Carbohydrate Information for Tomatillos

Tomatillos are usually associated with Mexican cooking, but have many more uses. They look like small green tomatoes (which gives them their name) in a papery husk. They are on the sour side, and citrusy in flavor. I find that adding them to other vegetable and meat dishes adds a nice bright note.

When you first buy tomatillos, slip off the husk and then rinse and dry them. They will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them.

Tomatillo Carbohydrate and Fiber Counts

• ½ cup chopped or diced tomatillos: 3 grams effective (net) carbohydrate plus 1 gram fiber and 21 calories

• 1 medium tomatillo (about 1 ounce): 1 gram effective (net) carbohydrate plus 1 gram fiber and 11 calories

• ¼ lb (4 oz) tomatillos: 4 grams effective (net) carbohydrate plus 2 grams fiber and 36 calories

Glycemic Index for Tomatillos

As with most non-starchy vegetables, there is no scientific study of the glycemic index of tomatillos.

More Information about the Glycemic Index

Estimated Glycemic Load of Tomatillos

• ½ cup chopped or diced tomatillos: 1

• 1 medium tomatillo (about 1 ounce): 0

• ¼ lb (4 oz) tomatillos: 2

More Information About the Glycemic Load

Health Benefits of Tomatillos

Tomatillos are a good source of vitamin C, and contain smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

More Information About Tomatillos at Calorie Count.

_Sources:

Leroux, MarcusFoster-Powell, Kaye, Holt, Susanna and Brand-Miller, Janette. "International table of glycemic index and glycemic load values: 2002." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vol. 76, No. 1, 5-56, (2002).

USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 21.