Currant tomato, German raisin tomato, Tomatillo
Solanum pimpinellifolium

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

A vigourous plant. It grows as a vine lying along the ground. The flowers are pale yellow. It is a tomato plant with small fruit. They are the size of currants. They are about 12 mm across. The fruit are bright red. There are several named cultivated varieties.

It is used as a hardy rootstock for grafting tomatoes and also for breeding.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits plant hardiness zones 8-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, India, Mexico, North America, Northeastern India, Peru, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or dried. They are added to salads and soups. They can be pickled.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. Fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Botbotinis, Chinpaul, Mantathur chin, Marble tomato, Tekit chi, Tomate del campo, Tomatillo de gallinazo

Synonyms

Lycopsersicon pimpinellifolium (L.) Mill.; Lycopsersicum pimpinellifolium (L.) Mill.;