Unlocking the Zest: A Comprehensive Guide to Eating Tamarillos

The tamarillo, also known as the tree tomato, is a unique and intriguing fruit that often piques the curiosity of those who stumble upon it. With its vibrant colours, ranging from deep red and purple to orange and yellow, and its slightly tangy, somewhat savoury flavour, the tamarillo offers a culinary experience unlike any other. However, for the uninitiated, figuring out how to properly eat a tamarillo can be a bit of a mystery. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will demystify the tamarillo and equip you with all the knowledge you need to enjoy it to the fullest.

What is a Tamarillo?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly explore what a tamarillo actually is. Native to the Andes region of South America, particularly Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia, the tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) is a small, oval-shaped fruit that grows on a small tree. It’s not a true tomato, although it belongs to the same family (Solanaceae), which explains its “tree tomato” nickname. The tamarillo has a relatively thin, slightly tough skin, and its flesh is juicy and seedy, with a taste that’s often described as a cross between tomato, passionfruit, and a hint of citrus. Its flavour can range from sweet and slightly tart to quite tangy, depending on the ripeness and variety.

Selecting the Perfect Tamarillo

Like any fruit, choosing the right tamarillo is crucial for a pleasurable eating experience. Here are a few tips for selecting the best ones:

• Colour: Look for fruit with a rich, vibrant colour. Deep red and purple tamarillos are often the most mature and have the strongest flavour. Orange and yellow varieties tend to be sweeter and milder.
• Firmness: Gently press the tamarillo. It should feel slightly firm, not rock-hard or mushy. Avoid tamarillos with soft spots or bruises.
• Skin: The skin should be smooth and free from blemishes. A few small imperfections are okay, but avoid fruit with deep cuts or breaks in the skin.
• Aroma: A ripe tamarillo will have a faint, pleasant aroma. If it smells overly fermented or musty, it’s likely overripe.

Preparing Your Tamarillo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve selected your perfect tamarillo, let’s get to the eating! There are a few ways to prepare it, depending on your preference. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Method 1: Eating Tamarillo Raw (The Simplest Approach)

This is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy the tamarillo, perfect for experiencing its natural flavours.

1. Wash the Tamarillo: Thoroughly rinse the tamarillo under cool running water. Use your fingers or a soft brush to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Slice in Half: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the tamarillo in half lengthwise. You can also cut it into wedges or quarters if you prefer smaller pieces. The skin is edible, but many people find it a bit bitter, so you might want to scoop out the flesh, leaving the skin behind if you are eating the fruit for the first time.
3. Scoop out the Flesh: Use a spoon to scoop out the juicy flesh and seeds from each half of the tamarillo. You can eat this directly or add it to other dishes. Be mindful of the seeds; they are small and edible but can be slightly tart.
4. Enjoy! Now, you can enjoy the raw flesh of the tamarillo as is. Be prepared for a burst of flavour that is both tangy and slightly sweet. It’s perfect as a healthy snack, and the unique flavour will wake up your tastebuds!

Method 2: Blanching (For Easier Skin Removal)

If you prefer not to eat the slightly bitter skin, blanching is a great way to easily remove it. This method is also useful if you plan to use the tamarillo in recipes where the skin texture would be undesirable.

1. Prepare a Pot of Boiling Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Prepare an Ice Bath: While the water is heating, prepare a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process once you blanch the tamarillos.
3. Make a Small X: Using a paring knife, gently score a small X at the bottom of each tamarillo, taking care not to cut too deeply into the flesh.
4. Blanch the Tamarillos: Carefully drop the tamarillos into the boiling water for about 30-60 seconds. The exact time will depend on the ripeness of the fruit. The skin should start to loosen.
5. Transfer to Ice Bath: Immediately remove the tamarillos from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and plunge them into the ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and help loosen the skin further.
6. Peel off the Skin: After a minute or two, the skin should be easy to peel off. Start at the X you made, and gently peel the skin away from the flesh.
7. Slice or Scoop: Now, you can slice or scoop the flesh and use it as desired.

Method 3: Roasting (For Deep, Concentrated Flavour)

Roasting tamarillos brings out their natural sugars and creates a deep, concentrated flavour that’s wonderful in both sweet and savoury dishes.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare the Tamarillos: Wash and halve the tamarillos lengthwise. You can also score the flesh if you like. You can choose to peel the skin using the blanching method prior to roasting, but leaving the skin on during roasting adds to the overall flavour and allows the fruit to retain moisture.
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the halved tamarillos cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast: Roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and slightly caramelized.
5. Cool and Use: Allow the tamarillos to cool slightly before using them in your recipes. The roasted pulp can be added to sauces, chutneys, or even used as a topping for desserts or meats.

