Tomato

Native to Mexico and Central America, the Gigante Verde tomatillo belongs to the large Solanaceae family. A close relative of the tomato, it is distinguished by its fruit enclosed in a papery husk that dries out, revealing a green berry traditionally used in salsas and cooked sauces. In a vegetable garden, its light, branching silhouette and small green blossoms provide a discreet yet constant presence throughout the summer.

In the vegetable garden, it's a valiant companion for sunny spots. Its root system establishes itself well in welcoming, well-drained soil, and its discreet flowering gives way to an abundance of green fruit at optimal ripeness. Selected for its larger fruit size, Gigante Verde lends itself well to generous harvests and processing, contributing to a harmonious garden where each plant enhances the diversity of both the table and the landscape.

Native to the highlands of Mexico, the tomatillo has long been a staple in kitchen gardens and popular cuisines. The Queen of Malinalco variety is distinguished by its elongated fruits, encased in a pale beige lantern that splits open when ripe to reveal a golden-yellow skin.

In the garden, this vigorous annual forms a large, branching bush dotted with small yellow flowers with dark spots at the center. In a harmonious vegetable garden, it naturally finds its place near tomatoes and peppers, contributing to a vibrant and diverse space. Its generous and gradual production follows the cycle of the seasons: the first flowers swell in midsummer, and the harvest often continues until the first frosts.

A valuable companion in organic gardens, it offers a fruit that is both tangy and sweet, highly prized in cooking for fresh sauces and preparations inspired by Mexican traditions. When grown properly in fertile soil and full sun, Queen of Malinalco becomes a reliable plant, faithfully delivering summer harvests.

The Purple tomatillo is a remarkable variety, renowned for its purple fruit and its central role in Mexican-inspired cuisine. Belonging to the Physalis genus, it is distinguished by its fruit encased in a papery husk, picked before full ripeness for its characteristic acidity.

In the garden, this variety proves productive and fast-growing . The abundant fruits ripen quickly and are produced throughout the season on vigorous, easy-to-grow plants. The flavor is rather tart , but becomes more complex and fruity when cooked, revealing an intense aroma that enhances sauces, salsas, and stews.

The Purple tomatillo has one key characteristic: fruiting requires cross-pollination . Even though the flowers are self-fertile, the pollen must come from another plant of the same species. It is therefore essential to cultivate at least two plants to allow for pollinating insects or wind.

In the ecumene, the Purple tomatillo is perceived as a plant of relationship and interdependence. It reminds us that some cultures can only fully express themselves in the presence of other individuals, highlighting the importance of living interactions in the garden.