tomatillo

[susan1]

have got some of these growing in pots in my garden saw them at my garden centre a couple of months ago so thought I'd give them a whirl but
(a) how do I know when they are ripe cos cant see through the papery covering they have got on them. the pic on the seed packet shows them to be a purplish colour but the one I've sneaked a look in is green and
(b) what do i do with them when they are ready

thanks :)

[susan1]

[saddad]

Dunno, but if somebody does I'll sneak a look at their reply. They are on my to consider for next year list...  :)

[GodfreyRob]

There are different coloured varieties - if you have the purple one then the fruit is ripe when its purple and feels sticky/soft to touch. They usually break through the paper 'wrapper' too as they get bigger/riper.
I have used them like tangy tomatoes - stir fries, pasta dishes, etc.

[oakmore2]

I've heard of them being used in salsas too to make it more tangy. Sounds yummy. Might consider growing them myself next year too!
:)

[Squashman]

I have several Tomatillo plants grown from seed, very easy. Big bushy plants full of fruit, excellent for
savoury sauces or stir fries.

[Amazin]

Tomatillos were the original ingredient of Salsa, way before tomatoes were used.

[KathrynH]

I grew them a couple of years ago and had a lot of fruit. I found they were sharper than a tomato and had the "make your mouth dry" effect which I didn't particularly like. I haven't bothered with then again.

[susan1]

thanks all, will look up a recipe for a salsa.

they were very easy to grow and the bees just loved to pollinate them, looking like I'm going to have quite a big crop ;D