillo Salsa: A bright and cheery salsa that pairs perfectly with tortilla-based dishes.
2. Guacamole Taquero: A flavorful salsa verde and guacamole combination that elevates any taco.
3. Tomato, Tomatillo, and Corn Salad with Avocado Dressing: A refreshing salad that showcases the unique flavor of raw tomatillos.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde: A savory, slow-cooked dish that combines chicken and tomatillos for a flavorful meal.
5. Green Halibut Ceviche: A snappy appetizer that highlights the puckery flavor of raw tomatillos.
6. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas: A rich and decadent enchilada sauce made with tomatillos and sour cream.
7. Easy Corn and Tomato Coleslaw: A summery slaw that incorporates tomatillos for added flavor and texture.