Tomatillos are a staple ingredient in Mexican culinary art , commonly used in smasher like salsa verde and pozole . However , there are several works that resemble tomatillos and can be mistaken for the real thing . These industrial plant belong to the same family as tomatillos , Solanaceae , and are commonly known as straw tomatoes or Physalis philadelphica .
Husk love apple are aboriginal to Central America and Mexico , just like jamberry . They grow in a alike manner , with a papery straw that surrounds the yield . The yield itself is small and round , and can lay out in color from green to yellow to purple . While they may look like tomatillos , husk tomatoes have a dulcet flavor and are often used in jams and desserts . In the United States , they are sometimes sold under the name “ ground cherries . ”
Growing Tomatillos
Tomatillos are well-off to acquire and require minimum care . They can be grown in a garden or incontainers , making them a great addition to any summer garden . In this section , we will cover the bedrock of planting , caring for , and harvest home Mexican husk tomato plants .
Planting and Germination
Tomatillos are typically acquire from seed . They can be started indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost , or sown directly into the garden after the last Robert Frost . Tomatillo cum should be planted ¼ in deep in well - drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 . They want full Sunday and temperatures between 70 - 85 ° F for optimum sprouting .
Once the seedlings have egress , they can be transplanted into the garden . Space the plant 3 - 4 groundwork apart in rows , or in raised bed . furnish support for the plant by using cages , bet , or trellis .
Caring for Tomatillo Plants
Tomatillo plants command regular watering , especially during hot , wry weather . Water profoundly once a week , earn sure the land is well - drained . Mulching with organic fabric such as compost or straw can help continue wet and keep weeds at embayment .
feed the plant with a balanced fertiliser when they are about 6 inches improbable , and again when they depart to flower . keep off over - fertilizing , as this can lead to unreasonable leaf development at the expense of fruit production .
Harvesting and Storage
Tomatillos are ready to glean when the fruit is ripe and the stubble has turn dark-brown and papery . The fruit should be firm to the feeling and fill out completely . glean the Physalis philadelphica by lightly twist and pulling them from the plant .
Tomatillos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 calendar week , or freeze in pint - sized container for longer storage . They can be used in a variety of beauty , including salsas , sauce , and sweat .
Common Challenges and Uses
Pests and Diseases
Like many plants , tomatillo flora are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases . coarse job include flea beetle , aphids , potato beetles , and hornworms . To combat these pests , gardeners may use quarrel binding or other protective meter .
In addition to blighter , tomatillo flora may also fall victim to disease such as mosaic computer virus . To prevent the spread of disease , gardeners should commit estimable hygiene and polish off any infected plants .
Culinary Applications
Tomatillos are a versatile ingredient in many Mexican and Latin American dishes . They are a key constituent in salsa verde , a tart sauce made with tomatillos , garlic , and chili peppers . Tomatillos can also be used in other sauces , soup , and swither .
Tomatillos are typically harvested when the fruit is still fleeceable and enclosed in its papery chaff . The husk should be removed before use . Some varieties of miltomate may have purple or flushed fruit , but these are less common .
Tomatillos are related to aubergine , tomato , and other member of the nightshade family . They can be grown in tomato plant cages and are ego - cross-pollinate , making them a relatively easy flora to grow .
In addition to traditional tomatillos , there are other related works such as husk tomatoes , also known as Mexican stubble love apple or wild tomatillos . These plants raise pocket-sized , mellisonant yield enclosed in a papery husk . smorgasbord include empurpled coban and mate well with other ingredient in salad or as a garnish .
Another related plant is the Mexican ground cherry tree , also known as cape gooseberry bush or physalis peruviana . This flora produces small gilt Chuck Berry , similar in flavor to a cossack pineapple . The yield is enclosed in a papery husk and can be used in jams , pies , and other desserts .
Overall , tomatillos and their related plants offer a unique flavor and versatility in the kitchen , while also being relatively easy to grow in a variety of conditions , including drouth .
