Tomatillo Facts for Kids

What am I?

​I’m used a lot in Mexican food, like salsa verde. The Aztecs grew me 2,800 years ago! However, scientists recently found fossils of my plant in Argentina - so I’m really old! Today, I’m still most popular in Central America (like Mexico). I’m usually green, but I can also be purple or yellow.

Where I grow

​My plant can pollinate without bees, but I need a friend. So when I’m planted, I grow in pairs. I like to stretch out my stems and leaves, so my plant needs a lot of space in a garden. I grow best in warm climates. Once my flower is pollinated, I start to grow my fruit which is protected in a husk. The husk wraps around the part you eat. 

After I'm picked

​When my fruit fills the husk, I’m ready to pick. Then I can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Instead of eating raw, I’m usually cooked and added to salsa, soups, and stews. When you’re ready to cook me, just peel off the husk and wash off my stickiness. 

Did you guess... Tomatillo

Español: Tomatillo

Tomatillo is also called Mexican Husk Tomato. Tomatillo in Spanish means "little tomato." Have you tried tomatillo?

​Watch the video to learn more.

​​​Feed your food curiosity! Snackster Sam provides fun and educational content about food that grows. Join the adventure. Download the Snackster Sam app from Google Play or the App Store!