I fell in love with these fruits a few years ago when I was gifted a seedling. I germinated them from seed this season, and I am so excited to start harvesting these little fruits. Although their name means “little tomato” in Spanish, a tomatillo is not a little green tomato. Though the two plants are distantly related, they are not the same thing. They are related to gooseberries and grow in
a sprawling habit with similar husks around the fruit.
Their surface is slightly tacky to the touch and should be rinsed before cooking. Tomatillos generally have an acidic, bright, tart, and almost citrus-like flavour and can be used raw or cooked. Raw tomatillos have a bright green colour and sharp flavour, which is well-suited for different types of salsa or toppings.
The most famous use for tomatillos is in making salsa verde, but don’t limit yourself to just one dish! Tomatillos are fantastic in chilis and soups, with eggs and seafood, as an ingredient in salad dressings, jams, added to guac, and grilled with meats.
Growing Tomatillo
Two or more tomatillo plants are required for the plants to blossom
Tomatillos have a long growing season, they can be started indoors up to eight weeks before the last frost date
Plant from August to January
Germination takes approximately 5 to 8 days
Sun loving, and will requir 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight
Tomatillos enjoy the warmth and won’t grow well in cool temperatures.
Tomatillos require frequent watering. Adding a layer of mulch around the plants can help deter weeds and retain moisture
Tomatillo plants grow on sprawling vines, so trellis or give plants plenty of space
The most common pests affecting tomatillos include aphids, cutworms and slugs
85 – 90 days to harvest
Tomatillos are ripe when the fruit is firm and fills the papery husk. If green fruit turns yellow, it is overripe and less flavorful. The purple varieties are ripe when the green fruits turn purple and fill the husk
Tomatillos will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in a paper bag on the kitchen counter or can be frozen for later use
Tomatillo is a stunning fruit that can be eaten straight off the plant or turned into jam. It can also be used fresh in fruit salads. And if you want to make authentic Mexican Salsa, you have to have Tomatillo’s!
“Channeling the rebellious spirit of Kurt Cobain, the Purple Coban is the grunge icon of your garden! These little wonders sprawl with a rebellious attitude, sporting husks around their fruit that epitomize grunge chic. From light green to purplish-green on maturity, they reveal hints of sweet tomato and kiwi.
Whether you’re crafting salsas or jams or incorporating them into your fruit salads, the Purple Coban has a stage presence that is both playful and bold, making it your backstage pass to authentic Mexican Salsa!”
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