Tomatillo

From Mexico and Central America, the tomatillo (which means “little tomato”) resembles a small green tomato in a papery husk. It is, however, more closely related to other plants such as the ornamental Chinese lantern or the purple ground cherry. It has a bright acid flavor that can be overpowering when raw but mellows in cooking and suggests lime or lemon. Its distinctive flavor makes the tomatillo an essential ingredient in Mexican green sauces or salsas. Add it finely chopped to your next batch of guacamole.