Physalis philadelphica/A tomatillo is a small round fruit with a green color and a papery husk. They’re native to Mexico and are commonly used in Mexican cuisine to make salsas, sauces, and more

The tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica and Physalis ixocarpa), also known as the Mexican husk tomato, is a plant of the nightshade family bearing small, spherical and green or green-purple fruit of the same name.^[rx] Tomatillos originated in Mexico and were cultivated in the pre-Columbian era.^[rx] A staple of Mexican cuisine, they are eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes, particularly salsa verde.

Scientifically known as Physalis Philadelphica tomatillo is the fruit of the member of Solanaceae or nightshade family of fruit and vegetable, which also includes tomato, eggplant, chilli pepper, potato and ground cherry.  Sometimes called husk cherries or tomato verde, tomatillos are a small, green fruit native to Mexico. They are mainly grown in the western hemisphere and are popular in Vegas gardens. They are as small as cherry tomatoes and enclosed in a husky papery shell; this shell may be light green to brown in color which varies from time to time.

Tomatillo Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Physalis philadelphica

Plant

Tomatillo is a small annual glabrous shrub growing up to two to four feet in height. It prefers sunny locations for better production and is found growing in well-drained, fertile soil that warms up quickly in the spring. Leaves are normally serrated and can either be smooth or pubescent. Flowers come in several colors including white, light green, bright yellow, and sometimes purple. Flowers may or may not have purple spots toward the center of the corolla.

Fruit

Tomatillos are a small, green Mexican fruit with a Japanese lantern-type shell surrounding it. While they’re from the tomato family, and do look like small, green tomatoes inside the papery covering, tomatillos appear more like cape gooseberries. The fruit resembles a small unripe tomato and is usually green or yellow. The yellow color indicates ripeness, but tomatillos are often used when they are green.  The husk that holds the fruit is paper-like and is light brown. The husks are inedible and should be removed before use. When removing the covering, the fruit seems a little sticky but this can be easily washed off. The fruit contains a pectin-like substance that thickens as it cools. The inside is white and meatier than a tomato. The flesh is somewhat acidic with a hint of lemon. Tomatillo should be consumed as soon as it is plucked from the plant, if one decides to store it then they should be kept intact with their husk which prevents them from spoilage. Normally they’re about the size of a large walnut or a small lemon and are 30-50 g.

History

Tomatillos were domesticated in Mexico before the coming of Europeans, and played a significant part in the culture of the Maya and the Aztecs, more important than the tomato. The specific name Philadelphia dates from the 18th century. The plant was exported around the world. During the 1950s, it was exported to India, where it was grown in Rajasthan; it is grown and processed also in Queensland (Australia), Pietersburg (South Africa), and Kenya. In the United States, tomatillos are grown in California and Iowa. In this way, it is now grown throughout the world.

Nutritional value

Apart from their slightly sweeter taste, the tomatillo is a good source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming 132 grams of tomatillos offers 15.4 mg of Vitamin C, 2.442 mg of Vitamin B3, 0.104 mg of Copper, 13.3 µg of Vitamin K, 0.82 mg of Iron, 0.202 mg of Manganese, 354 mg of Potassium, and 51 mg of Phosphorus.

Health Benefits of Tomatillos

Tomatillos also called husk cherries or tomato Verde are small, green Mexican fruit that has significant levels of dietary fiber, very few calories, and low levels of fat. Some of the health benefits of tomatillos include their ability to reduce the chances of diabetes, increase the health of your digestive system, lower gout risks,  boost the immune system, slow aging, increase cellular growth, increase energy levels, improves bone density, prevent certain types of cancer, improve vision health, reduces PMS symptoms, lower blood pressure, and can help in weight loss efforts.

1. Blood Pressure and Heart Health

Tomatillos consist of a considerable amount of potassium and sodium which is extremely beneficial for maintaining blood sugar levels. Potassium acts as a vasodilator which means it helps to relax blood vessels, reduces the strain on the cardiovascular system, and encourages circulation and oxygenation to vital parts of the body. Additionally, when combined with high fiber content, it can decrease “bad” cholesterol levels, tomatillos promote heart health by decreasing the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.(1)

2. Lowers Risk of Gout

Vitamin C present in tomatillo is related with lowering the risk of gout, which is a painful, arthritis type condition mostly afflicting the big toe. The big toe becomes stiff, inflamed, and painful as a result of excess uric acid leading to crystals forming in joints. Tomatillo consists of 15.4 mg of vitamin C which is 17.11% of the daily recommended value.

