About Tamarillo (Tree Tomato)
Tamarillo, also called tree tomato, is a small egg-shaped fruit with tangy, juicy flesh and edible seeds. Its flavor is more tart than a regular tomato, and the skin is usually bitter, so babies do best with the soft inner flesh only. When fully ripe and prepared well, tamarillo can be an interesting way to introduce new flavors and textures. Tamarillo provides vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron from other foods. It also contains potassium for muscle and nerve function, fiber for digestion, and small amounts of vitamin A and folate. Because it is relatively low in calories and naturally bright in flavor, it pairs well with iron-rich foods, yogurt, and other fruits. Tamarillo is not a common allergen, but its acidity can sometimes cause a contact rash around the mouth or irritate sensitive skin. True allergy is uncommon, but parents should still introduce it in a small amount at first and watch for symptoms such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or breathing changes. The skin should be removed because it is tough and bitter, and underripe fruit should not be served. Most babies can try tamarillo from 6 months old if it is very ripe, soft, peeled, and mashed or offered in a large soft piece for self-feeding. As chewing skills improve, you can move to finely chopped or bite-sized soft pieces. For toddlers, tamarillo can be mixed into yogurt, fruit bowls, or mild salsas, but it should always be served ripe and in safe sizes.
How to serve by age
Offer only very ripe tamarillo with the bitter skin removed. Mash the soft flesh on a spoon, or offer a large soft peeled half for baby to scoop or gnaw under close supervision.
Serve ripe peeled tamarillo as finely chopped soft pieces or continue with mashed flesh once your baby is developing a pincer grasp. Avoid slippery large chunks.
Offer small soft peeled pieces on their own or mix tamarillo into yogurt, oatmeal, or mild salsas. Continue to avoid tough skin and firm fruit.
Pairs well with
Safety & allergens
Serve only fully ripe, soft tamarillo with the skin removed. Mash the flesh for younger babies or offer large soft pieces they can hold and gnaw. For older babies and toddlers, serve finely chopped or small soft pieces. Avoid firm, underripe fruit and slippery large chunks that could break off and be swallowed whole.
What to watch for
Safety checklist
Storage & shelf life
Store ripe whole tamarillos in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days. Once cut, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days.
Freeze peeled tamarillo flesh or puree in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Rich in vitamin C to support immune health and iron absorption
- Contains fiber to help support digestion
- Provides potassium for muscle and nerve function
- Offers a tangy flavor that can broaden taste exposure
- Can be acidic and may irritate sensitive skin
- Not a significant source of protein or fat
- Less energy-dense than many other fruits
Key nutrients
Nutrition facts
| Calories | 40kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Carbs | 10.8g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
| Fiber | 3.7g |
| Iron | 0.2mg |
| Calcium | 8.0mg |
| Potassium | 5mg |
| Vitamin C | 30mg |
| Vitamin A | 10.0µg |
| Folate | 15µg |
| Zinc | 0.31mg |
per 100 g
In season
Common questions
When can babies eat Tamarillo (Tree Tomato)?
Is Tamarillo (Tree Tomato) a choking hazard?
Is Tamarillo (Tree Tomato) a common allergen?
More first foods
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