Tomatillos
Inventory, 38 lbs : 20.08
This item was last sold on : 10/12/24
Description/Taste
Tomatillos are small nightshade fruits shaped like miniature tomatoes. They are low, sprawling plants that reach an average of 1/2 to 1 meter in height and produce high yields of husked fruit, which are often described as looking like Chinese lanterns when they hang on the plant. Tomatillos are covered in a papery, veiny outer skin, or husk, and measure about 5 centimeters in diameter. As the husk begins to dry, it splits open and fades from green to light brown as the fruit matures. The fruit inside the husk is typically bright green, though it can also be yellow or purple, and is covered in a slightly sticky residue that can be easily washed off. Tomatillos have a bright green stem that is somewhat harry and grows oval-shaped toothed leaves. Beneath the glossy skin of the Tomatillo fruit is a dense, cloudy white-green flesh that encases small white seeds. Tomatillos have a fresh, tangy scent with hints of citrus, akin to the smell of limes and green tomatoes. Tomatillos are harvested when the fruits are still immature. They have a tart flavor, much different than their relative the tomato.
Seasons/Availability
In their native Mexico, Tomatillos are available year-round. In the cooler climates of North America, they are available from July to September.
Current Facts
Tomatillos, which translates to “little tomatoes,” are botanically referred to as Physalis philadelphica and like all species in the genus Physalis, are distinguished by their papery outer husk. The Tomatillo is a relative of the tomato, as both are members of the Solanaceae family, also known as the nightshade family. Tomatillos are called green tomatoes, tomato verde, tomates de cascara, tomates de fresadillas, husk tomatoes, and jamberries. They're also referred to as Miltomatl, the original Aztec name that is still used in Oaxaca. Tomatillos are open-pollinated, meaning that their seed will reproduce plants identical to the parent. Planting two or more Tomatillos together may be best for encouraging cross-pollination.
Nutritional Value
Tomatillos are denser in minerals than tomatoes as they are packed with unique phytochemicals and flavonoids. These phytochemicals may help reduce inflammation, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, improve vascular health, and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Tomatillos contain vitamins A, C, and K, which can help with immune function, vision, skin and bone health, collagen production, and blood clotting. These vitamins may also reduce the risk of fractures and decrease the length and severity of colds. Tomatillos have niacin, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. These nutrients help nerve health, fluid balance, muscle contractions, cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism, reduce inflammation, wound healing, energy production, and blood sugar and blood pressure regulation. Because of their fiber content, Tomatillos may help with digestive health and lowering cholesterol levels. In Mexico, it is believed that a decoction of Tomatillo husks can be used to treat diabetes.
Applications
Tomatillos can be used in similar ways to regular tomatoes, although they offer a slightly more tart flavor and contain less sugar. That tart, slightly acidic taste makes them perfect for eating raw or cooked. They can be incorporated into salsas, sauces, or jams. When used in salsa, Tomatillos tone down the hotness of chilies and help blend the flavors of the different ingredients. They are credited as the source of the "piquant" flavor in authentic Mexican cuisine and are used as the key ingredient for traditional salsa verde, which can be served with enchiladas, quesadillas, and fried chicken. Diced raw Tomatillos add a nice crunch to fresh guacamole and pair well with onions, cilantro, chili peppers, and garlic. When harvested at their more ripe, golden-colored stage, they are often used in stews or simmered with meats for flavoring. To prepare Tomatillos, remove the papery husks, then rinse and dry the fruit. They are typically not seeded before cooking. Store Tomatillos with their husks intact for about three weeks in the refrigerator in a paper bag. To keep them longer, remove the husk, wash the fruit, and freeze them.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Tomatillos were likely domesticated by the Aztecs of central Mexico around 800 BCE or 900 BCE in the Tehuacán Valley—before tomatoes had ever been cultivated in the region. The Aztecs were also responsible for introducing foods like corn, chilies, and chocolate to the rest of the world. Tomatillos were also important to Mesoamerican tribes like the Mayans and are still considered a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, especially for authentic salsa verde. When the Spanish conquests came through Mexico and Central America in the 16th and 17th centuries, Tomatillos were brought back to Spain by the explorers. Though they did not initially catch on there, Tomatillos eventually made their way to India where they were quickly cultivated and incorporated into traditional dishes.
