Yes, you can eat tomatillos raw and by themselves. While they are indeed edible in their raw state, they are most often prepared by cooking.
Understanding Tomatillo Consumption
Many people choose to cook tomatillos rather than consume them raw due to several benefits that cooking offers:
- Flavor Enhancement: Cooking helps to bring out even more of the delicious, unique flavor that tomatillos possess.
- Acidity Reduction: The application of heat during cooking can help to mellow some of the natural acidity found in raw tomatillos, resulting in a smoother and potentially more palatable taste for some individuals.
While they can be enjoyed raw, their culinary versatility truly shines when cooked, as they are a staple in many flavorful dishes.
Storing Tomatillos for Freshness
To maintain the quality and freshness of tomatillos after purchasing them, proper storage is important:
- Use a Paper Bag: Store tomatillos in a paper bag. This helps to absorb excess moisture and allows for air circulation.
- Refrigerate: Place the paper bag containing the tomatillos in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This cool environment helps to extend their shelf life.
