Gift-Wrapped Tomatoes: Tomatillos

Last updated on December 2nd, 2011

Due to an early case of late-blight, my expected tomato harvest of Big Boys, Romas and heirloom Brandywines is less than admirable this year. My tomatillos, however, are healthy and plentiful. Are you familiar with these little treasures that come “gift-wrapped” by nature?

Tomatillos, like tomatoes, petunias and potatoes, are members of the Nightshade family. The plants grow up to 4 feet, and resemble small trees more than vines. From July through frost, beautiful yellow flowers dot the branches. These, after bees pollinate them, develop into green, papery husks that dangle from the plant like lanterns. And within each lantern, a tomatillo grows. As the fruit matures and exceeds the size of its adorable gift-wrapping, the paper walls split apart. And that is how the fruit proclaims “harvest me!”

To use or store tomatillos, first remove paper husks. Then wash off any sticky residue. Refrigerate in a perforated bag for up to one month, or freeze in an air-tight bag if longer storage is desired. Use the tangy fruit to flavor soups and stews, or to make salsa. My favorite salsa? Eloina’s Ultimate Salsa Verde.