Geography/History
Tomatillos are native to Mexico and Central America, where the Aztecs first cultivated them as early as 800 BC. Like tomatoes, Tomatillos are a warm-season crop and cannot withstand frost. Tomatillos grow wild in Mexico and Central America along roadsides and sunny open fields. They are also grown commercially, particularly in Mexico and Guatemala, and in home gardens. Tomatillos spread beyond their native region when Spanish settlers discovered them and brought them back to Europe, where they eventually traveled to places within the Eastern world. Outside of their native region, Tomatillos became more popular in the United States in the 21st century and are often found in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and gardens there, as well as in South Africa and Australia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Sandbar Sports Grill | San Diego CA | 858-488-1274 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Pete's Seafood and Sandwich | San Diego CA | 619-852-1493 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Hasta Manana Cantina | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 |
| Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
| Claytons Bakery & Bistro | Coronado CA | 619-435-5425 |
| Single Fin Surf Grill | San Diego CA | 619-948-7873 |
| Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
| Smokin J's BBQ | San Diego CA | 703-314-1486 |
| Brigantine Corp | San Diego CA | 858 926 9644 |
| Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
| Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
| The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
| Harbor View Hotel Ventures, LLC | San Diego CA | 619-239-6800 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Storyhouse Spirits Bar | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| PureTaco | Carlsbad CA | 760-845-3346 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Club Beverage | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Bang on 5th | San Diego CA | 619-677-5650 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Shorehouse Kitchen | La Jolla CA | 858-459-3300 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar | San Diego CA | 619-313-9127 |
| Dot Café | San Diego CA | 914-263-1424 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| College Cuisine - ZBT | San Diego CA | |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Harvest Kitchen (Corp Lunch) | San Marcos CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Communion (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-606-5568 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Marriott Courtyard - Broadway | San Diego CA | 619-446-3008 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| The Cottage Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-775-1197 |
| The Crack Shack-San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-795-3299 |
| Jujus Kitchen | Bonita CA | 619-471-5342 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
| Relic Bageri LLC | San Diego CA | 619-335-6328 |
| The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | 619-564-6722 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Pier 32 Water Front Grill | National City CA | 619-718-6240 |
| Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Cantina Mayahuel | San Diego CA | 619-283-6292 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Javier Plascencia (Animalon) | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Barra Oliba | San Diego CA | 610-310-5110 |
| Fox Point Farms | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Two Ducks (Deliver Lion Share) | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| The Cottage Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-454-8409 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| La Valle Coastal Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5473 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
| Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-407-8500 |
| Sabor a Vida Café & Deli Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-579-3629 |
| The Mission MB | San Diego CA | 858-488-9060 |
| Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Fish Market Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-232-3474 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Quixote | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Mission+Garnet | San Diego CA | 858-361-0870 |
| Books and Records | San Diego CA | 619-310-5298 |
| The Cottage | La Jolla CA | 858-454-8408 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Madi | San Diego CA | 320-491-1217 |
| The Remy | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| Park 101 | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-2217 |
| Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Echale | Encinitas CA | 303-210-2892 |
| The Local-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 858-263-7475 |
| Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 619-816-8319 |
| Sabor a Vida Café & Deli | Vista CA | 760-536-3331 |
| Rosewood Social | San Juan Capistrano CA | 669-243-8403 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| The Switchboard Restaurant 2024 | Oceanside CA | 760-279-6300 |
| Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| The Crack Shack-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-735-3093 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Café ( Danielson ) | Poway CA | 858-405-2401 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-894-2051 |
| Omni Hotels | San Diego CA | 619-231-6664 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Rabbit Hole | San Diego CA | 619-255-4653 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| The Mission EV | San Diego CA | 619-232-7662 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
| Papalo | LA MESA CA | 619-886-3034 |
| On the Crawl Concepts-Inland Tavern | San Marcos CA | 760-744-8782 |
| Oside Kitchen Collaborative | Oceanside CA | 619-807-7161 mike |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| The Handmade Chef Meal Prep Co. | San Diego CA | 619-368-3705 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
| Comedor Nishi | La Jolla CA | 619-549-9919 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
| Fish Guts | San Diego CA | 619-888-0081 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| The Mission NP | San Diego CA | 619-220-8992 |
| Fox Point Farms (Haven) | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Mission Bay Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 858-488-0501 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Hawaiian Fresh Seafood | San Diego CA | 858-299-8862 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-881-6900 |
| Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 760-822-4226 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| Camino Riviera | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
| Vagabond Sportfishing Inc. | San Diego CA | 619-993-9575 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria | San Diego CA | 619-220-0692 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Spirit of Adventure Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-454-9711 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| SB Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-3735 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Sunday Breakfast Society | Chula Vista CA | 619-852-5633 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| The Crack Shack Costa Mesa | Costa Mesa CA | 951-808-7790 |
| Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Sets Kitchen and Bar | San Marcos CA | 970-390-2148 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
| Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Monarch School (Nutrition Lab) | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Tomatillos. One
is easiest, three is harder.