Purple Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)

Purple Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa): taxonomically characterized as P. ixocarpa, is a plant from Mexico of bushy bearing, it reaches up to one mt, very productive it provides numerous edible berries enclosed in a paper-like casing, which protects them until ripening. The size is that of a small tomato (from 30 to 70gr depending on the cultivar) to which they resemble in shape. The acid taste makes it the main ingredient in delicious sauces, which offer culinary cues with new flavours. The plant is rustic and very resistant to phytopathies and parasites. Although it is rustic, almost like a spontaneous, a rich soil will cause higher production and a more complex taste.  It does not tolerate water stagnation well, irrigate only when the soil is dry. Transplant when temperatures are constantly above 15 °and at full exposure.The violet tomatillo is less acidic than the other varieties and contains anthocyanins, as blueberries, which provide its beautiful deep purple colour. The berries are smaller than others of the species but the coloration is really exceptional. Plants should  be provided with adequate support to stand the weight of the numerous fruits. The harvest should be escalated in intervals of about 60 days after transplant