Tomatillos

[Andy Hamilton]

We have grown Tomatillos for the first time this year, we got fed up of having to buy tinned ones that had been transported from south America. I am very happy to report that they are very easy to grow. We had our first harvest last night and they were delicious.

If you have not heard of Tomatillos they are sort of green tomatoes. But not really as they grow like cap gooseberries (chinese lanterns) but the tomatillo takes up the whole of the 'sack' that they are in. They look like mini apples in a strange way and taste like, well they don't taste like anything else I have eaten really.

I would recomend trying to grow some just to taste them!

[eccentric_emma]

I've heard of them but I just assumed they were like a Spanish tomato. What do you do with them? (well, eat them of course - but recipes?)

Any growing tips?

[Odsox]

This year is was a toss up between Tomatillos and Pepinos .. and Pepinos won.
But I will definitely try Tomatillos next year on your recommendation.
No Pepino fruit yet, I will let you know how that one pans out.

[Andy Hamilton]

Well all bar one plant stayed in pots in the back yard. They are very easy to grow, I suggest grow them like peppers or tomatoes. Good rich soil, feed once the flowers form water in dry weather.

Pepinos??

[Odsox]

Yes, Pepinos or Melon Pear or even Solanum Muricatum if you insist.
Supposed to produce tomato sized purple striped green fruit that allegedly tastes like melon.
No sign of fruit yet but when there is I'll let you know if it was worth the trouble.