Tomatillos and Husk Cherries

Tomatillos

Husk Cherries (aka Ground Cherry)

In Season
Late August- September

Storage Tips
Hold tomatillos and husk cherries at room temperatures with the husks on. Tomatillos will keep this way for 2 weeks or more. Husk cherries can last for up to 3 months, and actually get sweeter the longer they are stored after harvest. 

Culinary Tips 
Tomatillos and husk cherries both belong to the nightshade family, and although they look very similar, they taste very different. Both fruits grow like paper lanterns, enclosed in an inedible husk. Tomatillos are medium sized with a tart green fruit, while ground cherries have a small sweet orange fruit.

Tomatillos:

• Tomatillos originated in Mexico, and are a staple of Mexican cuisine. 
• Tomatillos can by very inconsistent in flavor, with some being sour and others tasting mild and sweet. If the tomatillos are to tart for your taste, try adding a little sugar to balance the taste.
• Raw - Raw or uncooked tomatillos are often in Mexican sauces. They add a fresh citrus-like flavor.
• Blanching - Blanching mellows the flavor. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole tomatillos (husks removed and rinsed) and boil for approximately 5 minutes or until soft. Drain and crush or puree as directed in your recipe.
• Fire Roasting - Roast under the broiler, with a propane torch, or over an open flame such as a grill. Make sure the heat is quite hot before roasting. If the heat is not hot enough, the tomatillos will turn mushy before being charred. The charred or slightly blackened skins will enrich your sauces with a smoky flavor.
• Dry Roasting - This will produce an earthy, nutty flavor. Place the tomatillos in a heavy fry pan (preferably a cast iron pan). Turn heat to low and roast for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Husk Cherries:

• Ground cherries are commonly grown for snacking because they are delicious to eat raw.Their flavor is mild, yet quite sweet and very unique. I've heard them compared to a cross between a tomato and a pineapple.
• Their sweet and sometimes slightly tart flavor gives them versatility to work in so many different ways. 
• Brighten up your tarts, cakes and pies. Used on their own or mixed with berries, husk cherries add a wonderful sweetness to desserts. 
• Husk cherries are sweeter than tomatoes, added to salsa they make a great compliment to spicy jalapeños and cool cilantro.
• There are an endless variety of ways to incorporate husk cherry into a salad. 
• Compliment your savory meat dish with a hint of sweet. Use husk cherries as you would grapes or even cranberries to add a slight sweet component to your savory dinner.

Recipe Ideas
Root 5 Farm Salsa Verde
Tomatillo Soup with Avocado and Lime
Green Chili Enchiladas
Tomatillo Chicken Stew
Husk Cherry Salsa
Ground Cherry Clafoutis (dessert)
Ground Cherry Preserves
Baked Italian Sausage and Potatoes with Husk Cherries