People who don’t know much about tomatillos may have a question can tomatillos be eaten raw or not?
You’re at the grocery store, perusing the produce section, when you see them. Those little green fruits that look like tiny tomatoes but are actually related to the gooseberry.
You’ve been wanting to try them for weeks, and you’re finally ready to take the plunge. But can tomatillos be eaten raw?
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Can Tomatillos Be Eaten Raw?
The short answer is yes—tomatillos can absolutely be eaten raw. In fact, many people prefer to eat them raw because cooking diminishes their natural tartness.
Raw tomatillos are often used in salads, salsas, and as a topping for tacos. If you do decide to cook your tomatillos, the most common method is roasting.
Roasting brings out the fruit’s sweetness and makes it softer and less acidic.
Are Raw Tomatillos Good for You?
Yes, raw tomatillos are very good for you and can provide many important nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins C and A, potassium, fiber, and more.
They may help promote heart health, boost the immune system, protect against certain cancers and eye diseases, and much more.
Additionally, they are low in carbs and can be a great fruit option for people with diabetes or those following low-carb diets.
So whether you enjoy them raw or cooked, raw tomatillos are a great choice for anyone looking for healthy and nutritious food!
Also Read:
- Tomatillo: Benefits, Uses, Recipes, Side Effects, How to Eat & All.
- What Does Tomatillo Taste Like? Does It Kill You?
- What To Do With Tomatillos? How To Eat It?
All The Nutrition Facts of Raw Tomatillos:
Here is a nutrition chart of raw tomatillos (100g):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 11 | 1% |
| Total Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 3mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.7g | 2% |
| Sugars | 1.3g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.3g | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 11.7mg | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 167IU | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 2.4mcg | 3% |
| Potassium | 225mg | 6% |
| Manganese | 0.2mg | 9% |
| Magnesium | 12mg | 3% |
As you can see, tomatillos are a low-calorie, low-fat food that is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, and manganese.
They are also a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied.
Health Benefits of Raw Tomatillos:
There are many health benefits to eating raw tomatillos.
- They are a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress.
- They contain lycopene, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and age-related eye diseases.
- They are low in carbs, making them an ideal fruit for people with diabetes or those who follow low-carb diets.
- They are high in vitamin C and A, which strengthen the immune system, help repair damaged skin, promote eye health, and increase collagen production.
- They may also help protect against kidney stones due to their high potassium content and they contain fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and promotes regular digestion.
Overall, whether you eat your tomatillos raw or cooked, they are delicious and nutritious fruit that you should definitely try!
So next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some fresh tomatillos and give them a try. You’ll be glad you did!
Side effects of eating Raw Tomatillo
Eating raw tomatillos is generally safe for most people. However, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of.
- Allergic reaction: Tomatillos are part of the nightshade family, which includes other vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. Some people may be allergic to nightshade vegetables, and eating raw tomatillos could trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating raw tomatillos, seek medical attention immediately.
- Solanine poisoning: Tomatillos contain a toxin called solanine, which can be harmful in large amounts. Solanine is also found in other nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. The amount of solanine in tomatillos varies depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Unripe tomatillos have higher levels of solanine than ripe tomatillos. The husk of the tomatillo also contains solanine, so it is important to remove the husk before eating the fruit.
Symptoms of solanine poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness.
In severe cases, solanine poisoning can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating raw tomatillos, seek medical attention immediately.
Related FAQs:
Yes, tomatillos are very healthy and contain many beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, lycopene, vitamins C and A, potassium, fiber, and more.
They can help promote heart health, boost the immune system, protect against certain cancers and eye diseases, and much more.
Additionally, they are low in carbs and can be a great fruit option for people with diabetes or those following low-carb diets. So whether you enjoy them raw or cooked, tomatillos are a delicious and nutritious food that everyone should try!
There are many different ways to enjoy tomatillos, including slicing them into salads or salsas, roasting them for a sweet and tender texture, and using them as a topping for tacos and other Mexican dishes.
Some people also like to blend raw tomatillos with other ingredients, such as garlic and cilantro, to make a delicious homemade salsa or sauce. You can also try pickling tomatillos for a tangy and flavorful snack.
No matter how you like to eat them, there are many ways to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fruit!
Yes, it is possible to freeze tomatillos. To do so, simply wash and dry the tomatillos, cut them into smaller pieces if desired, and place them in a sealed freezer bag or container.
You can then freeze the tomatillos for up to several months. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw and use as usual in recipes like salsas, sauces, stews, stir-fries, casseroles, and more.
Freezing tomatillos is a great way to enjoy their delicious flavor and nutrient-rich properties all year long!
Conclusion
So, can tomatillos be eaten raw? Yes, they can be! Whether you choose to eat them raw or cook them in various ways, tomatillos are delicious and nutritious fruit that offer many health benefits.
They are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can help promote heart health, boost the immune system, protect against certain diseases, and more.
And with so many different ways to enjoy them, you’re sure to find a way that works for you! So why not give tomatillos a try today?
