Tomatillos
Inventory, 38 lbs : 108.83
This item was last sold on : 04/18/24
Description/Taste
Tomatillos, also commonly known as husk tomatoes, are about one or two inches in size with a characteristic papery outer skin. The slightly sticky husk encloses a firm, green fruit, and as the husk begins to dry it splits open and fades from green to light brown as the fruit matures. Tomatillos are harvested when the fruits are still immature, and they have a very tart flavor, much different than their relative, the tomato. However, Tomatillo plants do grow similar to tomatoes, though they seldom require staking, set fruit faster, and are somewhat more cold tolerant. They are low sprawling plants that reach an average of two to four feet in height and produce high yields of the husked fruit, which are often described as looking like Chinese lanterns as they hang on the plant. Tomatillos are open-pollinated, meaning that their seed will reproduce plants identical to the parent, and for a good-sized crop, it is recommended that you plant two or more together to encourage cross-pollination.
Seasons/Availability
Tomatillos are available year-round.
Current Facts
Tomatillos, literally meaning “little tomatoes,” are botanically referred to as Physalis philadelphica, formerly Physalis ixocarpa, and like all species in the genus Physalis they 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. In Mexican and Guatemalan culture, the Tomatillo may be called miltomate, tomates verdes, tomates de cascara, or tomates de fresadillas.
Nutritional Value
Tomatillos are denser in minerals than their relative, tomatoes, as they are packed with unique phytochemicals and flavonoids. Tomatillos are rich in dietary fiber, and have good amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, niacin, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Tomatillos also contain unique antioxidant phytochemicals called withanolides, which have been directly linked in several studies to anti-cancer and antibacterial roles.
Applications
Tomatillos can generally 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 use, either raw or cooked, in salsas, sauces, or even 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 the slightly immature green fruits are used as the key ingredient for traditional salsa verde, which can be served with just about anything from enchiladas and quesadillas to fried chicken and more. Diced raw Tomatillos also add a nice crunch to fresh guacamole, and they 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 the Tomatillo for use in your recipe, remove the papery husks, then rinse and dry the fruit. Tomatillos typically are not seeded before use in cooking. Store Tomatillos with their husks intact for about three weeks in the refrigerator in a paper bag. If you wish to keep them longer, you can remove the husk, wash the fruit, and freeze them.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Tomatillos are a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, especially for authentic salsa verde. In Mexico, it is also believed that a decoction of the Tomatillo calyces can be used to treat diabetes.
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 they cannot stand frost. Take care to plant them after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. The vigorous Tomatillo plants do best in full sun in a sheltered position.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
Sandbar Sports Grill | Mission Beach CA | 858-488-1274 |
Echale | Encinitas CA | 303-210-2892 |
Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
The Mission MB | San Diego CA | 858-488-9060 |
Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
Bang Bang | San Diego CA | |
Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
Harbor View Hotel Ventures, LLC | San Diego CA | 619-239-6800 |
Chosen Foods | San Diego CA | 877-674-2244 |
Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
Joya Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-5979 |
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
The Guild Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
Izakaya Maize/Rabih Sus | La Mesa CA | 619-395-6383 |
Smokin J's BBQ | San Diego CA | 703-314-1486 |
Mackenzie Elizabeth Personal Chef Services | Poway CA | 858-357-3455 |
Rabbit Hole | San Diego CA | 619-255-4653 |
Sorority Cuisine - Kappa Delta | San Diego CA | 510-512-2213 |
Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
Single Fin Surf Grill | San Diego CA | 619-948-7873 |
Salt and Lime | Del Mar CA | 858-926-8582 |
Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
The Remy | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Alejandra's Cocina (Bar) | Carlsbad CA | 858-500-5075 |
Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood | San Diego CA | 858-299-8862 |
Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619 295 7275 |
Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
The Crack Shack-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-735-3093 |
Manna | Encinitas CA | 510-366-3057 |
Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
La Dona | San Diego CA | 858-352-8134 |
Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 7608224226 |
Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
Bound Coffee | Oceanside CA | 760-805-3505 |
Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
Davanti Enoteca Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-237-9606 |
Shake and Muddle | Chula Vista CA | 619-816-5429 |
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
The Mission NP | San Diego CA | 619-220-8992 |
Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
Monarch School | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
Barrio Star | San Diego CA | 619-501-7827 |
The Cottage | La Jolla CA | 858-454-8408 |
Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
Cody's La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0040 |
Puesto-Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-804-4217 |
Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
Monarch School (Nutrition Lab) | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
Birds Eye (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 513-549-0974 |
Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-231-4040 |
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-902-4646 |
Cantina Mayahuel | San Diego CA | 619-283-6292 |
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
Relic Bageri LLC | San Diego CA | 619-335-6328 |
Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
Carnitas Snack Shack Harbor Dr. | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
Camino Riviera | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-407-8500 |
Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Sea 180 Coastal Tavern | Imperial Beach CA | 619-631-4949 |
Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
The Crack Shack-San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-795-3299 |
The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 2 | Poway CA | 858-397-2922 |
Shorehouse Kitchen | La Jolla CA | 858-459-3300 |
Sabor a Vida Café & Deli | Vista CA | 760-536-3331 |
Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
Justin Hoehn | San Diego CA | 619 326 8895 |
Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
Sets Kitchen and Bar | San Marcos CA | 970-390-2148 |
Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
Mission+Garnet | San Diego CA | 858-361-0870 |
Lafayette Hotel - Quixote | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar | San Diego CA | 619-313-9127 |
Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
Gravity Heights Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-384-5993 |
Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
The Local-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 858-263-7475 |
Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
The Lion Share Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
Casero Taqueria | Carlsbad CA | 760-533-4997 |
Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
West Brew | Del Mar CA | 858-412-4364 |
Brigantine Corp | San Diego CA | 858 926 9644 |
Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
Alejandra's Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 858-500-5075 |
Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Amalfi Gourmet LLC | San Diego CA | 619-379-3099 |
Snooze - Del Mar | San Diego CA | 888-703-5300 |
Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
The Remy (bar) | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
Salt & Whiskey | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
Sago | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
Tavern at the Beach | San Diego CA | 858-272-6066 |
Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
Madi | San Diego CA | 320-491-1217 |
The Guild Bar- Banquet | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
The Islander | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
La Costa Resort & Spa Diversions & Edge Pool | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
The Crack Shack Costa Mesa | Costa Mesa CA | 951-808-7790 |
Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
The Mission EV | San Diego CA | 619-232-7662 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
El Sueno | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Food by Chef Ty | Vista CA | 424-278-8626 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Tomatillos. One is easiest, three is harder.