Definition

Noun 1. A plant species: An annual plant (Physalis philadelphica or Physalis ixocarpa) native to Mexico and the southern United States, known for its sticky, purplish fruit. 2. The fruit of this plant: A small, edible, yellow to purple, tomato-like berry that is enclosed in a papery, bladder-like husk.

Usage Examples

• The Mexican husk tomato, also called tomatillo, is a key ingredient in salsa verde.
• To prepare the salsa, first remove the Mexican husk tomatoes from their papery coverings.
• This recipe calls for six Mexican husk tomatoes, which should be husked and rinsed.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in botanical and culinary contexts to distinguish this specific species from other husk-enclosed fruits in the genus (like ground cherries or Cape gooseberries).
• In commercial and common usage, the Spanish-derived name "tomatillo" (little tomato) is far more prevalent than "Mexican husk tomato."

Variants and Related Words

• Tomatillo: The most common name for the fruit and the plant, especially in culinary contexts.
• Physalis philadelphica / Physalis ixocarpa: The scientific botanical names for the plant.
• Husk tomato: A more general term that can sometimes refer to this species or to similar fruits in the same genus.

Synonyms

• Tomatillo
• Husk tomato (in a general sense)
• Jamberry (a less common commercial name)

Related Phrases & Context

• In the husk / Husked: Describes the fruit's natural state or the act of preparing it.
  • You can find Mexican husk tomatoes sold in their husks at the market.
  • Remember to husk and wash the tomatillos before cooking.
• Salsa verde: A classic green sauce where this fruit is the primary ingredient.
  • Authentic salsa verde is made with roasted Mexican husk tomatoes.

Noun

1. small edible yellow to purple tomato-like fruit enclosed in a bladderlike husk
2. annual of Mexico and southern United States having edible purplish viscid fruit resembling small tomatoes