Tomatillos
Inventory, 38 lbs : 93.97
This item was last sold on : 03/18/24
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.
Gravity Heights Restaurant and Brewery | San Diego CA | 858-551-5105 |
Common Stock | San Diego CA | |
Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Edgewater Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-7581 |
Books and Records | San Diego CA | 619-310-5298 |
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
Sago | Encinitas CA | 858-382-4047 |
Mak Mak Organics | Oceanside CA | 858-740-4217 |
SB Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-3735 |
Carnitas Snack Shack Harbor Dr. | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
Solare Ristorante Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-270-9670 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Echale | Encinitas CA | 303-210-2892 |
Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
Manna | Encinitas CA | 510-366-3057 |
Common Theory | San Diego CA | 858-384-7974 |
Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
Solterra Winery + Kitchen | Encinitas CA | 858-245-6146 |
Relic Bageri LLC | San Diego CA | 619-335-6328 |
Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
Camino Riviera | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
Smokin J's BBQ | San Diego CA | 703-314-1486 |
Deeply Nourished | San Diego CA | 808-489-7366 |
Fire Station 3 | San Diego CA | 619-531-1569 |
Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
Rabbit Hole | San Diego CA | 619-255-4653 |
Common Theory Chula Vista | Chula Vista CA | 619-495-3689 |
Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
One Door North | San Diego CA | 858-232-4220 |
Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
Brigantine Corp | San Diego CA | 858 926 9644 |
The Crack Shack Costa Mesa | Costa Mesa CA | 951-808-7790 |
Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 951-764-0605 |
Marine Group Global Services LLC | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
Crudo Cevicheria & Oyster Bar | San Diego CA | 619-313-9127 |
The Switchboard Restaurant and Bar | Oceanside CA | 442-266-2781 |
Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
Carolines Seaside Cafe | La Jolla CA | 619-646-1481 |
Santo Placer Mexican Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-500-5655 |
Barrio Star | San Diego CA | 619-501-7827 |
Fish 101 Cardiff | Cardiff CA | 619-753-7139 |
San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
Palmys | San Diego CA | 858-886-7111 |
Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
Cantina Mayahuel | San Diego CA | 619-283-6292 |
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-231-4040 |
Izakaya Maize/Rabih Sus | La Mesa CA | 619-395-6383 |
Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
Bound Coffee | Oceanside CA | 760-805-3505 |
Shootz Fish X Beer (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-450-8070 |
Seneca | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
Blue Whale | La Jolla CA | 808-868-8639 |
My Yard Live | San Marcos CA | 619-339-1686 |
West Brew | Del Mar CA | 858-412-4364 |
Fairmont Grand Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-314-1975 |
Bang Bang | San Diego CA | |
Zel's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-0076 |
Sandbar Sports Grill | Mission Beach CA | 858-488-1274 |
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 7608224226 |
The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
Miguel's Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-298-9840 |
Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
Sabor a Vida Café & Deli | Vista CA | 760-536-3331 |
Sycuan Casino | El Cajon CA | 619-445-6002 |
Fish Guts | San Diego CA | 619-888-0081 |
Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Cesarina | San Diego CA | 619-226-6222 |
Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
The Islander | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
Alejandra's Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 858-500-5075 |
Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
Cliffhanger Cafe Menu | San Diego CA | 858-452-9858 |
Bistro du Marche by Tapenade | La Jolla CA | 858-551-7500 |
Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
The Remy (bar) | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
Single Fin Surf Grill | San Diego CA | 619-948-7873 |
Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
Hawaiian Fresh Seafood | San Diego CA | 858-299-8862 |
Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
Red O Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-291-8360 |
Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
The Guild Bar- Banquet | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
The Mission EV | San Diego CA | 619-232-7662 |
The Mission NP | San Diego CA | 619-220-8992 |
The Guild Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
Coya Peruvian Secret | Del Mar CA | 619-295-3172 |
Royal Polaris Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
The Remy | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
MCRD-Marine Corps Recruit Dept | San Diego CA | 619-725-6478 |
Polaris Supreme | San Diego CA | 619-390-7890 |
Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
Sepulveda Meats & Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-501-1878 |
Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
Fresco Cocina | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
Communal Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-305-9525 |
The Original 40 Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-206-4725 |
Marriott Marina Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 x6113 |
Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
Tavern at the Beach | San Diego CA | 858-272-6066 |
Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
Burgeon Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 760-814-2548 |
Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
The Lab Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 619-861-8299 |
The Promiscuous Fork-La Jolla Blvd | La Jolla CA | 858-776-3246 |
Salt and Lime | Del Mar CA | 858-926-8582 |
The Mission MB | San Diego CA | 858-488-9060 |
Margaritaville Hotel SD (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-819-9500 |
Town & Country San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-291-7131 |
US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
Americana Restaurant | Del Mar CA | 858-794-6838 |
Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
WineSellar & Brasserie | San Diego CA | 858-450-9557 |
Cass Street Bar & Grill | San Diego CA | 858-414-2625 |
Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
Casero Taqueria | Carlsbad CA | 760-533-4997 |
Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
The Crack Shack-Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 858-735-3093 |
Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
The Lion Share Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Monarch School (Nutrition Lab) | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
Mille Fleurs | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-3085 |
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters | La Jolla CA | 858-228-5655 |
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 2 | Poway CA | 858-397-2922 |
Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619 295 7275 |
El Sueno | San Diego CA | 619-972-6286 |
Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
The Crack Shack-San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-795-3299 |
Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
The Local-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 858-263-7475 |
Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
Brigantine Poway | Poway CA | 858-486-3066 |
Madi | San Diego CA | 320-491-1217 |
The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
Cove House | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0034 |
Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza | Oceanside CA | 760-310-1535 |
Sets Kitchen and Bar | San Marcos CA | 970-390-2148 |
Two Ducks (Deliver Lion Share) | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
Herb & Wood Bar | San Diego CA | 619-955-8495 |
Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-277-9826 |
Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
Alejandra's Cocina (Bar) | Carlsbad CA | 858-500-5075 |
Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Tomatillos. One is easiest, three is harder.