3. Cancer Prevention

Tomatillos also consist of distinctive antioxidant phytochemicals known as withanolides, which have been directly related to anti-cancer and antibacterial functions. Antioxidants help to combat the effects of free radicals that are the hazardous byproducts of cellular reproduction that may kill or mutate healthy cells and turn them into cancerous cells.  Furthermore, the vitamin A, vitamin C, and flavonoids within tomatillos provide other cancer-protective effects, mainly in terms of lung and oral cancers.(2)

4. Help Treat Diabetes

Tomatillos consists of vitamin B3 niacin which is helpful for treating diabetes because of the role it plays in balancing blood sugar levels. It’s supposed that vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide help improve the effectiveness of certain oral drug treatments that are used to control diabetes.

5. Vision Health

Vitamin A has long been associated with the health of our vision. Tomatillos contain beta carotene, a derivative of vitamin A that works as an antioxidant and help to prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, and other conditions that can affect the health of our eyes.(3)

6. Slows Aging

Copper present in tomatillo is considered one of the powerful antioxidants that protects cells against free radical damage. It can help decrease the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and even macular degeneration. Tomatillos consist of 0.104 mg of copper which is 11.56% of the daily recommended value.

7. Immune System Health

Tomatillos consist of the huge amount of vitamin C which helps to boost the immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells, the body’s main line of defense against foreign agents and pathogens. Apart from that vitamin C is also a key component of collagen production, which supports the health and creation of skin tissue, as well as the cells and tissues that make up our organs and blood vessels, increasing the body’s sustainability and metabolic functions.

8. Energy Levels

Niacin is a member of the B-family of vitamins that is often ignored in human health. Niacin is actually a key element in the enzymatic processes which help to break down food and complex molecules into usable energy for the body. By increasing the availability of this energy and making the process more efficient, the niacin found in tomatillos can provide you a supportable boost of energy throughout your day.(4)

9. Improves Bone Density

Tomatillos consist of 13.3 µg of vitamin k which is 11.08% of the daily recommended value. Vitamin K helps to increase the amount of a specific protein essential to maintain bone calcium, decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. Research on vitamin K found that high intakes of vitamin K help to stop bone loss in people with osteoporosis. Your body needs vitamin K to use calcium to build bones.

There is increasing evidence that vitamin K improves bone health and decrease the risk of bone fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women who are at risk for osteoporosis.(5)

10. Weight Loss Efforts

Tomatillos are considered one of the favored vegetables for people who are trying to lose weight. High-nutrient, low-calorie, and low-fat vegetables with high fiber content, like tomatillos, help people to feel full, obtain the required nutrients on a daily basis, and decrease the chances of overindulging, because they feel satiated. Tomatillos are perfect if you are trying to reduce obesity for a healthier lifestyle.(6)

11. Speeds up Wound Healing

Iron plays an important role in speeding up the process of wound healing. Since tomatillos consist of a considerable amount of iron it helps in the formation of RBCs, the most essential constituent of hemoglobin that transports oxygen around the body. Without the proper supply of oxygen, wound healing cannot take place.(7)

12. Digestive Health

Most of the vegetables have a high level of dietary fiber, and tomatillos are no exclusion. This means that they are very good for digestive health, as fiber helps to add bulk to foods and speed their transit through the digestive tract, thus eliminating constipation, excess gas, bloating, cramping, and even more severe conditions like colon cancer and gastric ulcers. Additionally, fiber is very good at regulating the release of carbohydrates (simple sugars) into the bloodstream, thus regulating blood sugar levels, which is significant for people suffering from diabetes, who need to strictly control their glucose and insulin levels.(8)

