subject: What Does Tamarillo Tell Us [print this page] Tamarillos are native to South America, they are also called tree tomatoes, a culinary delight for their color and flavor. People should explore ways on how to eat tamarillo and find ways to help derive the nutritive punch of the sub tropical fruit. The skin is inedible but the tangy, tart flesh is delicious. The fruit is related to the tomato, potato, eggplant and capsicum. It is egg-shaped with pointed ends, approximately 8cm long and 5cm wide.
Tamarillo can be stewed, baked or frozen. The tamarillo is an extremely nutritious fruit, containing good quantities of several important vitamins - A, B6, C and E, and is rich in iron and potassium. The fruit is low in sodium. An average tamarillo contains less than 40 calories. The Tamarillo helps to provide essential vitamins that the body needs such as the Vitamins A, C and provitamin A. It is an excellent calcium, iron and potassium source. It also contains phosphorus and magnesium.
Their colour depends on the variety and can be deep purple, blood red, orange or yellow. The edible flesh also varies from orange-red or orange to yellow or cream-yellow. However, when it is ripe it can be eaten with a sprinkling of salt or sugar and a little lime or lemon juice. Scoop out the pulp, with its many black seeds, and enjoy the flesh. The flavor of which could be compared to tomato, alkakengi, gooseberry, or plum.
Avoid product that is too soft or is leaking juice, is blemished or has spots of mold. Tamarillo should be cooked and not eaten raw. The red variety is very tart, while the gold and amber varieties are mildly tart. Be sure to peel before using and do not use a wood cutting board - the juice stains. Add sliced red, amber, and gold tamarillos to your cheese-boards, salads and decorate your dishes for a distinctive look and flavour. Dice tamarillo and avocado; add a little chopped chilli and onion for an awesome salsa.
They can also be used to deal with Cold and Flus and Eye Problems. It is also used in diets for losing weight. they are particularly effective against prostate cancer. Lycopene, along with the other carotenoids, beta-corotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, help protect and repair cells against DNA damage, thereby helping to prevent premature aging.
They are available from May through to December. Select firm fruit that yields to gentle pressure. Store at room temperature until soft, and then keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
