The tamarillo, also known as the tree tomato, can be an interesting fruit if you have never tried it before. The fruit tastes like a tangy kiwi mixed with the sweetness of a mango, and it’s actually very high in vitamin C! You might not know exactly how to cook with tamarillos or even how to eat them, but keep reading to learn 5 benefits of tamarillos that you never knew.
The truth about this strange fruit:
The tamarillo, or tree tomato, is a tropical fruit that grows in the Andes and coastal regions of South America. It’s an unusual looking fruit with green flesh and a fuzzy skin that resembles a pineapple more than it does a tomato. With its sweet taste, slightly tart flavour and high fibre content, the tamarillo is quickly becoming popular in the US for its health benefits.
-The tamarillo has high levels of vitamin A (more than 3 times as much as an apple) which supports eye health and growth.
-It’s rich in vitamin C which can help boost immunity, ward off colds and promote healthy gums.
-Tamarillos are also packed with potassium which helps regulate blood pressure levels.
The Benefits of Tamarillo:
1. The tamarillo has a flavour that is similar to the pineapple and mango, which makes it an excellent addition to both sweet and savoury dishes.
2. It’s a fruit that packs a powerful antioxidant punch with its high levels of Vitamin C, potassium and fibre.
3. It’s rich in carotenoids, especially lycopene, which is the same antioxidant found in tomatoes that helps prevent prostate cancer in men.
4. The tamarillo is low on the glycaemic index so it won’t have as much of an impact on your blood sugar levels as other fruits would.
How to eat it:
The tamarillo is a large, pear-shaped fruit that typically is eaten out of hand. Some people peel the tamarillo before eating it, but it’s usually not necessary. The skin can be bitter if the fruit isn’t ripe, so if you do peel your tamarillos, go easy on the salt and sugar when you’re cooking them.
Tamarillos are not only delicious; they’re also healthy! One cup provides over half your daily requirement for vitamin C and over 100% of your daily requirement for vitamin A. They also contain potassium and fibre to keep you full until your next meal.
Recipes with tamarillo:
Tamarillos are a fruit with a flavour and colour that is similar to an apricot, but with a slightly tangier taste. Not only is it delicious to eat out of hand, but it can also be used in many recipes! Whether you are making cakes, curries or jams, this little fruit is perfect for enhancing the flavour. Here are five delicious tamarillo recipes to try:
– Grilled Tuna on Taro Root Hash
– Sweet Potato Curry with Tamarillos
– Apricot and Tamarillo Cake Recipe
– Peach and Tamarillo Jam Recipe
– Peach and Tamarillos Cheese Quiche Recipe
Precautions:
We love tamarillos, but they’re not for everyone. They can be messy to peel and the flesh is very delicate, so it bruises easily. Always handle them with care and wear a good pair of gloves! Here are some precautions that may come in handy: -Tamarillos are best stored at room temperature and should not be refrigerated because the cold temperature could make the flesh mealy. -If you’re using your tamarillos raw, make sure to scrub them thoroughly before cutting in half or quartering because it’s common for dirt and small insects to be hiding out inside. -Tamarillos are susceptible to browning when cut so they should only be prepared just before serving.