Compact, low growing shrub with bite sized and juicy yellow fruit that tastes like a mix between pineapple and sweet tomato. Eaten as a simple and sweet snack.

Flavours/Food Partners

The sweet and citrussy tomato flavour partners well with sweet herbs like mint, lemon and lime verbena and fruity sages. Not normally cooked but can be quartered and used in salads, for making stunning salsa or any strong flavoured dessert.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Tomatillo refers mostly to the large tomato sized fruit and these delectable little treats a called ground cherries. They come wrapped in their own little ‘paper’ bag (which is inedible and should be discarded) which goes brown and papery when ripe. They are also high in Vitamins 81, 82 and C plus a good source of dietary fibre and low in calories.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. They will spread so need some space.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Water and mulch well at planting then feed regularly with Seasol and Powerteed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Harvest when the husk turns a light brown and the fruit comes away easily – from mid to late summer until first frost. Store for up to three weeks in cool dark place.

Warning

All parts of plant except the fruit are toxic and should not be eaten.

Herb Attributes