🍅 Tomatillo La Reine de Malinalco: A Golden Jewel of the Garden

The Tomatillo La Reine de Malinalco is a rare and spectacular variety of Physalis ixocarpa, distinguished by its elongated, golden-yellow fruits and its unique sweet-tart flavor. Native to Mexico, this variety produces juicy, aromatic fruits, perfect for salsas, sauces, and gourmet dishes.

Easy to grow and highly productive, this vigorous plant adapts well to temperate and cool climates, making it possible to successfully cultivate it in Canada and Quebec with some care. Its bushy growth and lantern-like husked fruits also make it an ornamental plant with great visual appeal.

📜 Origin and History of the Tomatillo La Reine de Malinalco

The tomatillo has been an essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine since the time of the Aztecs. Cultivated for over 2,000 years, it has helped shape the authentic flavors of traditional Mexican gastronomy.

The La Reine de Malinalco variety is native to the Malinalco region of Mexico, where it is especially prized for its large, yellow, teardrop-shaped fruit. Unlike classic green tomatillos, it has a more pronounced natural sweetness, making it ideal for sweet-savory recipes and even desserts.

🌱 Germination and Planting of Tomatillo La Reine de Malinalco

📌 How to Germinate the Seeds?

1️⃣ Indoor Sowing: Start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in light, well-draining soil.
2️⃣ Ideal Temperature: Maintain a temperature of 72-79°F (22-26°C) for quick germination in 7 to 14 days.
3️⃣ Transplanting to Pots: Once seedlings develop 4 to 6 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots.
4️⃣ Outdoor Planting: After the last frost, space plants 24 inches (60 cm) apart, as they have a sprawling habit.

🌿 Care and Adaptation to Canadian and Quebec Climates

🌞 Optimal Growing Conditions

🔹 Sunlight: Full sun for optimal fruit production.
🔹 Soil: Light, compost-enriched, and well-drained.

💦 Watering and Maintenance

💧 Water regularly, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
💧 Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.

🍃 Staking and Harvesting

✔️ Provide support for the plants, as branches may break under the weight of the fruit.
✔️ Harvest tomatillos when they turn golden yellow and their husk begins to dry out.

❄️ Growing in Quebec and Cooler Regions

🛡️ Prefer greenhouse or tunnel growing to maximize production.
🌱 Start plants indoors early and transplant outside once nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).

🥗 Tomatillo La Reine de Malinalco in Cooking: A Bold and Sophisticated Ingredient

With its perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, this tomatillo is delicious raw, roasted, in sauces, or even in desserts.

🍽️ Simple and Flavorful Recipe Ideas

🥗 Yellow Tomatillo and Feta Salad
👉 Dice tomatillos and mix with feta cheese, cilantro, and olive oil.

🍜 Roasted Tomatillo and Honey Salsa
👉 Roast tomatillos in the oven with honey, then blend with chili and lime juice.

🍚 Tomatillo and Ginger Chutney
👉 A tropical twist on classic chutneys, perfect with spicy dishes.

🍽️ Gourmet Recipe: Yellow Tomatillo Ceviche with Shrimp and Avocado

🍋 Ingredients

• 200 g Tomatillos La Reine de Malinalco, thinly sliced
• 200 g Fresh shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp Chopped cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and chili to taste

🍽️ Preparation

1️⃣ Marinate the shrimp in lime juice for 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Add the tomatillos, avocado, onion, and cilantro, and mix gently.
3️⃣ Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and chili.
4️⃣ Serve chilled, with crispy corn chips.

A refreshing and elegant dish, where the sweet-tart tomatillos bring a perfect balance to the citrusy shrimp.

🍸 Cocktails and Drinks Inspired by Tomatillo La Reine de Malinalco

🍹 “Soleil de Malinalco” Cocktail: Tomatillo & Tequila

🔸 2 oz tequila
🔸 1 oz yellow tomatillo puree
🔸 0.5 oz agave syrup
🔸 Juice of ½ lime

👉 Shake with ice and serve with a yellow tomatillo slice as garnish.

🍸 Tomatillo & Basil Mocktail

🔸 3.5 oz sparkling water
🔸 1.5 oz yellow tomatillo puree
🔸 1 tbsp honey syrup
🔸 Fresh basil leaves

👉 Mix and serve over ice for a light and refreshing drink.

⚠️ Is Tomatillo La Reine de Malinalco Safe to Eat?

✅ Ripe fruits are edible and delicious.
🚫 Leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and should not be consumed.

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