Some Say Tomato, Some Say TomAto, Some Tomate, Some Jitomate

In most of Latin America, people say tomate, but in many states and areas of Mexico they say "Jitomate". I realize that this can probably be traced to Native ("indian") languages, but where is Mexico is the "Ji" added? I think it is prevalent in Míichoacan and Jalisco, but want to be sure.

thanks,

gm

I hear "jitomate" in Sonora and Jalisco as well as Veracruz. "Tomate" and "Tomatillo refer to the small, green, husked ground tomato. Rather acidic and used for green salsas. Both translate as "tomato"... but they are not the same. Lizzy

It's Jitomate here, Tomate in most of the rest of Mexico and Spain, tomatillo is indeed the little green one and are not referred to as "tomate" here.

David wrote: tomatillo is indeed the little green one and are not referred to as "tomate" here.

If here, you mean Jalisco and neighboring areas, nobody calls them tomatillo, there are called tomate (verde). The very small ones, sometimes wild and the ones that were traditionally planted amongst the corn rows are miltomate or tomate de milpa.

Yea in Guatemala they are miltomate. They have a kind or rough "skin" reminds one of the outer layers of an onien, when dry.

thanks all
gm

Well, I guess it's just us gringos that call them tomatillos. Thanks for the clarification.

David wrote:Well, I guess it's just us gringos that call them tomatillos. Thanks for the clarification.

In many areas of Mexico, the people call the little green leathery ones, " tomatillos".

gm

Ok, so if I'm out of the area I'll be correct.

David wrote:Ok, so if I'm out of the area I'll be correct.

There is no correct or incorrect. It is just a different name for the same thing. I'd be willing to wager that the most common name for it though is simply tomate verde or just tomate.

gringomojado wrote:

David wrote:Well, I guess it's just us gringos that call them tomatillos. Thanks for the clarification.

In many areas of Mexico, the people call the little green leathery ones, " tomatillos".

gm

Are they always picked green before they ripen, or just picked unripe for green salsa.

I believe tomatillos are green color when ripe.

They develop a bit of yellow when they get good and ripe, but that has never been a criteria for salsa verde. Lizzy