Tomatillo and tomato both belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family of fruits and vegetables. Even though they are fruits, according to Botany, they are prepared and consumed as vegetables. Even though they are from the same family, they are not the same.
Key Takeaways
- Tomatillos are lower in calories and carbohydrates than tomatoes, with 11 calories and 2 grams of carbs per serving, compared to 22 calories and 5 grams per serving for tomatoes.
- Tomatillos contain more vitamin C and vitamin K than tomatoes, with 20% and 8% of the recommended daily value per serving, respectively, compared to 17% and 5% for tomatoes.
- Tomatoes are a better vitamin A and potassium source than tomatillos, with 10% and 5% of the recommended daily value per serving, respectively, compared to 2% and 3% for tomatillos.
Tomatillo vs Tomato Nutrition
The difference between tomatillo and tomato nutrition is that it contains more calories than tomato and has more fat and protein than tomato. Tomato, on the other hand, has more calcium and a vital antioxidant named lycopene. Tomatillo takes care of digestion, while tomato saves us from different cancer.
Tomatillo is a great source of nutrients. It has fewer calories and more protein. The goodness of nutrition is filled in it. It is rich in vitamin A and thus improves vision. It also prevents high blood pressure issues by controlling the blood pressure.
The tomato had its origin in South America, and its tangy taste immediately made it one of the most popular vegetables despite it being a fruit. It is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that plays an important role in preventing some kinds of cancer.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Tomatillo Nutrition | Tomato Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | It was originated in Mexico, and the Aztecs cultivated this fruit, but it is consumed and prepared like a vegetable. | Tomato is native of South America. |
| Calories | It is low in calories, but it contains more calories, fat, and protein than tomatoes. | Tomatoes contain fewer calories, protein and fat than tomatillos. |
| Minerals | This fruit has more minerals than tomatoes. It is a good source of minerals like copper, phosphorous, manganese, iron, and others. | Comparatively, its level of minerals is lower than a tomatillo. |
| Lycopene | Even though tomatillo does not contain lycopene, it is rich in other kinds of antioxidants. | Tomatoes contain lycopene which is an essential antioxidant that comes with many health benefits. |
| Benefits | Tomatillos eliminate toxins from the body and help improve digestion. It also boosts vision and decreases the risk of high blood pressure. | Tomato is enriched with lycopene that decreases heart disease chances, and prevents certain types of cancer. |
What is Tomatillo Nutrition?
Tomatillo is a fruit, specifically a berry. It means “ little tomato” in Spanish. It belongs to the nightshade family and is even closer to ground cherries. Tomatillos have colours and shapes.
It is available in yellow, green, and even purple. Firm and green tomatillos should be consumed; otherwise, extensively riped tomatillos lose their flavour and turn bland.
It is low in calories. One tomatillo contains approximately 5mg of calcium, 0.41mg of iron, 177mg of potassium, 7.7mg of vitamin C and 5.5mg of vitamin A.
It prevents vision loss and also improves the health of the eyes. Even though it contains many antioxidants, it lacks one important antioxidant called lycopene.
Tomatillo regulates blood pressure as it is low in sodium and rich in potassium. It is a low-calorie food with water, so it is ideal for weight loss dietary. Both Ayurvedic and Western medicine acknowledge the health benefits of tomatillos.
What is Tomato Nutrition?
Tomato is filled with vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It has folate, potassium and folate in abundance. This folate helps to balance homocysteine levels in the body and thus prevents heart attacks and strokes.
And potassium decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowers the production of kidney stones.
It is 95% water, and it is a great source to consume minerals and antioxidants. It is a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Not only health, but this fruit is also useful for skin health, it saves from sunburns. It can also be effective to lose weight.
One tomato carries approximately 9mg calcium, 0.25mg iron, 11.45mg vitamin C and 214mg potassium. This juicy and sweet fruit is packed with antioxidants and helps to fight several diseases. Tomatoes should be a part of a healthy diet for their positive effect on health.
Main Differences Between Tomatillo and Tomato Nutrition
- Both tomatillo and tomato are fruits, according to Botany, but both are cooked and consumed mostly as vegetables. Tomatillos originated in Mexico from the Aztecs, whereas tomatoes originated from South America.
- Both fruits are low in calories, yet tomatillo contains a bit more calories than tomatoes. Tomatillo is also enriched with protein and fat.
- Tomatillo is a great source of minerals too. It contains more minerals than tomatoes. The number of minerals like copper, phosphorous, manganese, iron and others is more in tomatillos than in tomatoes.
- Lycopene is a very important antioxidant that comes with many health benefits. This antioxidant can not be found in tomatillos, but it can be seen in tomatoes. But tomatillos contain other kinds of antioxidants that are needed for a healthy body.
- Tomatillos improve digestion and cleanse the toxins of the body. It helps to control blood pressure and improves our vision. On the other hand, tomato helps to decrease the chances of heart disease and also help to avoid certain types of cancer.
Last Updated : 11 July, 2023
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