Question: What are tamarillo's?

January 9, 2011
I would like to make a puerto ricon recipe with mango and tamarillos but can't seem to find them in Belgium. Does anyone know what they are?

Answers

Helen Pitlick's picture

Tamarillos are a type of fruit with a flavor similar to kiwi or passion fruit: http://foodista.com/VBZHTZMJMy guess is that if you can't find them in Belgium, substitute kiwi or passion fruit.

Chris Paulk's picture

It's a tree fruit that is grown in areas like New Zealand. The fruit grows in clusters on trees like cherries.It's also known as the tomato tree. The flesh of the tamarillo is tangy and mildly sweet, and may be compared to kiwifruit, tomato, or passion fruit. The skin and the flesh near it have an unpleasant bitter taste, and aren't usually eaten raw.
I've only seen them at the markets in the US once or twice. You could try substituting kiwi, or sweet tomatoes. Passion fruit would give you a nice flavor, but the texture would be considerably different.

Jessika (Chefs at Home)'s picture

Thanks for your help! I'll be trying with kiwis then.