The Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)

Here at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, we cultivate two vegetable beds—one in the Sensory Garden and the other in the Children’s Garden. These beds undergo annual transformations to introduce new plants, while also retaining some successful past selections. This season, the Children’s Garden boasts a diverse array of vegetables, including Oriole Orange Swiss Chard, Vulcan Swiss Chard, Tam Hot Jalapenos, Slo-bolt Cilantro, Indian Coriander, Alaska Mix Nasturtium, Hollandia Purple Crown Dianthus, Ishikura Onion, Wethersfield Red Onion, and two varieties of Tomatillos.

The Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa) belongs to the nightshade family and is native to Mexico and Central America. Growing up to 3 feet tall and wide, tomatillos rely on pollinators for cross-pollination, as they cannot self-pollinate. The fruit can vary in size, reaching up to 2 inches in diameter, and when ripe, it swells and bursts through its husk. Interestingly, some traditional Mexican and Central American recipes call for the use of unripe tomatillos. This annual plant thrives in warm climates and comes in various colors, including green, yellow, and purple. At the Children’s Garden, we cultivate both green and purple varieties of tomatillos, with the purple ones developing their color when exposed to sunlight. Below is a picture of a purple tomatillo from our Children’s Garden vegetable beds.

Tomatillos hold a significant place in the cuisine and culture of regions like Mexico and Central America. Believed to have been first cultivated by the Aztecs, tomatillos have since become a culinary staple enjoyed worldwide. If you’ve ever relished green salsa on tacos or with chips, you’ve experienced the delightful flavor of tomatillos! These versatile fruits are used to craft salsas that accompany a wide range of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. They also lend their unique tangy flavor to dishes like pozole verde, a hearty stew featuring chicken, hominy, and tomatillos.

In addition to their culinary versatility, tomatillos offer a host of nutritional benefits, including being rich in Vitamins C and K. Here at Wellfield Gardens, our tomatillos have flourished, thriving at a rapid pace and yielding countless fruits ready for harvest. How do you enjoy tomatillos in your culinary creations? Share your favorite recipes with us in the comments, and be sure to visit Wellfield Gardens to explore these vibrant plants along with the rest of our vegetable beds!