Prepare the Tamarillos:
To easily peel the tamarillos, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice water bath. Once cooled, gently peel off the skins.
Cut the tamarillos in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Dice the flesh into small, even pieces.
Mix the Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced tamarillos, red onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using).
Add the chopped cilantro and lime juice to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Season the Salsa:
Drizzle the olive oil over the salsa and add honey or sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor to balance the tamarillo’s tanginess.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, let the salsa chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve the tamarillo salsa with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or as a zesty accompaniment to tacos or fish dishes.