
Fruit
Tamarillo
A tangy, egg-shaped fruit known as a tree tomato, rich in vitamin C and fiber.
A small, egg-shaped fruit with smooth, tough skin and tangy, slightly sweet flesh, also known as a tree tomato.
low-calorie high-fiber fruit
Typical serving · 100g
Common varieties · red tamarillo, amber tamarillo, yellow tamarillo
Overall context score across nutrition, safety, and diet fit
At a glance
Quick facts
Simple indicators based on nutrition, processing, and diet fit.
The story
What makes it unique
Tamarillo is a low-energy-density fruit providing moderate fiber and potassium. It digests at a moderate pace due to soluble fiber and high water content, promoting satiety. Its macronutrient profile is low in fat and protein with complex carbohydrates. As a minimally processed whole food, it retains its phytonutrient density, particularly anthocyanins in red varieties.
Varieties: red tamarillo · amber tamarillo · yellow tamarillo
Per 100g
Nutrition breakdown
Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.
Energy
Density 0.40 kcal/g
Protein
Carbs
Fat
Fiber
Sugar
5 g
Sodium
1 mg
Potassium
320 mg
Glycemic index
30
Glycemic load
3
Water content
85%
Standout compounds
Nutrient highlights
Vitamin C
highSupports immune function and collagen synthesis
Fiber
moderatePromotes digestive health and satiety
Potassium
moderateHelps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance
Anthocyanins
moderateProvides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Vitamin A
lowSupports vision and immune health
Wellness map
Health scores & processing
NOVA processing scale
minimally_processed · Whole food
Whole, unprocessed fruit typically consumed fresh or cooked with minimal alteration.
Diet compatibility
- Weight loss
- Muscle gain
- Diabetes
- Gut health
- Low carb
- High protein
- Heart health
Relative standing
Food rankings
Qualitative ranks compared to similar whole foods.
- Satietygood
- Blood sugarexcellent
- Nutrient densitygood
- Fitness fuelmoderate
- Processing qualityexcellent
Eat with confidence
Food safety profile
Tamarillo is generally safe with low contamination and pesticide risk. The skin is often removed due to bitterness, which also reduces surface residue exposure.
Evidence confidence 85%
- Pesticideslow
- Antibioticslow
- Heavy metalslow
- Contaminationlow
Watch for
- surface dirt
- agricultural residues
Safer choices
Organic tamarillos to minimize any pesticide exposure, though conventional is low risk.
Prep tips
Wash thoroughly under running water. Peel the skin before eating or blend into preparations to avoid the bitter taste.
None significant. Standard agricultural monitoring applies.
Deep dive
Health analysis
How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.
Weight loss
Low energy density and high fiber content help create a feeling of fullness without excess calories, making it ideal for weight management.
Blood sugar
Low glycemic index and glycemic load result in a slow, steady rise in blood sugar, suitable for glucose management.
Fitness & energy
Provides quick-digesting carbohydrates and potassium for electrolyte balance, though not a primary energy source for endurance.
Gut health
Dietary fiber supports healthy bowel movements and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Processing quality
A whole, unprocessed food that retains its natural nutrient matrix and phytochemicals.
Food safety
Low risk of contaminants; washing and peeling further minimize any surface residue concerns.
Common mistakes
Eating the tough, bitter skin which can ruin the flavor experience; always scoop the flesh or peel first.
Best preparation
Scooped raw, blended into smoothies, or cooked into chutneys and sauces.
Practical guide
Best use cases
When and how this food fits real eating patterns.
Tangy smoothie addition
Blends well with sweeter fruits to add a tart, complex flavor and vitamin C boost.
Low-calorie snack
Scooped fresh as a light, fiber-rich snack between meals.
Chutney or salsa base
Cooked down with spices for a flavorful, low-calorie condiment.
Balance sheet
Pros & cons
Upsides
- Low in calories and energy density
- Good source of dietary fiber for digestion
- Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
- Low glycemic impact suitable for diabetics
- Contains potassium for heart health
Trade-offs
- Bitter skin is unpalatable to most
- Can be overly tart if not fully ripe
- Not a significant source of protein or fat
- Less common and harder to find in standard grocery stores
Fit check
Who is it for?
Great match
- weight management
- blood sugar control
- immune support
- digestive regularity
Consider alternatives
- strict ketogenic diets in large amounts
- high-protein diets
- those seeking sweet, mild-flavored fruits
Side by side
How it compares
Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.