Method 4: Using in Smoothies

Tamarillos, with their unique flavour profile, make excellent additions to smoothies. They blend well with both sweet and tangy ingredients. Here’s how to incorporate them into your next smoothie.

1. Wash and Prepare: Begin by washing the tamarillos thoroughly. For smoothies, you can either use the fruit raw (with or without the skin, depending on your preference) or roast it for a richer flavour. If you prefer to remove the skin, blanching (method 2) is recommended.
2. Blend with Other Ingredients: Once prepared, cut the tamarillo into chunks and add it to your blender. Pair it with complementary flavours such as:
• Fruits: Bananas (for sweetness), mangoes, berries (especially raspberries and strawberries), or pineapples.
• Liquids: Water, coconut water, milk (dairy or non-dairy), or yoghurt.
• Vegetables: Spinach, kale, or even avocado (for creaminess).
• Sweeteners: A touch of honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup can be added, if desired.
• Spices and Herbs: Ginger, mint, or a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavour.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend all the ingredients together until you achieve your desired consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste your smoothie and adjust the ingredients as needed. Add more sweetener if you find it too tart or more liquid if it is too thick.
5. Enjoy Immediately: Pour your delicious tamarillo smoothie into a glass and enjoy it fresh.

Creative Ways to Eat Tamarillos

Beyond the basic methods, here are some more creative ways to enjoy this versatile fruit:

• In Chutneys and Sauces: The tangy-sweet flavour of tamarillo makes it an excellent addition to chutneys and sauces. Combine it with spices, ginger, and garlic to create a unique condiment for meats, poultry, or fish.
• In Salads: Diced raw tamarillo can add a zesty twist to salads. It pairs well with leafy greens, cucumbers, avocado, and feta cheese.
• In Desserts: Tamarillos can be used in desserts as well. You can make a tamarillo compote, use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or even bake it into a tart or crumble.
• In Jams and Preserves: The high pectin content of tamarillos makes them ideal for making jams and preserves. The unique flavour profile also works well with other fruits in mixed jams.
• In Salsa: Add diced raw tamarillos to your homemade salsa for a refreshing, tangy twist. It will complement the traditional tomatoes and onions, and also pairs well with chilli.
• Grilled Tamarillos: Halve them, brush with a little oil, and grill them on medium heat until the cut side has light char marks. This caramelizes the sugars, making it a great savoury side dish.

Tips for Tamarillo Eating

To make the most of your tamarillo experience, here are a few extra tips:

• Start with Small Portions: If you’re new to tamarillos, start by trying a small portion to see if you enjoy the taste. Their unique flavour profile is not for everyone, but they are usually a quick favorite.
• Experiment with Ripeness: The flavour of tamarillos varies greatly depending on their ripeness. Experiment with different stages of ripeness to discover your preferred taste.
• Consider the Skin: While the skin is technically edible, many find it bitter. If the bitterness bothers you, be sure to peel it off using the blanching method or simply scoop out the flesh.
• Balance Flavours: Tamarillos have a strong flavour that can be tart. Balance their tartness with sweet ingredients like honey, sugar or other sweet fruits or in savoury dishes with richer flavours like meats and cheeses.
• Don’t Overcook: If cooking tamarillos, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. A light roast or gentle simmer is usually all that’s needed.
• Storage: Store ripe tamarillos in the refrigerator for a few days. If they are not ripe, store them at room temperature until they ripen fully.
• Combine with complimentary flavours: Tamarillos have a unique flavour that pairs well with other tropical or South American flavours like lime, chilli, coriander, ginger and passionfruit.

Health Benefits of Tamarillos

Beyond their delightful taste, tamarillos are packed with nutritional benefits. They are a good source of:

• Vitamins: Especially vitamin A, C, and E, all of which are essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immunity.
• Minerals: Including potassium, which is vital for heart health.
• Antioxidants: Such as anthocyanins, which give the fruit its vibrant colour and help protect the body against free radicals.
• Fiber: Which is important for digestive health.
• Low in Calories: Making them a healthy and guilt-free snack or addition to meals.

Conclusion

The tamarillo, with its distinctive flavour and versatility, is a fruit worth exploring. Whether you choose to eat it raw, blanched, roasted, or incorporated into a creative recipe, there are countless ways to enjoy this unique fruit. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a tamarillo aficionado. So, the next time you see these intriguing fruits, don’t hesitate to pick one up and experience the zestful world of tamarillos!