Yes, Are Tomatillo Seeds Edible and Safe to Eat?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, most famously used for making salsa verde, but many people question if the small seeds inside are safe to eat. In fact, the tiny, whitish seeds found within the ripe tomatillo fruit are completely edible and harmless for human consumption.

Quick Summary

Tomatillo seeds are edible and safe to eat, often consumed along with the fruit, both raw and cooked. They are not toxic and contribute to the texture and fiber content of the fruit in dishes like salsa and stews.

Key Points

Tomatillo Seeds are Edible: The small, soft seeds inside the tomatillo fruit are perfectly safe to eat, both raw and cooked.
Not Toxic: While the plant's husks and leaves are poisonous, the ripe fruit and its seeds are not toxic for consumption.
Integral to Texture: The seeds contribute to the texture of dishes like salsa verde, adding body and a pleasant, slight crunch.
Enhance Recipes: Leaving the seeds in is standard practice for most recipes and helps naturally thicken sauces.
Rich in Fiber: Eating the whole fruit, including the seeds, adds to its dietary fiber content.
Easy to Digest: The seeds are small and soft, making them easy for the digestive system to process.
Preparation Required: Always remove the papery husk and wash the fruit's sticky film before cooking.

Tomatillo Seed Safety: Addressing Common Concerns

Tomatillos (Physalis philadelphica) belong to the nightshade family, just like their distant cousin, the tomato. While it is crucial to note that the plant's leaves, stems, and papery husks are poisonous, the fruit and its seeds are entirely safe to eat. Any toxicity concerns related to nightshades do not apply to the ripe, properly prepared tomatillo fruit. The seeds are so integrated into the fruit's flesh that removing them would be impractical for most recipes, and fortunately, it's completely unnecessary.

Preparing Tomatillos for Cooking

Before use, tomatillos must be peeled of their papery husk, which is not edible and should be discarded. After removing the husk, the fruit has a slightly sticky residue that should be washed off thoroughly before cooking or eating raw. This tacky film is a natural part of the fruit and is harmless, but should be rinsed off for both taste and cleanliness. Once cleaned, the entire fruit, including the seeds, is ready for your culinary creations.

The Role of Tomatillo Seeds in Cooking

The small, soft seeds contribute to the overall texture of the tomatillo fruit and are typically left in when used in recipes. Their presence helps thicken sauces and provides a slight crunch, which is a desirable characteristic in many Mexican dishes.

Salsa Verde: Tomatillos are the star ingredient in this zesty green salsa, and the seeds are blended right in. Whether roasted or boiled, the seeds contribute to the salsa's body and flavor profile.
Stews and Soups: The seeds and flesh break down during cooking, adding substance and thickening stews like chile verde or posole verde.
Raw Preparations: In fresh salsas or salads, the edible seeds provide a pleasant texture and are a key part of the experience, similar to eating a fresh tomato.
High Pectin Content: Tomatillos have a higher pectin content than tomatoes, which means they naturally create a thicker consistency when cooked down into sauces or jams. The seeds, combined with the pectin, contribute to this desirable texture.

Tomatillo Seed Texture: A Comparison

To understand the contribution of tomatillo seeds, compare them to other common fruits. Unlike the tough, crunchy seeds of some fruits, tomatillo seeds are soft and easily processed by the body, much like a regular tomato.


Feature	Tomatillo Seeds	Tomato Seeds	Cucumber Seeds	Watermelon Seeds
Edibility	Edible	Edible	Edible	Edible (if roasted)
Texture in Dish	Soft, with slight bite; thickens sauces	Soft; blends into sauces	Chewy	Hard; typically discarded
Preparation	No special prep needed; eaten raw or cooked	No special prep needed; eaten raw or cooked	No special prep needed; often eaten raw	Must be roasted to be enjoyed
Nutritional Value	High in fiber and vitamins	High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals	High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals	High in protein, fats, and minerals

Are There Any Reasons to Avoid Tomatillo Seeds?

For the vast majority of people, there is no reason to avoid tomatillo seeds. They are a natural and nutritious part of the fruit. Some individuals, however, might prefer to strain them out for textural preference, much like a person might sieve tomato seeds from a sauce for a smoother finish. If you have a sensitive digestive system, the fiber content might be a consideration, but in most recipes, the small quantity of seeds poses no issue.

Can you save tomatillo seeds for planting?

Yes, you can save the seeds to grow your own tomatillo plants. The process is straightforward, often involving blending the fruit pulp with water to separate the viable seeds that sink to the bottom. Unlike tomatoes, no fermentation is needed for seed saving. For best results, it's recommended to plant at least two tomatillo plants for proper cross-pollination to ensure a good harvest.

Conclusion: Tomatillo Seeds Are a Safe and Healthy Addition

To summarize, the answer to "Are tomatillo seeds edible?" is a definitive yes. The seeds are safe to eat, digest easily, and are an integral part of the fruit's culinary character. They contribute to the thick, hearty texture of salsas and stews and are entirely harmless when consumed with the rest of the fruit. By simply removing the inedible husk and washing away the sticky film, the entire fruit is ready for use, adding a tangy, unique flavor to a wide variety of dishes. So next time you are preparing salsa verde, rest assured that the seeds are meant to be a part of the final product. For more information on safely eating fruits and vegetables, you can refer to authoritative sources like cooperative extension programs.

The Verdict: Tomatillo seeds are perfectly edible and are a natural part of the fruit, contributing to texture and fiber.

Preparation: Always remove the papery husk and wash the sticky residue off the fruit before use.

Culinary Use: The seeds add body and texture to sauces and salsas, and are safely consumed whether raw or cooked.

Nutrient-rich: Consuming the seeds adds to the fruit's overall dietary fiber and nutritional profile.

Nightshade Myth: Despite being in the nightshade family, the ripe tomatillo fruit and seeds are not toxic, unlike the plant's leaves and stems.

Garden to Table: Seeds can be saved for planting next season without a complex fermentation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can safely eat tomatillo seeds raw. They are commonly consumed in fresh salsas and salads along with the rest of the fruit.

No, it is not necessary to remove the seeds before cooking tomatillos. They are soft and blend easily into sauces and stews.

No, tomatillo seeds are not poisonous. The seeds, along with the fruit itself, are safe to eat. The toxic parts of the plant are the leaves, stems, and husk.

Tomatillo seeds have a neutral flavor and do not significantly alter the taste of a dish. Their main contribution is to the texture, helping to create a thicker consistency in sauces.

Tomatillos are related to tomatoes and are both members of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). However, they are distinct plants and their seeds are handled differently during propagation.

For most people, tomatillo seeds do not cause digestive issues. They are small, soft, and contribute to the fruit's fiber content. Individuals with very sensitive digestive systems may choose to strain them, but this is uncommon.

The papery husk, leaves, and stems of the tomatillo plant are not edible and contain toxic compounds. Only the fruit itself, and its seeds, are safe for consumption.