Tomatillos

Other Names:tomates, physalis philadelphica

What is Tomatillos

[toh-MAH-tee-YO]Tomatillos are a relative of the tomato and member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family tomatillos provide that tart flavor in a host of Mexican green sauces. In Mexico the fruit is called tomates verdes, tomates de cascara as well as fresadillas. Read more about tomatillos

Substitute for Tomatillos

Green tomatoes, but won't provide the same tart flavor , Cape gooseberries OR Refrigerated or jarred salsa verde

Equivalents

1 lb tomatillos = 22 medium (about 1 1/2" diameter)

metric conversions →

Tomatoes

The fruits average about 1 -2" wide and have a papery outer skin. The tomatillo is actually used when it is still green. If you see the photo below one of the tomatillos is just turning a light yellow and indicates that is ripe and past its prime for most uses. Tomatillos have a very tart flavor, not at all like a tomato. The Aztecs used tomatillos in their cooking but food historians are not sure if early references were to "tomatoes" were really not referring to tomatillo because the words were very similar. Tomatillos today are used in salsas as well as stews like chili verde.

Nutrition Information For Tomatillos

Serving Size

1 medium

Calories

Calories from Fat

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 0mg

Potassium

91g

Total Carbohydrate 2g

Dietary Fiber 1g

Sugars 1g

Protein 0g

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Tomatillos Recipes

Guacamole in Molcajete with Tomatillos
Guacamole in Molcajete with Tomatillos - There are many variations of guacamole. This recipe for guacamole is made directly in your molcajete (stone bowl). Recipe includes avocados,tomatillos, garlic, white onion and cilantro.
Jicama Salad With Tomatillo Serrano Vinaigrette
Use this spicy vinaigrette over vegetables or your favorite salad.
Tomatillo Salsa
Our Tomatillo Salsa recipe includes onions, garlic, lime juice, Mexican oregano, Serrano chilies, and cilantro. The tomato and the tomatillo are native to Mexico. Use tomatillo salsa with tortilla chips, top a taco, or even use over fresh enchiladas.
Lisa Fain’s Sour Cream-Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken is baked then shredded. The enchiladas are rolled with chicken, onion, chiles, tomatillo sauce and sour cream. These enchiladas are even better the next day and freeze well too. Makes 24 enchiladas.