Have you ever heard of a tomatillo? This small, green fruit is a staple in Mexican cuisine, but is becoming more popular worldwide. One medium tomatillo contains only 11 calories, making it a great addition to any diet.

Not only are tomatillos low in calories, they are also packed with nutritional value. They contain high levels of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. All of these nutrients work together to provide numerous health benefits.

In this article, we'll explore the different ways you can incorporate medium tomatillos into your diet, as well as some potential substitutes and side effects to be aware of.

Calories in Medium Tomatillos

As previously mentioned, one medium tomatillo contains only 11 calories. This makes it an ideal ingredient to incorporate into meals if you're trying to maintain a healthy weight or lose a few pounds. Compared to other fruits and vegetables, tomatillos are quite low in calories. For example, a medium-sized apple contains around 95 calories, while a medium-sized carrot contains around 25 calories. This means that you could add several tomatillos to a meal without significantly increasing its caloric content.

Health Benefits of Medium Tomatillos

Tomatillos are a great source of vitamins C and K, which are important for maintaining overall health. Vitamin C is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, while vitamin K supports bone health. In addition to their vitamin content, tomatillos also contain fiber and antioxidants. Fiber can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation, while antioxidants protect against cell damage and may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Vitamins and Minerals in Medium Tomatillos

As previously mentioned, tomatillos are a great source of vitamins C and K. In addition, they also contain small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, and various B vitamins. Minerals are also present in tomatillos, including potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals are important for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and other bodily functions.

How to Incorporate Medium Tomatillos into Your Diet

Tomatillos can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salsas, and salads. They have a tart, citrusy flavor that pairs well with spicy or savory flavors. To use tomatillos, simply remove the husks and rinse them under cold water. They can be chopped or pureed, depending on the recipe. Some popular dishes that use tomatillos include green chili, salsa verde, and pozole.

Low-Calorie Recipes with Medium Tomatillos

Tomatillo Salsa: Combine tomatillos, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a dip or topping for tacos or grilled meats. Tomatillo Soup: Saute diced onion and garlic in a large pot until softened. Add chopped tomatillos and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Cook until tomatillos are tender, then puree with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Tomatillo Salad: Combine sliced tomatillos, avocado, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Substitutes for Medium Tomatillos

Green tomatoes: Green tomatoes have a similar tart, slightly sweet flavor to tomatillos. They can be used in many of the same dishes that tomatillos are, although they may need to be cooked a bit longer to soften. Tomato puree or canned tomatoes: If you're making a soup, salsa, or other dish where tomatillos are used for their tartness, you could try using tomato puree or canned tomatoes instead. Keep in mind that these substitutes will not have the same texture as tomatillos. Poblano peppers: If you're making a sauce or salsa verde, you could try using roasted poblano peppers instead of tomatillos. They have a similar smoky, slightly spicy flavor and can provide a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

How to Select and Store Medium Tomatillos

Look for tomatillos that are bright green and firm to the touch. The husks should be intact and not overly dry or browned. Store tomatillos in a paper bag or on a breathable tray in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 2 weeks. If you need to use them sooner, you can also freeze them for up to 6 months.

Culinary Uses of Medium Tomatillos

As previously mentioned, tomatillos are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. However, they can also be used in numerous other dishes and styles of cooking. Some popular uses for tomatillos include salsa verde, green chili, and pozole. They can also be used in soups, stews, salads, and as a topping for tacos.

Interesting Facts About Medium Tomatillos

Tomatillos are also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, because they are wrapped in a papery husk when they are ripe. In addition to their culinary uses, tomatillos have also been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Hispanic medicine. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower cholesterol levels. Tomatillos are closely related to tomatoes, but are a different species.

Potential Side Effects of Medium Tomatillos

Some people may be allergic to tomatillos, particularly if they are allergic to other nightshade plants like tomatoes or peppers. In some cases, tomatillos may cause digestive upset or diarrhea if consumed in large quantities. This is more likely to occur in people who have sensitive stomachs or who are not used to eating high-fiber foods. If you experience any adverse side effects after consuming tomatillos, stop eating them and consult your doctor.