How to Peel Tamarillos the Easy Way: A Step-by-Step Guide
Peeling tamarillos might seem like a daunting task when you first encounter this unique fruit, but trust me, it’s easier than it looks!
Whether you’ve just picked one from your backyard tree or picked it up from the local market, tamarillos—also known as “tree tomatoes“—have a distinctive, smooth, and slippery skin that might have you scratching your head about how to enjoy the delicious pulp inside.
I’ve been in that exact situation, wondering how to peel tamarillos without making a mess or wasting any of that vibrant fruit. Today, I’m sharing my step-by-step guide to peeling tamarillos the easy way. From the right tools to simple methods, let’s dive into the best way to peel and enjoy these sweet tart gems!
Why Peel Tamarillos?
Before we get to the peeling process, you might be wondering: Why peel tamarillos in the first place? Well, unlike some fruits where the skin is totally edible, tamarillo skin can be bitter and tough.
Most people prefer to peel it off to enjoy the juicy, tender flesh beneath. Plus, once peeled, tamarillos are perfect for all sorts of dishes—smoothies, sauces, or simply eating them fresh. So, let’s get that skin off without any hassle!
What You’ll Need to Peel Tamarillos
You don’t need much in terms of equipment to get started—just a few kitchen essentials:
- A sharp paring knife: This will help you slice through the skin cleanly and easily.
- A small pot of boiling water: This is the key to loosening the skin without any frustration.
- A bowl of ice water: After boiling, you’ll want to stop the cooking process instantly.
- A towel or paper towel: To dry your tamarillo after peeling and to make sure your hands don’t slip.
With these tools in hand, you’re all set to tackle peeling tamarillos like a pro!
Step-by-Step Guide to Peeling Tamarillos
Ready to dive in? Here’s how you can peel tamarillos the easy way.
Step 1: Boil the Water
Start by filling a small pot with water and bringing it to a boil. The water should be enough to submerge the tamarillos, but it doesn’t need to be a full pot—just enough to do the job. This step is essential to loosening the skin, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Score the Tamarillo
While the water is heating up, grab your tamarillo and make a small “X” on the bottom of the fruit using your sharp paring knife. You don’t need to cut tamarillos deeply; just a shallow score will do the trick. This will create an easy opening once the skin loosens in the boiling water.
Step 3: Drop the Tamarillo in the Boiling Water
Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the tamarillos into the pot one by one. You don’t need to leave them in for long—around 30 seconds to a minute will suffice. Keep an eye on the skin. You’ll see it begin to peel back at the “X” mark, and that’s your signal that it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 4: Transfer to Ice Water
After a minute, it’s time to take the tamarillos out of the hot water. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove them and immediately drop them into the bowl of ice water. This step stops the cooking process and cools them down enough for you to handle them comfortably.
Step 5: Peel the Skin Off
Once the tamarillos are cool to the touch, gently peel off the skin with your fingers. It should come away easily, revealing the soft, juicy flesh inside. The skin should come off in large sections, thanks to the boiling water loosening it. If some areas of the skin stick, you can use your paring knife to carefully lift it off.
Step 6: Ready to Enjoy!
Now that your tamarillos are peeled, you can use them in a variety of recipes! Whether you’re making tamarillo chutney, adding them to a salad, or just slicing them for a refreshing snack, the peeling process is now behind you, and you can focus on the delicious, tangy flavor of this unique fruit.
Alternative Methods: No Boiling Required
While boiling tamarillos is the easiest and most effective way to peel them, there are a couple of other methods if you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with hot water. Here are a couple of alternatives:
The Knife-and-Peel Method
If you’re in a rush, you can also peel tamarillos using a knife. Start by cutting off both ends of the tamarillo with a sharp knife. Then, make vertical slices down the sides of the fruit, running the knife between the flesh and skin. This method requires a little more effort but will still give you access to the delicious fruit inside.
The Freezing Method
For tamarillos that are too tough to peel easily, you can freeze them first. Pop them into the freezer for a couple of hours, then remove them. When they’re frozen, the skin will become brittle and much easier to remove. This method works best if you’re planning to use the fruit in cooking or baking, as it softens the texture.
Tips for Handling Tamarillos
Tamarillos can be a little tricky if you’re not used to working with them, but once you know these tips, you’ll be an expert in no time:
- Choose the Right Tamarillo: When selecting tamarillos, look for those that are vibrant in color—red, yellow, or purple—depending on the variety. Avoid tamarillos that are overly green or too soft, as these are usually underripe or overripe.
- Peel Quickly After Boiling: Tamarillos are much easier to peel while they’re still warm. If you wait too long after boiling, the skin can start to reattach itself, making the peeling process a little more difficult.
- Store Leftover Tamarillos: If you have extra tamarillos that you’re not using right away, store them in the fridge. Unpeeled tamarillos can last up to a week, and peeled tamarillos can stay fresh for a few days when stored in an airtight container.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Peeling Tamarillos
Even with the best intentions, peeling tamarillos can come with a few hiccups. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not Scoring the Fruit: If you skip the scoring step, the skin won’t peel away as easily. The X you make on the bottom allows the skin to separate from the flesh during boiling, so don’t forget it!
- Boiling Too Long: If you leave tamarillos in boiling water for too long, they can lose their firmness, making the flesh mushy. Stick to around a minute, and you’ll have perfect tamarillos every time.
- Peeling While Too Hot: After boiling, make sure you cool the tamarillos in ice water before peeling. Trying to peel them while they’re still hot will only make your hands burn and the process more difficult.
| Related: Cutting and Peeling Peaches Ahead: Pros and Cons |
Why You Should Try Tamarillos
If you’ve never tried tamarillos, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious fruits you can find. These tangy, tropical fruits pack a punch of flavor—slightly sweet, a little tart, and totally refreshing. They’re rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them not just tasty but good for you, too.
You can find tamarillos in various colors—red, purple, and yellow—and each has a slightly different flavor profile. The red ones tend to be the most common, but I highly recommend trying the yellow ones if you want a milder, sweeter taste.
Final Thoughts
Peeling tamarillos doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right method and a little practice, you’ll be peeling these fruits like a pro in no time. Whether you’re adding them to a fresh salad, blending them into smoothies, or cooking up a savory dish, tamarillos offer a unique burst of flavor that’s worth the effort.
So go ahead, grab a tamarillo, boil it up, and peel away! You’re one step closer to enjoying one of the most interesting and tasty fruits around.
