Tomatoes and tomatillos come from different plants and differ in appearance, flavor, and culinary roles. Tomatillos are typically smaller, firmer, and most often green (occasionally purple or yellow), enclosed in a papery husk, and provide a tangy brightness commonly used in Mexican and Central American dishes. Tomatoes originated in the Americas and were spread globally, yielding many selectively bred varieties that vary in color, shape, size, texture, and taste. Tomato varieties include small cherry and grape tomatoes for snacking, Roma/plum types for cooking and canning, and larger beefsteak types for slicing. Tomatoes are eaten raw, cooked, juiced, or dried across cuisines.
Knowledge is recognizing that a tomato is a fruit, and wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad. But how far does your knowledge go when it comes to comparing tomatoes and tomatillos? Despite their similar-sounding names, these foods come from different plants and for the most part differ in appearance, taste, and the range of their culinary uses.
It's hard to imagine life without tomatoes. From pizzas and lasagna to BLTs or a comforting tomato soup, tomatoes show up in so many of our favorite dishes. But of course, this wasn't always the case. Tomatoes (along with peppers and potatoes) originated in the Americas and became known elsewhere after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. With the spread and adoption of the tomato, many new varieties emerged that were selectively bred for size, taste, or ease of growing.
Tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients you'll find at your supermarket, that can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced, or dried. Small, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for snacking as part of veggie platter or adding bursts of flavor to a salad. Roma or plum tomatoes have a meaty texture and fewer seeds that make them ideal for canning and cooking, whether it's a fresh passata or a rich curry.
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