Pronunciation: [tˌaməɹˈɪlə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
Tamarillo is a fruit native to South America, which is also known as a tree tomato. The spelling of tamarillo is pronounced as /tæməˈrɪloʊ/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The word is spelled phonetically by first pronouncing the 't' sound, followed by the 'a' sound with emphasis on the 'ma' syllable, the 'r' sound, the 'i' sound, then the 'llo' syllable with emphasis on 'lo' before the 'w' sound in the English language.
A tamarillo, also known as a tree tomato, is a fruit-bearing tree native to South America, specifically the Andes region. The word "tamarillo" is derived from the combination of two Spanish words: "tamarillo" meaning "tamarind" and "tomate" meaning "tomato". It is the fruit of this tree that is commonly referred to as a tamarillo.
The tamarillo fruit has an oval shape, resembling a small tomato, and varies in color, ranging from bright red to yellow or orange. The smooth, shiny skin of the tamarillo is thin and easy to remove. When cut open, the fruit reveals a juicy, orange-colored flesh that is slightly tangy and often described as a fusion of flavors, resembling a blend of tomatoes and passion fruit. It contains numerous small, edible seeds that are encased within the flesh.
Tamarillos can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes, making them versatile in their culinary applications. They can be eaten raw, sliced or diced and added to fruit salads or smoothies. They can also be cooked and used in sauces, jams, desserts, or even as a topping for pizzas. In addition to their delightful taste, tamarillos are known for their high nutritional value, being a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Overall, a tamarillo is a vibrant, tropical fruit with a unique flavor profile, blending elements of tomatoes and passion fruit. Its versatility in cooking and its nutritional qualities make it a sought-after ingredient in various cuisines around the world.
The word tamarillo originally comes from the Quechua language, which is indigenous to the Andean region of South America. In Quechua, the word for the fruit is tamarillo.
The term tamarillo was later adopted by English speakers, who also referred to the fruit as the tree tomato due to its appearance and taste being similar to tomatoes. The combination of tamarillo and tree tomato became widely used to describe the fruit, and it is now recognized internationally by the name tamarillo.
