Tomatillos

	De Milpa TOMATILLO .09g seed, USDA Certified Organic Code: 48101 Price:$2.55 Quantity in Basket: none
(P. ixocarpa): This vigorous variety produces small berries about 5/8" in diameter. Self-sows readily. Has a stronger, sharper flavor than other tomatillos and is a preferred variety for some Mexican dishes. Pkt. (0.09 g) "These plants will take over and not need much help from you- they really take care of themselves." -Radish Bruce
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	Tomate Verde TOMATILLO .09g seed, USDA Certified Organic Code: 48102 Price:$2.55 Quantity in Basket: none
(P. ixocarpa): 95 days. Tall, 6 to 8' plants are best staked, caged, or pruned. Vines can be allowed to skim the ground if desired. Berries average 1-1/2" in diameter and are pale yellow green when ripe. Husks are easy to remove and fruits are excellent quality. 'Tomate Verde' adds a unique sweet-sour flavor to Mexican dishes. Pkt. (0.09 g)
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	Everona Large Green TOMATILLO .09g seed Code: 48103 Price:$2.55 Quantity in Basket: none
(P. IXOCARPA): [Seed collected by Barbara Rosholdt from tomatillos planted by Mexican workers at the Everona sheep dairy near Unionville, Virginia.] Finally a tomatillo that not only has nice large fruits (up to 2" diameter), but can handle a Virginia summer and pests and still produce prolifically! Plants thrive even in heavy clay soil and drought. Pkt (0.09g)
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	Cisineros Grande TOMATILLO .09g seed, USDA Certified Organic Code: 48104 Price:$2.55 Quantity in Basket: none
(P. IXOCARPA): 80 Days. Large fruits (up to 2.5"!) make for easy harvest and processing. Highly productive. Most fruits ripen to yellow, while some stay green throughout. There is a fair amount of variation in this variety. Fruits range from the size of a small lime to a summer apple, though most plants will produce the larger fruits. For a tarter salsa, use the bright green fruits while the husk is still green; for a sweet and fruity flavor, wait til the husk dries. Pkt (0.09g)
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	Cisineros Grande TOMATILLO 1.5g seed, USDA Certified Organic Code: 48104A Price:$5.50 Quantity in Basket: none
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CLASSIFICATION AND HISTORICAL NOTES: Husk tomatoes (including ground cherries) are distinguished from tomatoes by the light-brown, papery husk (calyx) which enlarges and covers the maturing berries. There are a number of cultivated species, the two most common are the ground cherry (Physalis pruinosa) and the tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa). Both have been cultivated in Central and South America for centuries, even before tomatoes. Ground cherries are so named because the cherry-sized berries are borne near the ground. The leaves of ground cherries are hairy or fuzzy and the plants grow 1 to 2' tall with lateral spreading growth. Ground cherries self-sow readily. Tomatillos are larger-fruited, typically 1 to 2" diameter and the plants grow 1 to 3' tall with smooth leaves. Some varieties may grow 8' or more with a ground-skinning growth habit. The Spanish name tomatillo is derived from the Indian name "tomatl". CULTURE: Culture of husk tomatoes is similar to tomatoes. (See Tomato section.) HARVEST: Husk tomatoes usually do not ripen fully until after falling from the plant. Ground cherries ripen from green to yellow-gold. Tomatillos ripen from green to yellow-green to pale yellow. FRUIT SET: Most cultivars of ground cherry set fruit in all areas of the U.S. Tomatillos are more sensitive to heat and day length: some cultivars may not set fruit until late summer, or may not set fruit in northern states. FLAVOR: The fruit of ground cherries and tomatillos vary considerably in flavor, color, size, firmness, ripening time, and keeping quality, depending on the cultivar. PREPARATION AND USES: Ground cherries are eaten out-of-hand, or are used in desserts, sauces, preserves, fruit toppings, pies and salads. Tomatillos are usually cooked to bring out full flavor: simmer for 5 to 10 minutes in a pot of water; then use in chili rellenos, salsa verde, guacamole, or other sauces or dips. SEED SAVERS: Isolate varieties by 150' for pure seed. PACKET: 0.06 to 0.1 g (90 to 140 seeds).