Tomatillo
Physalis philadelphica
A quick introduction
Tomatillo's are curious looking green fruits that grow in greenish white lampion like husks (much like the smaller and orange coloured cape gooseberries to which they are related). They can be eaten raw but only when ripe (unripe they taste -so we've discovered- pretty horrible). In Mexico they are traditionally used to make a delicious salsa verde that is served with, for example, taco's!
Storage
Tomatillo's store for quite long in the fridge, depending on how ripe they are.
Season
Summer to mid-fall
Suggestions for preparation
This is your chance to serve taco's with home-made salsa verde! Either make your own tortilla's or buy ready made ones of good quality (we like to go to Tjins next to the Albert Cuyp market in Amsterdam). Stadsgroenteboer Andres also makes taco boxes that can be ordered with his other company Roots, rice and beans. See some recipe suggestions for toppings below. Take off the husks before preparing the tomatillo's and wash off the sticky sugary stuff that is sticking to them. See recipes for both charred and raw tomatillo salsa below.
Recipes
Make this delicious charred salsa verde or go for a raw version.
Click on this link for some taco inspiration with different meats or go for a vegetarian taco with portobello.
We also found this steak, tomatillo and corn salad that looks promising!