Tamarillo, also known as a tree tomato, is a bright red, amber, or golden, egg-shaped tropical fruit that is part of the nightshade family. Though similar to the tomato, it is typically sweeter, tangy, slightly tart – and full of delicious flavour. The fruit contains small, tender, edible seeds (similar to a tomato) and can be eaten fresh, although it is best to peel the skin before eating as the outer covering tends to be bitter.

Chefs and home cooks alike enjoy the tamarillo’s sweet and tart flavor, in a wide range of dishes. The tamarillo is a great addition to chutneys, sauces, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, soups, or made into a dessert topping, pressed into juices, baked, or pickled. If you find your raw tamarillo to be tart, sprinkle it with sugar or your sweetener of choice (similar to a grapefruit). Enjoy the tamarillo as a snack or add this colorful exotic fruit to your favorite recipe.

The tamarillo is rich in vitamins, A, C, E, fiber, and antioxidants. It also has a good amount of B-complex vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, potassium, and riboflavin and is believed to support heart and eye health and boost metabolism.