Tomatillos: Nature's Laxative?

Tomatillos are a fruit native to Mexico and Central America and have been a staple crop there for millennia. They are a member of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and chile peppers. Tomatillos are typically harvested when green, but they can also be yellow, purple, or red. They are covered in a papery husk, which must be removed before consumption. They have a bright, acidic, and tangy flavour and are commonly used in Mexican cuisine to make salsas, sauces, stews, and more.

Tomatillos are a good source of dietary fibre and are low in fat content. They also contain vitamins C, A, and K, as well as niacin, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. While there is no evidence that tomatillos are a laxative, their high fibre content may contribute to a healthy digestive system.

Are tomatillos toxic?

Tomatillos are small, round fruits that are native to Mexico and are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. They are green in colour and have a papery husk. They are a popular ingredient in salsas, sauces, stews, soups, stir-fries, curries, chutneys, and dips.

While tomatillos are a healthy addition to one's diet, there are some parts of the plant that are poisonous, including the leaves, husk, and stem. The fruit should be scrubbed clean before consumption.

There is some debate over whether the unripe fruit is also poisonous. It is best to avoid consuming unripe tomatillos as they are very sour and can cause an adverse reaction.

Tomatillos are a good source of dietary fibre and are rich in antioxidants, niacin, potassium, and manganese. They also contain organic compounds like withanolides and flavonoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, which have many physiological benefits.

Tomatillos are safe to consume for most people. However, there have been rare cases of allergic reactions, even in individuals without a history of tomato allergy. If you are allergic to other vegetables in the nightshade family, such as eggplant, it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming tomatillos.

Tomatillo nutrition facts

Tomatillos are a great source of dietary fibre and are low in fat content. They are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, niacin, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. They contain organic compounds like withanolides and flavonoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, which have many physiological benefits.

A 100-gram portion of tomatillo contains 1.02 grams of total lipid (fat), 5.84 grams of carbohydrates, 1.9 grams of dietary fibre, 7 milligrams of calcium, 0.62 milligrams of iron, 20 milligrams of magnesium, 268 milligrams of potassium, 39 milligrams of phosphorus, 11.7 milligrams of vitamin C, 10.1 micrograms of vitamin K, 7.6 milligrams of choline, 0.22 milligrams of zinc, 0.079 milligrams of copper, 0.153 milligrams of manganese, 0.044 milligrams of thiamin, 0.035 milligrams of riboflavin, 1.85 milligrams of niacin, and 0.5 micrograms of selenium.

Tomatillos are low in calories, with 100 grams of berries providing just 32 calories. They carry a bit more calories, fat, and protein than tomatoes. Tomatillos are also rich in different kinds of antioxidant phytochemicals, known as withanolides, which have been found to have antibacterial and anti-cancer properties.

Tomatillos are a good source of antioxidant vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as flavonoid antioxidants such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These compounds possess antioxidant properties and, together with vitamin A, are essential for ocular health. 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.

Tomatillos have a low sodium to potassium ratio, with fresh tomatillos containing no sodium and 268 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Tomatillos also contain more minerals weight per weight basis than tomatoes. They are also a good source of copper, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and other minerals.

Tomatillo side effects

Tomatillos are a small, round fruit native to Mexico and Central America. They are a popular ingredient in Mexican and Central and South American cuisine, often used in salsas, sauces, stews, and moles. While tomatillos are a good source of dietary fibre and various vitamins and minerals, there are some potential side effects to be aware of.

Firstly, while rare, there have been reports of allergies to tomatillos. If you have an allergy to other nightshades, such as eggplant, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming tomatillos. Serious reactions have been reported even in people with no history of tomato allergy.

Secondly, as with any food, consuming excessive amounts of tomatillos may cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea or an upset stomach. This is due to the high fibre content of tomatillos, which can have a laxative effect in large quantities. Therefore, it is important to consume tomatillos in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Additionally, while unripe tomatillos are commonly used in cooking, there is some debate over whether they are poisonous. It is recommended to avoid consuming unripe tomatillos and to only eat fully ripe fruit to minimise any potential side effects.

