Tomatillos are related to tomatoes, which are in the Nightshade family. They look alike, but when they’re ready, they’re green, yellow, or purple, and have a husk around the fruit. The fruits are borne on warm season plants, from inside the husk. You can tell when to pick a tomatillo by watching for the husk to burst. Growing and harvesting tomatillo fruits will enhance your culinary range and provide nutrients and variety to your diet.
Plant tomatillos from seed in warmer climates or start them indoors six weeks before the last expected frost. Tomatillo harvesting typically begins 75 to 100 days after planting. Choose a full sun location with well drained soil. The plants require even moisture, especially after fruits begin to form. Cultivation of tomatillos is similar to that of tomato plants. The plants need a cage or heavy staking to prevent the laden stems from laying on the ground.
Purple tomatillos add a pop of color and sweet fruity flavor to salsas, tacos enchiladas and more. But if you’ve never grown them before, you may be wondering when these unique fruits are ripe and ready to harvest. With green tomatillos, it’s easy – harvest them when they’re still green. But purple tomatillos can throw you for a loop since their color changes as they ripen. Read on to find out exactly what to look for so you’ll know the perfect time to start purple tomatillo harvesting.
An Overview Of Purple Tomatillos
Purple tomatillos (Physalis ixocarpa) are close cousins to the more common green tomatillos. They are native to Mexico and Central America and come enveloped in a papery husk. This husk splits open when the fruit is mature, signaling that it’s ready to harvest.
These sweet and tangy fruits can vary in color, with hues ranging from deep purple to light yellow. The most commonly grown variety is called ‘De Milpa.’ As this variety ripens, it transitions from green to purple to pale yellow.
Compared to green tomatillos, purple varieties tend to be less tart and acidic. They have a sweeter, fruitier flavor that makes a tasty, colorful addition to salsa, salads and Mexican dishes.
When Do Purple Tomatillos Ripen?
Purple tomatillos typically take about 75-100 days to reach maturity after being transplanted into the garden However, the amount of time before harvest can vary quite a bit depending on your climate and growing conditions.
Here are some signs that your purple tomatillos are getting close to their ripe stage:
-
The fruits fill out the husks completely. Young, immature fruits will only partially fill the husks.
-
The husks turn from bright green to tan or light brown. This indicates the fruit is almost mature.
-
The husks become dry and papery As they near maturity, they lose moisture and become brittle
-
Cracks form in the husks, and they begin to split open. This exposes the mature fruit inside.
The most reliable indicator that your purple tomatillos are ready to pick is when the husks split open. At this stage, the fruits will easily separate from the plants when you tug on them gently.
What Color Should I Harvest Purple Tomatillos?
With green tomatillos, it’s recommended to harvest them when they are still green and haven’t started turning yellow. But purple tomatillos follow a different pattern of color changes as they ripen:
-
Green stage – Immature fruits are green when they first form. The husk will not be fully filled out at this point.
-
Purple stage – As the fruits mature, they will turn a deep purple, dark burgundy or reddish-purple color. At this stage, the husk will be filled out and you can begin harvesting them. The flavor is still tangy during this purple stage.
-
Yellow stage – Fully ripe purple tomatillos will transition to a light yellow or pale green color. At this final stage of ripening, the flavor becomes sweeter and less tart. You can still harvest them for use after they turn yellow.
So for the best flavor, it’s best to harvest your purple tomatillos when the fruits are purple, before they reach the yellow stage. But you can continue harvesting them as they turn more yellow. Just keep in mind that the flavor will become less tangy.
Harvesting Tips
Follow these tips for harvesting purple tomatillos at peak ripeness:
-
Check your plants daily once fruits start to fill out the husks. The husks can split open rapidly, so check often.
-
Harvest in the morning when the fruits are cool and firm. Avoid hot afternoons.
-
Gently tug on fruits that have split husks. If they release easily from the stems, they are ready for picking.
-
Use scissors or pruning shears to clip the fruits from the plants rather than pulling and risking damage.
-
Handle the fruits gently to avoid bruising.
-
Check under the plants to make sure you don’t miss any fallen fruits.
-
Avoid harvesting fruits with insect damage, cracks or mold.
Proper Storage
After harvesting, remove the remaining husks and sticky residue by giving the tomatillos a rinse under cool water. Pat them dry before storing.
For short term storage, keep harvested purple tomatillos in a single layer in the refrigerator. Place them in a paper bag or perforated plastic bag. They will last about 2-3 weeks.
For longer storage, purple tomatillos can be frozen or canned. To freeze, rinse and dry the fruits, then place in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze solid. Transfer to freezer bags. Canned purple tomatillos can be processed in a water bath canner for 15 minutes.
With proper harvesting techniques and storage, you can enjoy your homegrown purple tomatillos for months after the growing season ends! Their unique flavor and color make salsa, tacos and other dishes much more interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell when purple tomatillos are ripe and ready to pick?
The most reliable signs purple tomatillos are ripe include:
- The husk splits open and dries out
- The fruit fills out the husk completely
- The tomatillo separates easily from the stem when tugged
What color should purple tomatillos be when harvested?
For the best flavor, harvest purple tomatillos when the fruits are still purple and haven’t turned yellowish yet. But you can continue harvesting them as they turn more yellow – the flavor just becomes sweeter and less tart.
How long do fresh purple tomatillos last after picking?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, fresh purple tomatillos will last about 2-3 weeks before quality begins to decline.
Can you harvest purple tomatillos early?
It’s best to wait until the fruits are fully ripe before harvesting. But very late in the season, you can harvest any nearly-mature fruits remaining on the plants if you need to pull them before a frost. The flavor may be less developed.
What’s the best way to store harvested purple tomatillos?
For short term storage, refrigerate in a single layer in a breathable bag. For longer storage, freeze or can them. Frozen tomatillos will last about 3-6 months. Canned tomatillos sealed in jars can be stored for a year.
How to Harvest Tomatillos
Tomatillo harvesting is best when the fruits are green because they contain the most flavor. Its important to know how to harvest tomatillos to enhance continued fruiting. Choose fruits that have burst their husk and have no signs of disease, mold, or insect damage. Remove and compost any damaged fruits. Cut the fruits off the plant to avoid harming the stems and other fruit.
How to Tell if a Tomatillo is Ripe
Cultivation in the United States of the plant only began in the 1980s. The relative newness of the plant means it is unknown to many gardeners. Some people may not know how to tell when a tomatillo is ready if they have never grown them before. The color of the fruit isnt a good indicator because each variety matures to a different hue. The early green fruits have the most tang and flavor and mellow out as they age. The best indicator for when to pick a tomatillo is the husk. Fully ripe tomatillos will be firm and the fruit turns yellow or purple.