Native to the Western hemisphere, tomatillos are a small, green fruit in the nightshade family.
Once you get past the inedible shell, the juicy bulb is full of nutrients and makes a great starter for the popular Mexican dish, salsa verde. Like many other fruits in the family, tomatillos are high in fiber, which helps to balance blood sugar, regulate the digestive system and maintain the feeling of fullness.
Compared to tomatoes, tomatillos have more minerals per weight. Tomatillos are a good source of niacin, which supports cells in converting food into energy. They also contain a unique anti-cancer and anti-bacterial antioxidant known as withanolides.
Tomatillos are one of the few plant sources that contain no sodium and high potassium levels, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure. It’s important to note that despite tomatillos being low in alkaloids, the nightshade family typically has high levels that can inflame and irritate joints.
Glycemic Load=1
Serving size: 1 medium
Calories: 11
Omega-6 / Omega-3 ratio: 27 : 1