Finally, when preparing fresh tomatillos, it is important to remove the husk, rinse the fruit, and pat it dry before use. The husk, leaves, and stem of the tomatillo plant are known to be poisonous, so proper preparation is essential to avoid any adverse effects.

Tomatillo preparation

Tomatillos are a popular ingredient in Mexican cooking, often used to make salsas, sauces, and more. They are a type of fruit that belongs to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. They are typically green, with a papery husk that needs to be removed before use. Here are some tips and methods for preparing tomatillos:

Removing the Husk and Rinsing:

Start by pulling off the husks from the tomatillos. The fruit underneath will be sticky, so be sure to rinse them thoroughly. The husks are inedible and should be discarded.

Roasting:

Roasting tomatillos is a common preparation method, as it gives them a smoky flavour and reduces their tartness. There are several ways to roast tomatillos:

• Dry roasting: Place the tomatillos in a heavy frying pan, preferably cast iron. Turn the heat to low and roast for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally. This method produces an earthy, nutty flavour.
• Fire roasting: You can fire roast tomatillos under a broiler, with a propane torch, or over an open flame such as a grill. Ensure the heat is high enough to char the tomatillos without turning them mushy. The charred skins will add a smoky flavour to your dish.
• Oven roasting: Cut out the stems and place the tomatillos in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until they wrinkle and turn army green.

Blanching:

Blanching tomatillos involves boiling them whole for approximately 5 minutes or until soft. This method mellows their flavour. After blanching, drain and crush or puree the tomatillos according to your recipe.

Raw:

Tomatillos can also be used raw in sauces and salsas. Simply chop or blend them and add them to a pan with sautéed garlic and onion. You can also add a slightly hot pepper, like a poblano, to balance out the tartness. Cook the mixture until the tomatillos are soft and slightly browned.

Tomatillo recipes

Tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and they are used to make a variety of dishes, including salsas, sauces, stews, and moles. They have a unique, tangy flavour and are known for their health benefits, including high vitamin and antioxidant content. Here are some delicious recipes that feature tomatillos:

Tomatillo Salsa

A popular way to use tomatillos is to make salsa. There are several variations of tomatillo salsa, including roasted tomatillo salsa and tomatillo guacamole salsa. For a simple roasted tomatillo salsa, you will need:

• Tomatillos
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh hot green chillies (such as serrano or jalapeño)
• Fresh cilantro
• White onion
• Lime juice (optional)

Start by husking and rinsing the tomatillos. Place them on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven or under a broiler until they are lightly charred. You can also roast the garlic cloves and chillies for a deeper flavour. Once the tomatillos are cool, blend them with the garlic, chillies, cilantro, onion, and lime juice (if using). Season with salt to taste and add water as needed to adjust the consistency.

Chicken Chile Verde

Chicken Chile Verde is a hearty and flavourful dish that can be made with tomatillos. This recipe typically involves simmering chicken or pork in a green sauce made from tomatillos, poblanos, and other ingredients. It's a versatile dish that can be served with rice and beans, in burritos, or as a topping for tostadas.

Pickled Tomatillos

Pickled tomatillos are a unique and tasty treat that can be used as a topping for tacos and tostadas or enjoyed on their own. To make pickled tomatillos, you will need:

• Tomatillos
• White vinegar
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Spices (such as black peppercorns, coriander seeds, and bay leaves)

Start by making a brine by combining vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil. Meanwhile, husk and rinse the tomatillos and pack them into jars. Once the brine has cooled, pour it over the tomatillos, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jars and store them in the refrigerator for at least a week before enjoying your pickled tomatillos!

Avocado Salsa Verde

For a creamy and indulgent twist on traditional salsa verde, try adding an avocado to the blend. This sauce is perfect for burritos, quesadillas, or as a dip for tortilla chips. Simply follow your favourite salsa verde recipe and add an avocado to the blender. Season to taste and adjust the consistency with water as needed.

Breakfast Tacos with Salsa Verde

Salsa verde pairs beautifully with eggs, so why not try it in a breakfast taco? Prepare your favourite salsa verde recipe and make some scrambled eggs or migas (a traditional Mexican dish with eggs, tortilla strips, and other ingredients). Fill warm tortillas with your egg mixture and top with salsa verde for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

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