From their shape to their respective names, tomato and tomatillo have many obvious things in common. But what is the difference between them? Keep reading to learn more about the origins, uses, and nutrient profile of these two nightshades.
What Is Tomato?
The tomato (scientific name solanum lycopersicum) is a widely cultivated fruit that belongs to the nightshade family. Tomatoes are grown in warm climates all over the world in numerous varieties. When ripe, they range from bright red to golden yellow, greenish-brown and even deep purple depending on the variety.
The popularity of tomatoes is due in large part to their versatility – they can be eaten raw or cooked, used as an ingredient in dishes both savory and sweet, canned into sauces, as well as juiced for drinks or fermented for salsa.
Plus, tomatoes offer many health benefits due to their substantial amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese.
What Is Tomatillo?
Tomatillo, also known as Mexican ground cherry (scientific name Physalis philadelphica), is a small, green nightshade, with a thin papery husk.
Native to Mexico and was first cultivated by the Aztecs, tomatillo’s name comes from the nahuatl tomatl, the ancestor of both Spanish tomate and English tomato.
Tomatillo is a popular ingredient of Mexican dishes. For example, you have probably noticed that Mexican salsa comes in two versions: red and green. Regular tomatoes are used for red salsa, while tomatillo is one of the main ingredients of green salsa.
Like tomatoes, tomatillos have a rich nutrient profile whose highlights include vitamin C, vitamin K, niacin, potassium, and manganese.
The Difference Between Tomato and Tomatillo
Tomatillo is Spanish for “small tomato,” and that’s precisely what these nightshades look like, except for their brittle husk. However, despite what the origin of the name would lead you to believe, tomato and tomatillo are two different plants that are only distantly related.
The nutrient profiles are also slightly different. While tomatillo is high in vitamin C, niacin, potassium, and manganese, tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, Potassium, and manganese. Both, are nutritious though, so feel free to add them to your diet unless otherwise indicated by your doctor.
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