Tomatillos are delicious, easy to grow, and come wrapped in a husk that helps them store well after harvesting. However, you have to remove and then wash the Tomatillo's sticky residue before using in recipes. Here are our tips for washing tomatillos:
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Remove the husk by pulling it off, compost the husks. If the tomatillo is damaged, cut off damage if possible to use what looks good or compost it.
- Once the husk is removed, you will quickly find that tomatillos have sticky sap, which helps protect them from insects. You can soak them in water, then scrub them to try to get it all off. We like to finish by rinsing in a colander. Removing the sticky sap will reduce bitterness.
How do you prepare Tomatillos:
We like to roast Tomatillos on the grill or on a cookie sheet under the broiler to blister and blacken the skins, then throw them in a food processor, adding diced cilantro, onions and garlic and jalapenos or other hot peppers to make a hot salsa verde.
You can also make savory tomatillo sauces to cook with potatoes, vegetables, fish or shrimp. It makes a delicious pasta sauce as well! Add an avocado for creaminess and more flavor.
Tomatillos are also wonderful in hot sauces! They add sweetness and depth of flavor. Here's our favorite Tomatillo Hot Sauce Recipe »
Alternative - Freeze for later use:
You can also freeze the de-husked, washed and dried tomatillos whole in a freezer bag or container for winter use. You can also freeze whole peppers!
Washing Tomatillos - make sure to de-husk them first.
Washing Tomatillos - a colander works well
to rinse and scrub off the sticky sap residue.
Compost the husks to feed your plants next season.
Tomatillos feel sticky because they produce a natural, sticky film of sap that protects them from insects because of it's off-putting bitter taste. Washing tomatillos well will remove this bitter flavor and make for a more delicious salsa or sauce.
Tomatillos are very easy to grow from seed.
Harvest tomatillos once their husk starts to lighten in color, and the tomatillo turns to a lighter green. Store in their husks until ready for use.
Learn more about How to grow Tomatillos from Seed »
Buy Tomatillo Seeds »
