All About Tamarillos
As Mother Nature continues to bless us with an array of nutritious and delicious fruits, the tamarillo deserves a place of honor. This distinctive tropical delight, known for its unique taste and culinary versatility, also brings a wealth of health benefits.
Discovering the Tamarillo
The tamarillo, sometimes referred to as the tree tomato, is a vibrant fruit native to South America. It’s a member of the Solanaceae family, which interestingly also includes the likes of tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. This fruit is often oval-shaped, with smooth and shiny skin that comes in three primary colors: red, yellow, and orange.
The interior of a tamarillo is just as visually captivating. Once sliced open, you’ll find beautiful, deeply-hued flesh speckled with tiny edible seeds. The taste of the tamarillo can best be described as a unique blend – slightly similar to a passion fruit and a tomato. It’s sweet yet tangy, and some varieties lean more towards a bitter edge.
Brimming with Health Benefits
Beyond its exciting flavor profile, the tamarillo is inarguably good for you. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can contribute positively to your overall health.
One of the significant health benefits of tamarillo includes its high content of vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A is beneficial in maintaining good vision, healthy skin, and a robust immune system. Vitamin C, meanwhile, assists in strengthening the body’s resistance against infections and helps in absorbing iron. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties which help protect against diseases.BBC Good Food provides more detailed information on these benefits.
Tamarillos are also rich in dietary fibre that aids in digestion and keeps the heart healthy by reducing levels of bad cholesterol. In addition, these fruits contain B-complex vitamins, including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, necessary for optimal body function as they help convert food into energy.
Perhaps surprisingly, the tamarillo – despite its small size – is a potent source of potassium. This multi-tasking mineral helps regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and is invaluable in maintaining fluid balance. For an in-depth look at the benefits of potassium, Healthline is a great resource.
Savor the taste and appreciate the health benefits of tamarillos by incorporating them into your diet. Eat them raw, make them into jams, or mix them into salads. However you choose to enjoy your tamarillos, just remember that in each sweet and tangy bite, you’re doing something good for your body too.
Our Favorite Tamarillo Recipe Ideas
Tamarillo Sorbet
Beat the summer heat with our refreshing Tamarillo Sorbet! It’s a perfect mix of sweet tamarillos, zesty lime juice, and a hint of mint.
Tamarillo and Apple Crumble
Savor the sweet-tart fusion of tamarillos and apples beneath a golden, buttery crumble. Perfect for dessert or a midday treat!
Tamarillo Chutney
Savor a delicious tang with our Tamarillo Chutney, a unique blend of exotic tamarillos, onions, vinegar, and spices. Perfect for a fun foodie adventure!
Chocolate Dipped Tamarillos
Savor the tangy taste of tamarillos dipped in a luscious layer of dark chocolate – a heavenly, tropical dessert that’s incredibly easy to make.
Tamarillo and Tomato Soup
Experience a vibrant mix of sweet and tangy with our Tamarillo and Tomato Soup. Simmered with love, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Spiced Tamarillo Jam
Experience the unique blend of sweet tamarillo, tangy citrus, and exotic spices in this homemade jam recipe. Perfect for revitalizing your breakfast routine!
Baked Tamarillo with Honey
Explore the exotic flavors of Baked Tamarillo with Honey. Tart tamarillos perfectly balanced with sweet honey, baked to perfection. A unique treat!
Tamarillo and Ginger Smoothie
Kick start your day with this vibrant Tamarillo and Ginger Smoothie, a sweet and spicy fusion packed with vitamins and a zingy flavor punch!
