You can find the fresh variety at farmer’s markets or specialty produce stores, while the dried variety can be purchased online or at Asian grocery stores.
Tomatillos are an amazing ingredient, but they are stubborn in their ways, and sometimes, finding this fruit can be quite difficult.
That’s why I thought I would put together this article to tell you where to find tomatillos in grocery stores (and where not to find them).
You can find the fresh variety of tomatillos at specialty produce stores or local grocery stores in the produce section. The farmer’s market is another go-to spot, or better still, purchase it online or at Asian grocery stores.
But that’s not all, read on as we explain in detail, where tomatillos is located in the grocery stores!
What Is Tomatillos?
Tomatillos are small, green, tart fruits that look like little tomatoes. They’re native to Mexico and Central America and used in soups and sauces.
The flesh is thick, chewy, and acidic. There are three types of tomatillos: cherry (also known as husk), green, and purple.
Each type has its unique flavor profile—cherry tomatillos have a sweet taste with hints of tomato and citrus; green tomatillos have a more earthy flavor, and purple tomatillos have a smoky taste.
Tomatillo tastes like a combination of lemon, lime, and cilantro—and it’s delicious!
It’s often added to salsa or guacamole for brightness and zingy flavor. You can also add it to your favorite dishes for extra zingy goodness: try adding some to your next stir-fry!
Where To Find Tomatillos In Grocery Stores
You can find green tomatillos in the produce section of your grocery store during the summer months. Tomatillos come in both fresh and jarred forms year-round.
In most supermarkets, they’re sold either individually or in bulk bins; look for jars labeled “tomato,” “tomatillo,” or “platanillo.”
You’ll also find red and yellow tomatillos when visiting farmer’s markets during the fall season.
These tomatoes have been harvested from their original plant location before being transported to stores where they’re sold at much higher prices per pound than what you’ll find at supermarkets.
How Do You Know You’re Buying Good Tomatillos?
By looking at their color, you can tell if you’re buying good tomatillos. Healthy tomatillos should be bright green, with no signs of yellowing or browning.
If they’re turning yellow or brown, they have gone bad and should not be eaten.
You can also check for mold on the surface of the tomatillo; if there is mold, it means that the fruit is spoiled and should not be consumed.
Also, look at the stem. The tomatillo is old and has gone bad if it is grey and withered. If it is green and firm, then they are still good.
And lastly, smell them. They are good if they have an earthy scent and are slightly sweet.
Can I Use Canned Tomatillos Instead Of Fresh?
Sure! You can use canned tomatillos in many of the same ways as you would fresh ones.
Canned tomatillos are often a good choice when you’re in a pinch, and they’re more acidic than fresh ones, so you need to use less.
Where Can You Buy Fresh Tomatillos?
Check out your local farmers’ market and see what’s available. You can also find them at some grocery stores, but I recommend buying them from the source, whether a farmer or a local distributor.
When you buy from the source, you know that there are no pesticides on the fruits and vegetables, and you can be sure that they’re grown in healthy soil with no chemicals or GMOs.
The best time to buy fresh tomatillos is when they’re in season—usually around September through November, but sometimes they’re available all year round!
What Are Substitute For Tomatillos?
Tomatillo adds a wonderful tart flavor to many dishes, especially ones that are traditionally very spicy. However, these little guys are expensive and hard to find, so we’ve collected some great alternatives.
Here is a list of a good substitutes for tomatillo not only in texture but also in taste and uses:
- Green tomatoes
- Salsa verde
- Green bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Gooseberries
- Green chilies
- Red chilies
- Roasted green peppers with gooseberries
What Stores Sell Tomatillos?
Most Grocery stores also sell tomatillos. You’ll find them in cans or jars on the produce aisle, along with other fruits and vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers.
But low is a list of stores that NEVER fails to carry tomatillos in sales:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- Health Food Store
- Trader Joe’s
- Kroger
- Farmers Markets
- Latin Markets
Conclusion
Hopefully, you should be able to find tomatillos at your local grocery store. Check the produce section carefully because you never know when that elusive tomatillo might turn up.
If not, don’t give up hope – try a different brand or store. Or, if you don’t mind buying in-season produce, many online stores will sell them, which you can order in your comfort.
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