Tomatillos
Estimated Inventory, 38 lbs : 16.27
This item was last sold on : 07/01/25
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.
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-942-2104 |
| The Crack Shack-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 877-230-1871 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| J & Tonys | San Diego CA | 855-634-7664 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Lafayette Hotel - The Gutter | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Fox Point Farms | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Two Ducks (Deliver Lion Share) | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
| Institutes of Health LLC | San Diego CA | 800-270-5016 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Fifty Two Remedies Bar | San Diego CA | 858-707-7016 |
| The Cottage | La Jolla CA | 858-454-8408 |
| Fish Guts | San Diego CA | 619-888-0081 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Asti Ristorante | San Diego CA | 619-232-8844 |
| Leu Leu | Leucadia CA | 619-316-5807 |
| Solana Beach Kitchen | Solana Beach CA | 610-717-7217 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 442-222-9505 |
| The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 915-861-2297 |
| Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Richard Walkers Pancake House (LJ) | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8800 |
| Hasta Manana Cantina | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Mission+Garnet | San Diego CA | 858-361-0870 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Park 101 | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-2217 |
| The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
| Marriott Courtyard - Broadway | San Diego CA | 619-446-3008 |
| Burgeon Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 760-814-2548 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
| Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
| The Crack Shack-San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-795-3299 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Crest Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-295-2510 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Fay's Diner and Cafe | San Diego CA | 661-858-8895 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Monarch School (Nutrition Lab) | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
| Vagabond Sportfishing Inc. | San Diego CA | 619-993-9575 |
| Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| The Mission NP | San Diego CA | 619-220-8992 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Searcher Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-861-4640 |
| Rabbit Hole | San Diego CA | 619-255-4653 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Monarch School | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
| Lilo | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Something Homemade | Vista CA | 858-245-1004 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-880-8719 |
| Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 760-822-4226 |
| Nectarine Grove | Encinitas CA | 760-944-4525 |
| The Crack Shack Costa Mesa | Costa Mesa CA | 951-808-7790 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| Communion | San Diego CA | 619-606-5568 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| The Flower Pot Cafe and Bakery | La Jolla CA | 858-454-5453 |
| Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Books and Records | San Diego CA | 619-310-5298 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| The Besta-Wan Pizza House | Cardiff CA | 805-231-2515 |
| The Mission EV | San Diego CA | 619-232-7662 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Local Tap House & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 760-547-1469 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Dot Cafe | San Diego CA | 914-263-1424 |
| Crust & Brew | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| The Cottage Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-775-1197 |
| Pretty Pickled, Pretty Sauced | National City CA | 619-869-9921 |
| Nectarine Grove Bakehouse | Del Mar CA | 858-925-7357 |
| Bound Coffee | Oceanside CA | 760-805-3505 |
| 619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 509-701-9534 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Duke's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-1999 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Comma | San Diego CA | 619-802-9183 |
| Lilo NA | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
| Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-407-8500 |
| UCSD Health East campus | San Diego CA | 619-578-3373 |
| Trilogy Sanctuary | La Jolla CA | 858-633-3893 |
| Under Belly-Little Italy Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
| The Switchboard Restaurant 2024 | Oceanside CA | 760-279-6300 |
| Hawaiian Fresh Seafood | San Diego CA | 858-299-8862 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Nadolife Production | San Diego CA | 619-239-1224 |
| Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Donation 3 | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Carolines Seaside Cafe | La Jolla CA | 619-646-1481 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Mission Bay Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-201-7551 |
| 31ThirtyOne by Deckman | San Diego CA | 619-495-9814 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
| Sabor a Vida Café & Deli Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-579-3629 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Culinary Kitchen Catering and Events | Coronado CA | 619-798-8477 |
| Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| The Cottage Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-454-8409 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
| Sabor a Vida Café & Deli | Vista CA | 760-536-3331 |
| Poseidon on the Beach | Del Mar CA | 858-755-9345 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Banquet | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Cesarina | San Diego CA | 619-226-6222 |
| Yaqui Coffee House | Chula Vista CA | 619-735-6155 |
| Harley Gray Kitchen and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-840-7000 |
| Single Fin Surf Grill | San Diego CA | 619-948-7873 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| Lil Piggy's | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Claire's on Cedros - SKSB | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Main Kitchen | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| The Crack Shack PB | San Diego CA | 619-450-7978 |
| Viewpoint Brewing Co. | Del Mar CA | 858-205-9835 |
| Madi | San Diego CA | 320-491-1217 |
| Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar | San Diego CA | 619-313-9127 |
| Side Bar | San Diego CA | 619-348-6138 |
| Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619 295 7275 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Comedor Nishi | La Jolla CA | 619-549-9919 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Manna | Encinitas CA | 510-366-3057 |
| DoubleTree By Hilton San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-881-6900 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Salt and Lime | Del Mar CA | 858-926-8582 |
| Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
| The Mission MB | San Diego CA | 858-488-9060 |
| Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Knotty Barrel- Rancho | San Diego CA | 858-484-8758 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| Storyhouse Spirits Bar | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Hawaiian Fresh Seafood - Poway | Poway CA | 858-299-8862 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Camino Riviera | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
| Shoreside Support Boat | San Diego CA | 704-277-7929 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Tomatillos. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Latest in season fruits and vegetables posted from the Specialty Produce App
