The tomatillo is a member of the tomato family and is similar in appearance to a green tomato except that it grows surrounded by a thin husk that must be peeled prior to using the fruit. The tomatillo is native to Mexico where it is known as tomate verde and tomate de fresadilla. Additional names for tomatillos include husk tomatoes, jamberberries, strawberry tomatoes, and Mexican green tomatoes. Although tomatillos have been popularly used for cooking in Mexico and in parts of Central America, they are also gaining in culinary popularity in the United States and are now commonly grown in California.

Tomatillos are used in a variety of ways including adding them to stews and salsas. One of the most popular uses for the tomatillo is as an ingredient in the Mexican sauce salsa verde. Tomatillos are also commonly added to guacamole dip and are added, raw, to fresh salads.

You can purchase tomatillos year-round in some specialty stores and supermarket chains. When purchasing a tomatillo, look for those that fit snugly into their husks and that are firm. Additionally, make sure that each tomatillo husk is dry to the touch. Inside each tomatillo husk, the fruit should be green in color, which indicates that the tomatillo is not totally ripe. This is the state that you want to have when you use the tomatillo. If the fruit inside the husk is yellow in color, the fruit is totally ripened. Totally ripened tomatillos are not typically used in recipes that call for this fruit. Once you have purchased your tomatillos, you can store them in your home for up to one month as long as you store them in your refrigerator. The tomatillos will also last longer if you place them, still in their husks, in a paper bag in your refrigerator.

When you are ready to use a tomatillo, make sure that you remove its outer husk and wash the tomatillo thoroughly before using it. Because tomatillos have a unique, tomato and lemon combination taste, they are a welcome addition to many meals. Tomatillos are also a highly nutritious fruit. They are low in fat and contain no cholesterol or sodium. Tomatillos also provide an excellent source of the vitamins A and C. Because of this, they are a good choice for making health-conscious sauces and dressings.

Because tomatillos are related to tomatoes, they follow similar growth patterns to the tomato. Tomatillos are annuals, are easy to grow, and can be grown at home. You can purchase tomatillo seeds in many garden centers and in some supermarkets. Tomatillos seeds should be sown in the spring and are best when planted in geographical areas where the climate is continuously warm. Additionally, tomatillos are fairly hearty plants that grow best when they are exposed to much sun. With the proper care, tomatillos can grow into plants up to 5 feet in height that produce large and healthy fruits.

The tomatillo is a versatile fruit, which if used properly and with a little creativity, can add zest to many recipes.