This food
Tamarillo
VS80% alike
Compare with
Tomato
Tomato is milder and lower in calories; tamarillo is more tart with higher vitamin C.
Tomatoes are lower in calories and milder, while tamarillos offer a tart flavor punch and more vitamin C per gram.

This food
Tamarillo
VS70% alike
Compare with
Guava
Guava is much sweeter and significantly higher in fiber and vitamin C, while tamarillo is lower in sugar.
Guava provides more fiber and vitamin C, but tamarillo is the better choice for lower sugar and calorie content.

This food
Tamarillo
VS75% alike
Compare with
Passionfruit
Passionfruit is higher in fiber and calories; tamarillo is lower in sugar and has flesh without heavy seeds.
Passionfruit is richer in fiber but higher in calories, whereas tamarillo is lighter and better for strict blood sugar control.

This food
Tamarillo
VS70% alike
Compare with
Kiwi
Kiwi is sweeter with a softer texture and higher vitamin C; tamarillo offers a deeper savory-tart flavor.
Kiwi is sweeter and higher in vitamin C, while tamarillo is lower in sugar and offers a unique savory-tart profile.

This food
Tamarillo
VS65% alike
Compare with
Plum
Plum is sweeter and higher in sugar; tamarillo is lower in calories and carbs with a more complex tartness.
Plums are sweeter and higher in carbs, making tamarillo the better option for low-sugar and low-calorie diets.

This food
Tamarillo
VS60% alike
Compare with
Persimmon
Persimmon is very sweet and high in sugar when ripe; tamarillo remains tart and is far lower in calories.
Persimmons are much sweeter and higher in sugar, while tamarillos stay tart and are significantly lower in calories.

This food
Tamarillo
VS55% alike
Compare with
Papaya
Papaya is sweeter, softer, and higher in calories; tamarillo is firmer, tarter, and lower in sugar.
Papaya is sweeter and higher in calories, whereas tamarillo provides a low-sugar, tart alternative for weight loss.

This food
Tamarillo
VS55% alike
Compare with
Peach
Peach is sweeter and higher in sugar; tamarillo is significantly lower in calories and has a tart bite.
Peaches are sweeter and higher in sugar, while tamarillos are much lower in calories and better for blood sugar control.

This food
Tamarillo
VS65% alike
Compare with
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is juicier and slightly higher in sugar; tamarillo has a more concentrated tart flavor and similar low GI.
Grapefruit is juicier and more hydrating, while tamarillo offers a concentrated tart flavor with slightly fewer calories.

This food
Tamarillo
VS50% alike
Compare with
Mango
Mango is very high in sugar and calories; tamarillo is a much better choice for low-calorie and low-sugar diets.
Mangoes are high in sugar and calories, making tamarillo the clear winner for weight loss and blood sugar management.
Common questions
FAQ
Answers aligned with how people search for this food.
Are tamarillos good for weight loss?
Yes, tamarillos are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps increase satiety and control appetite.
Can diabetics eat tamarillo?
Yes, tamarillo has a low glycemic index and glycemic load, meaning it causes a slow, manageable rise in blood sugar.
Do you eat the skin of a tamarillo?
The skin is edible but very bitter and tough, so it is usually peeled or scooped out before eating.
Is tamarillo the same as a tomato?
No, though it is called a tree tomato, it belongs to a different plant family and has a sweeter, more tangy tropical flavor.
What are the benefits of eating tamarillo?
Tamarillo is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, supporting immune function, heart health, and digestion.
How do you prepare a tamarillo?
Wash the fruit, cut it in half, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, or blanch it to easily peel the skin off.
Is tamarillo high in potassium?
Yes, tamarillo provides a good amount of potassium per serving, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Is tamarillo keto-friendly?
In strict moderation, tamarillo can fit into a keto diet due to its low net carb count, but portion control is needed.
Transparency
Data confidence
Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.
Nutrition data
Health analysis
Food safety
Comparisons