Tomatillos are one of the few fruits with origins in North America

Name the vegetable. What looks like a baby tomato in size and shape, does not turn red when mature and is clothed with a thin papery husk? It is the tomatillo.

Although the vegetable has the name for a small tomato in Spanish, the tomatillo (toe-mah-TEE-yo) is not a tomato. While the tomatillo is in the same botanic family as tomato, the Solanaceae family, it is an entirely separate vegetable.

Tomatillos are one of the few fruits with origins in North America. They are indigenous to Mexico and Central America, were prominent in Aztec and Mayan economies and have been cultivated since the pre-Columbian era. The Aztec word tomatl means something "round and plump."

The generic name of tomatillo is Physalis (FIH-sa-lis) from the Greek physa, meaning a bladder, referring to the bladder-like fruits; the species name is ixocarpa or the synonym Physalis philadelphica. Tomatillo is given the species name ixocarpa for its sticky (ixo) carpels, the blossoms consisting of the female parts of the flower that become the fruit; when touched, the blossoms and fruit are sticky. The synonym philadelphica came from the naturalization of the plant in eastern North America.

Tomatillo blossoms are unusual as a green calyx (kay-LICKS) surrounds the top half, the stem end, of the flower; as the fruit enlarges the calyx enlarges, eventually fully enclosing the small, round fruit. The calyx develops into the husk, which turns straw colored and becomes papery thin, often splitting as the fruit continues to enlarge. The calyx/husk enclosing the fruit is sticky.

Tomatillos are known variously as husk tomato, Mexican groundcherry, Mexican green tomato and miltomate. When ripe, fruit color depends on the variety, which may be green, greenish-purple or yellow; texture will be firm or slightly softened with tart, acidic, citrusy, and sweet flavor. They are best consumed when still green and firm. Tomatillos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, consumed fresh or prepared, especially as salsa verde.

In the garden, a tomatillo needs room to spread, as they are semi-woody annuals with a sprawling, prostrate growth habit; they are best positioned at the edges so as to not interfere with other plants.

While tomatoes are self-fertile, the tomatillo is highly self-incompatible. Tomatoes can fertilize themselves but the tomatillo is insect pollinated, relying on bee or other insect activity for pollination and fertilization. Fruits will not develop without insect activity.

It is an interesting and easy crop to grow, thrives in soil that supports tomato growth, needs full sun, and requires 80-90 days to maturity.

The tomatillo is a delightful addition to a garden especially for gardeners who love Mexican cuisine.

Some information from gourmetsleuth.com; hort.purdue.edu; Worldwide Foods

Ellen Peffley taught horticulture at the college level for 28 years, 25 of those at Texas Tech, during which time she developed two onion varieties. She is now the sole proprietor of From the Garden, a market garden farmette. You can email her at gardens@suddenlink.net