Tamarillo

What Is Tamarillo?

Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) is a fruit native to the Andes of South America from the nightshade family, distantly related to the tomato; hence it is also known as "tree tomato." It is oval-shaped and can have red, purple, or yellow skin.

Beneath the skin is a flesh resembling tomato but with a more intense and sharply sweet-sour taste; it contains small edible seeds. Since its skin is firm and bitter, it is generally peeled or eaten scooped out with a spoon.

Nutritional Value of Tamarillo

There is no direct record for tamarillo in USDA FoodData Central; according to secondary sources, 100 grams contains about 31 kcal of energy and 3.3 g of fiber. These values are approximate, and it is also reported to be moderately rich in vitamin C and potassium.

What Are the Benefits of Tamarillo?

With its low calorie count and fiber content, tamarillo is one of the fruits that can be considered part of a balanced diet. Due to its tart taste, it is generally consumed balanced with sugar or in dessert recipes.

This information is general; tamarillo is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Do You Choose Tamarillo?

Ripe tamarillo is a fruit with glossy, smooth skin that shows slight flexibility in hand; wrinkled or very firm ones are not yet ripe.

• The skin should be glossy and smooth, with no large spots or rotten areas.
• It should give slightly to light pressure, not be rock-hard.
• The stem should look fresh and greenish.

How Do You Store Tamarillo?

Tamarillo stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks. Unripe fruit can be ripened by leaving it at room temperature for a few days.

Using Tamarillo in Cooking

Tamarillo is most often cut in half and eaten raw, scooped out with a spoon; its skin is firm and bitter, so it is generally not eaten. It is also used in sauces, compotes, and desserts.

How Do You Peel Tamarillo?

If the fruit is dipped in boiling water for a few seconds and then moved to cold water, its skin becomes easy to peel by hand, like a tomato.

How Do You Make Tamarillo Sauce?

Peeled tamarillo is cooked over low heat with onion and spices to make a sweet-sour sauce; it pairs well with grilled meats and cheeses.

Which Recipes Use Tamarillo?

Tamarillo is used in sweet-sour sauce, compote, fruit salad, and smoothie recipes. It is also eaten as a breakfast jam in New Zealand and South American cuisines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is tamarillo eaten?

The fruit is cut in half and eaten scooped out with a spoon; its skin is firm and distinctly bitter, so it is generally not consumed. If desired, it can also be boiled and peeled before eating.

Is tamarillo's skin edible?

Generally not; the skin is firm and distinctly bitter. It is recommended to peel it or just scoop out the inner part before eating.

What does tamarillo taste like?

It has a taste resembling tomato but more intense, sweet-sour, and slightly spiced; the tartness varies with the degree of ripeness.

Where does tamarillo grow?

Native to the Andes, tamarillo is now widely grown in countries like New Zealand, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. In Turkey it is found as an import.

How is tamarillo stored?

It stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks. Unripe fruit can be ripened by leaving it at room temperature.