Get ready to add some sizzle to salsa with the zesty flavors of tomatillos as these little green gems hit their peak season at farmers markets! These ancient fruits have a fascinating history dating all the way back to the Aztecs, who were cultivating them as far back as 800 BC in their homeland of Mexico. Here are some intriguing tomatillo facts:
- Tomatillos are the cool cousins of the nightshade family, making them close relatives to popular veggies like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. But here’s a fun twist – tomatillos are ‘self-sterile,’ meaning you’ll need to have at least two plants hanging out together to get those delicious fruits.
- Let’s talk about the flavor explosion! Picture the tangy zest of a lemon combined with a subtle sweetness – that’s the delightful taste you can expect from tomatillos.
- Not only do they add an incredible taste to your dishes, but they also pack a nutritional punch. With just around 20 calories in a cup of raw tomatillos, they’re a guilt-free addition to your meals, and they boast a good amount of iron and vitamin A.
How to Select: When you spot these intriguing fruits at the market, look for vibrant green tomatillos that feel firm and fresh. Avoid those with dry or damaged husks, as it’s a clear sign that the fruit inside might not be in its prime. Keep an eye out for any yellow tomatillos too – those are a tad overripe and best left behind.
How to Prepare: Tomatillos come in their own natural packaging – a husk! It’s like unwrapping a little present from nature. Before you start cooking, though, don’t forget to remove the husk.
How to Store: Keep tomatillos in the refrigerator with their husks intact to keep them fresh for up to two weeks this way. However, if you remove the husk, pop them in a zip plastic bag, and they’ll last about three weeks in the fridge.
RECIPES: Click here for tomatillo recipes.
