The tree tomato (also known as tree tomatillo) is the fruit of the plant Physalis philadelphica, native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
The tree tomato comes in both yellow and purple varieties, but they are so similar in taste and appearance that they are often considered as a single type of fruit.
Although they can be eaten raw when perfectly ripe, they are most popularly used in sauces and curries because of their unique flavor and texture.
What is a tree tomato?
A tree tomato is a long, yellow fruit that grows on the top of trees. It looks like an upside down pear with very thin skin. The inside of the fruit is bright orange or red, depending on when it was picked from the tree. The taste is tangy and sweet.
Tree tomatoes are in season during late summer/early fall, but can be found at some grocery stores throughout the year as well. They can last for about three weeks after being picked.
They’re sold whole, quartered, or sliced, so you can decide what you want to do with them once they get home.
Nutritional value:
Tree tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is important for immune system health. They are also a good source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure.
They have many other vitamins and minerals as well. Tree tomatoes are also high in fiber, which can help people who have trouble with constipation or stomach pain.
Fruit contains very little sugar and is low on the glycemic index (GI), meaning it will not cause spikes in your blood sugar levels. So if you’re diabetic, this makes a great snack!
If you want to lose weight, this fruit can also be helpful because they contain soluble fibers that will help you feel full while eating less food.
Tree tomatoes may not be able to solve all your problems but they certainly make life more tasty!
Health benefits of consuming the fruit:
Tree tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals. They are also high in potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
This fruit has a creamy taste and texture like a mango or papaya with a hint of pineapple. Tree tomatoes can be eaten fresh or cooked for about 20 minutes to create a sauce that is sweet and tangy.
In their raw state, they have a crunchier consistency and make a great addition to salads or sandwiches. To store them, place the unripe fruit in the fridge where they will not over-ripen until you're ready to eat them.
The best way to tell if they're ripe is by picking it up; if it feels heavy then it's ripe! Be careful when slicing them open because the juice may stain your clothes.
When cooking this fruit, remember that the skin and seeds need to be removed before eating.