What to do with: Tamarillos

Tips and ideas that will inspire you to cook and eat tamarillos.

The low-down

Availability: From May to September

Buying: Choose red fruit that are soft but not squashy.

Storing: Store in the fridge, away from apples, which will make them soften faster.

Preparation: Tamarillos can be eaten raw, but avoid the skin. Spoon them straight from the skin, or add a little sugar.

Nutrition: Tamarillos have good amounts of vitamins A,C and E, and are a good source of fibre.

Ideas for using tamarillos

• Tamarillos add interest to meat casseroles. Add the scooped-out flesh of 3 or 4 tamarillos or peeled slices to a beef or lamb stew.
• Add tamarillo to stewed apples and serve with low-fat ice cream.
• Replace apple or banana in cake or muffin recipes with tamarillo flesh. The fruit is particularly nice with vanilla flavours.
• Poach whole, peeled tamarillos until soft in red wine with a little sugar added; serve with yoghurt.
  
• Tamarillo flesh can be successfully frozen. Freeze in bags and use in smoothies, juices and salsas.