What is it?
Also known as a tree tomato, this subtropical fruit ranges in colour from purple to yellow. The skin is inedible but the tangy, tart flesh is delicious.
Where does it come from?
Originally from South America, tamarillos arrived in New Zealand in the 1890s. The first crop produced in Australia, however, was just 10 years ago.
Is it good for me?
High in fibre, calcium, iron, phosphorus plus vitamins A and C.
Buying and storing
Available from May through to December. Select firm fruit that yields to gentle pressure. Store at room temperature until soft, then keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
How to eat it
Peel and use cooked in chutneys, dips, sauces and desserts or add raw to salads.
A competition was held in New Zealand in 1967 to choose the name tamarillo, which comes from the Spanish word amarillo, meaning yellow.