Product Overview
Tomatillo – Milpero is a small, highly flavorful tomatillo variety prized for its intense tangy taste and traditional use in Mexican cuisine. It is widely supplied in fresh ethnic markets and food service channels. Due to its strong flavor profile and culinary authenticity, milpero tomatillo is an important specialty item in the wholesale tomatillo trade.
Key Characteristics
Milpero tomatillos are smaller than standard tomatillos, typically round with bright green skin enclosed in a thin papery husk. The fruit is firm and dense with a bold, tart flavor that is more concentrated than larger varieties. The husk should be fresh, dry, and tightly wrapped around the fruit.
Common Applications
• Traditional green salsas
• Mexican sauces and moles
• Roasting and blending
• Soups and stews
• Fresh salsa preparations
• Ethnic food service use
Seasonality and Origin
Peak Season: Summer to early autumn
Country of Origin: Mexico and Central America
Preferred Temperature: 7°C to 10°C
Storage and Handling
Milpero tomatillos require cool storage to maintain firmness and husk quality.
• Recommended storage temperature: 7°C to 10°C
• Relative humidity: 90–95%
• Shelf life of 2–3 weeks under proper refrigeration
• Keep husks intact until use
• Store in ventilated packaging
• Avoid excess moisture buildup
Origin and Background
Tomatillos have been cultivated in Mexico since pre-Columbian times and remain essential in traditional cuisine. The milpero type is especially valued for its strong flavor and smaller size. Produce industry references recognize milpero tomatillos as a premium ethnic produce item.
Grades and Quality Standards
Extra Fancy Grade
• Small, uniform fruit
• Bright green color
• Fresh, intact husks
• Firm and well-formed
• Preferred for premium retail and export markets
Fancy Grade
• Minor size or surface variations
• Slight cosmetic imperfections allowed
• Suitable for wholesale distribution
Commercial / Processing Grade
• Cosmetic defects permitted
• Acceptable internal quality
• Used for sauces and processing
Milpero tomatillos are graded based on size uniformity, color, firmness, husk condition, and absence of decay, following international specialty vegetable quality standards.