What Is a Tomatillo — And How Is It Different From a Tomato?

Tomatillos add a burst of color and flavor to anything they touch. But what is a tomatillo — and is it really just a tiny green tomato? Here's what you need to know:

What Is a Tomatillo?

A tomatillo is a small, green, spherical fruit that looks like a small tomato. In fact, tomatillo means "little tomato" in Spanish. The tomatillo plant, which is a relatively disease-resistant member of the nightshade family, originated in Mexico. Tomatillos can be eaten raw or cooked. They're perhaps most often associated with salsa verde.

Are Tomatillos Tomatoes?

Nope! Contrary to its name, a tomatillo is not a little green tomato. Though the two plants are distantly related, they are not the same thing — substitution is not recommended. One of the main differences? Unlike tomatoes, tomatillos are covered in a papery husk that must be peeled away before use. They also have different flavors and textures (tomatillos remain firm when ripe, while tomatoes soften a bit).

What Do Tomatillos Taste Like?

Tomatillos are sweet, tart, subtly fruity, and a bit earthy. When raw, they're quite acidic. Cooked tomatillos are a bit milder in flavor.

When Is a Tomatillo Ripe?

Farmers know it's time to harvest when the fruit is green and fully fills out the husk. If they're left to ripen further, tomatillos will split the husk and turn yellow or purple. They're ready to eat when the husks start to slightly split open at the bottom.

How to Buy Tomatillos

You'll find tomatillos at the grocery store or farmers' market in late summer and early fall. Opt for firm tomatillos with fresh-looking husks. Avoid tomatillos that are soft, moldy, or sticky.

How to Store Tomatillos

You can store tomatillos at room temperature or in the fridge. No matter how you store them, though, it's best to leave them in their husks until you're ready to cook.

How to Store Tomatillos at Room Temperature

It's always best to store under-ripe tomatillos at room temperature until they've reached their prime. There's no secret to storing them at room temp — the produce basket they came in is a perfectly fine spot. You can ripen the fruits more quickly by sticking them in a paper bag with a fully ripened banana, which releases ethylene gas and speeds up the process.

How to Store Tomatillos in the Fridge

Once tomatillos are fully ripe, place them in a loosely closed paper bag and store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge for up to three weeks. The bag traps moisture and keeps the fruits fresh, while the crisper drawer keeps the surrounding area cool and dry.

How to Prepare Tomatillos

It couldn't be simpler to prepare and clean tomatillos for cooking. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Remove the papery husks by hand. They should easily pull away from the fruit. If they feel a bit resistant, start by twisting at the stem.
2. Rinse under clean, cool water until the tomatillos are no longer sticky.
3. Pat dry with a clean towel before using.

What to Do With Tomatillos

Tomatillos are incredibly versatile. Eat them raw or cooked, blended or whole, as a side dish or in an entrée. Try one of these delicious ways to use tomatillos:

• Authentic Enchiladas Verdes
• Tomatillo Salsa Verde
• Suegra's Tomatillo Chicken

Explore our entire collection of Tomatillo Recipes.

Related:

• 12 Dinners That Start With Fresh Tomatillos
• Our 10 Best Tomatillo Salsa Recipes
• 7 Secrets for Sensational Homemade Salsa