13. Reduces PMS Symptoms

Consuming a sufficient amount of manganese together with calcium help to improve symptoms of PMS like tenderness, muscle pain, anxiety, mood swings and trouble sleeping and work as a natural remedy for PMS. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who have lower levels of manganese in their blood experienced more pain and mood-related symptoms during pre-menstruation.(9)

14. May Boost The Immune System

The vitamin C found in tomatillos can help to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, the body’s primary line of defense against foreign agents and pathogens. Vitamin C is also a key component of collagen production, which may support the health and creation of skin tissue, as well as the cells and tissues that make up our organs and blood vessels, increasing the body’s sustainability and metabolic functions. ^[9]

15. May Improve Vision 

Vitamin A has long been connected to the health of our vision. Tomatillos also contain beta-carotene, a derivative of vitamin A, that functions as an antioxidant and prevents macular degeneration, cataracts, and other conditions that can affect the health of our eyes. ^[10]

16. Withanolides

A research report was published from the University of Kansas, the USA where it has been confirmed that tomatillo contains 14 phytochemical compounds, termed withanolides. These compounds can play an important role against melanomas, and cancers like thyroid, breast, pancreas, and esophagus. Such compounds act as chemopreventives.

17. Can Help Treat Strep Throat

Strep throat, a bacterial infection that causes pain and inflammation in the throat, is a common condition in children and adults alike. This condition is brought on by the Streptococcus bacteria, which can spread easily from one individual to another. Tomatillos have anti-bacterial properties that kill the Streptococcus bacteria, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that relieve the inflammation in the throat.

18. May Help Treat Mumps

Mumps is another contagious disease that is caused by a virus that can easily spread through close personal contact. It is characterized by painful swelling under the neck. Other symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, and headache. Since mumps is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics, which makes them more difficult to treat. Fortunately, tomatillos can alleviate inflammation and reduce pain, owing to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial qualities. Mumps has virtually been eliminated thanks to effective vaccine practices, but a resurgence is occurring as a result of the anti-vaxxer movement, making it necessary to be ready in the event there is a major outbreak.

19. Treat Colds and Influenza

Tomatillos contain vitamin C and a list of antioxidants that fortify your immune system; thus, helping you recover faster from fever, colds, or flu and reducing your risk of contracting such ailments in the first place.

20. Treats Ringworms

Ringworm is a fungal infection (yes, you read that correctly, it is not a parasitic worm) that appears on the skin. Not only is ringworm disturbing, but it could also lead to a number of complications if remain untreated. Fortunately, you can create homemade remedies using tomatillos to treat ringworms, thanks to their anti-mycotic properties.

21. Improves Bone Density

Tomatillos consist of 13.3 µg of vitamin k which is 11.08% of the daily recommended value. Vitamin K helps to increase the amount of a specific protein essential to maintain bone calcium, decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. Research on vitamin K found that high intakes of vitamin K help to stop bone loss in people with osteoporosis. Your body needs vitamin K to use calcium to build bones.

22. Treating Pertussis

Tomatillos leaf was proven to be a cure for those who have whooping cough or pertussis. The content in the leaves of tomatillos can relieve this cough naturally gradually but prevent not occur again.

23. Treating Mumps

Tomatillos leaf also has the benefits to relieve inflammation, which causes reduce pain like mumps. Mumps is a condition where the glandular part under the neck, swelling. When experiencing mumps will feel pain, then nature can be reduced by drinking boiled water from tomatillos leaves.

24. Drugs For Abscess/boils

As a highly efficacious anti-inflammatory, tomatillos leaf can be used to treat boils on the skin. The way is quite easy, namely by applying boiled water leaf tomatillos to boils that are inflamed. But surely your hands are clean.

25. Accelerate Drying Ulcers

Those who suffer from ulcers can be overcome with tomatillos leaves. Just by pounding the leaves of tomatillos with the pestle, then apply on the inflamed ulcers. Ulcers that are experienced can quickly dry quickly.

26. Relieves Lymph Node Disorders

If ever experience swollen lymph nodes, it is advisable to drink boiled water leaf tomatillos regularly. However, drinking boiled water such as tomatillos plant leaves should be considered with water intake.

