native to: Mexico
in season here: fall
Although tomatillos, or husk tomatoes, look like tomatoes in a husk, they're more closely related to cape gooseberries. They're normally green and used in sauces, but there are red and purple varieties that can be made into jam. They're members of the nightshade family and can promote inflammation, although they don't have as much alkaloid (which is what might be called the pro-inflammatory at issue) as other nightshades.
Tomatillos offer vitamins A, C, and K, niacin, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and fiber. They also have unique antioxidant phytochemicals called withanolides, which have anti-cancer and antibacterial properties, and antioxidant flavonoids such as beta carotene. They're a low-calorie food, making them a good choice for weight loss, and their niacin helps boost energy levels. Their vitamin A and beta carotene make them good for the eyes.
Read more:
label-style nutrition information for raw tomatillos
Organic Facts
recipes for fermented tomatillo salsa
Versión en español: this post is also available in Spanish.
Esperanta traduko: this post is also available in Esperanto, because Dana is a language geek.
