
Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica)
Tomatillo, also known as Tomatillo, Mexican Husk Tomato
If you've tasted salsa verde, you've likely had a tomatillo. Known for its durability and versatility, this fruit is a staple in Mexican and Central American green sauces. Tomatillos are encased in a papery husk that must be peeled away before eating, as the rest of the plant is toxic. Besides being a key ingredient in sauces, tomatillos can replace tomatoes in recipes or be dried for snacking.
Key Facts About Tomatillo
Attributes of Tomatillo
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
8 mm to 1.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow Black Gold
Scientific Classification of Tomatillo
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Solanales
Family
Nightshade
Genus
Physalis
Species
Tomatillo
Toxicity
Ingestion of unripe fruit or other parts of the plant