Latin name: Physalis philadelphica and Physalis ixocarpa
Location: Plot at Platform 1 (though you won’t see it in winter)
What it looks like: The Tomatillo plant looks similar to a tomato plant with a sturdy green stem and mid-green heart shaped leaves. The flowers are small and yellow and the fruits have a light green petal-like/lantern casing which dries out and turns light brown-green as the fruit ripens. The fruit itself is green.
History: Tomatillos originated in Mexico and are thousands of years old. The Aztecs and the Mayan people ate Tomatillos regularly.
How to eat it: Peel off and discard of the papery casing and give the fruit a wash as it will have a slightly sticky liquid on it (this is normal!). You can eat the fruit raw but it can taste bitter/sour. You can also dry, roast, grill or saute the fruits or make them into salsa.
More information: Tomatillos are part of the nightshade family and are not a type of tomato.