27. Cures heart disease

One of the benefits of tomatillos fruit is to treat heart problems. The way is quite easy, take 40 pieces of tomatillos leaves and smash with a blender like juice, then drink without any mixture. Besides being made like juice, the leaves can also we eaten directly, but make sure it was washed first.

28. As an asthma remedy

The application of tomatillos as an asthma drug is also relatively easy. Take the leaves and stems from the tomatillos fruit, boil, and drink the boiled water. Or take the leaves, then mix with whiting then crush by using both palms. Then wipe it with water. After that coagulate on the palm of the hand so that the water comes out green and whitish and froth. Apply on the chest, abdomen, and back.

29. Eliminates yellowing in newborns

Tomatillos fruit can also eliminate yellowing in newborns. How to do it, drying the tomatillos until dry, then used to bathe in newborns.

30. Bringing people unconscious

Take the roots and burn. Then the ashes are mixed with whiting. After that mix with a little coconut oil, and dab on the head of a person who is fainting.

31. Treat stroke

Drinking and eating the parts of the fruit tomatillos regularly can also help treat stroke disease you know.

32. Increased intelligence

Tomatillos fruit mixed with water, lime, and a little sugar in addition to delicious it can also improve the intelligence of children.

33. Eliminate joint pain

The way is quite easy, mix the leaves with lime betel then paste on the joints that are sick.

34. Lowers cholesterol

What more health benefits of Tomatillos? Part of the fruit of the tomatillo was also able to lower cholesterol you know. The way to eat leaves from fruit tomatillos is two strands three times a day.

35. For added blood

Tomatillos fruit also can cure blood deficiency or anemia. Its application is by way of cooking stems from tomatillos fruit, then drinking boiled water.

36. The antidote

All parts of the fruit of the tomatillo turned out to be consumed as an antidote.

37. Heals Vertigo

Vertigo is also known as lung pain. When something is wrong with your lungs, this will result in its ability as a respiratory organ. Your breath will not be as optimal as it used to be. For that, you should address it as early as possible before it gets worse. This time you not only need the fruit alone but all the tomatillos plants such as leaves, stems, and roots. Boil them all in enough water to boil. Strain this herb to separate the dregs. Drink potion while warm three times a day on a regular basis.

How to Eat

• Tomatillos are the main ingredients of a variety of Mexican mole (sauce) preparations.
• Berries are normally used in Enchilada Verde (green) sauce.
• To prepare salsa verde, cooked and pureed green tomato, blended with roasted jalapeno, onions, garlic, herbs like cilantro and served over tortilla, seafood, fritters, etc.
• Guacamole is a popular avocado-based Mexican spread prepared with chopped tomato, peppers, onion, lime juice, and served over tortilla chips.
• It’s normally used in salsas as well as stews and sauces for meats.
• It is also made into jams and marmalades.

Other traditional uses and benefits of Tomatillos

• Tomatillos are low in calories. 100 g of berries provide just 32 calories. For comparison, they carry a bit more calories, fat, and protein than tomatoes. (100 g tomato just has 18 calories). Besides, they contain many health-benefiting plant nutrients such as dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• Unlike tomato, tomatillo does not carry lycopene. On the other hand, it is rich in different kinds of antioxidant phytochemicals known as withanolide. Ixocarpalactone-A is one such withanolide present in tomatillo which has been found to have antibacterial and anti-cancer properties.
• Tomatillo contains small amounts of antioxidant vitamins like vitamin-A, vitamin-C, and vitamin-E. Further; the berry consists of flavonoid antioxidants such as ß-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These compounds possess antioxidant properties and, together with vitamin-A, are essential for ocular health. Besides, Vitamin-A is also required for maintaining the integrity of mucosa and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• Fresh tomato is one of the vegetables that has the least sodium to potassium ratio (0:6). Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
• Further, the fruit has more minerals weight per weight basis than that in the tomatoes. They are also a good source of copper, iron, phosphorous, manganese, and other minerals.
• In Mexico, a concoction made of the flower calyces is used to treat Diabetes.
• The fruits are also used as a remedy for fever.
• As a member of nightshade family plants, tomatillos often cause allergic-reactions in some sensitized persons with symptoms of skin and eye itching, runny nose, gastrointestinal disturbances like pain abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.

References

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