Properties: Physalis
The relatively low-calorie fruit is packed with minerals and vital substances and is primarily valued here in the country due to its positive, health effects. The small fruit, only a few centimeters in size, is sold here in the country in small baskets containing 10 to 20 fruits each. Additionally, Physalis is also popular for making herb-bitter to sweet-tart marmalades. For consumption, ripe Physalis fruits should first be separated from the surrounding cupule leaves. The stem must also be removed. Only the fruit flesh and the seeds contained within are edible.
Origin: Physalis
The Physalis, also known as "Andenbeere" or "Inkapflaume," has been cultivated in South America for centuries and is considered an important remedy and supporter of the body's own immune system among indigenous peoples. At the beginning of the 19th century, during the colonization period, it also reached South Africa, where it earned the nickname "Kapstachelbeere." Today, Physalis is primarily cultivated in countries such as Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and South Africa. Additionally, there are also isolated cultivation efforts in Spain and Italy in Europe.
Uses: Physalis
Besides being used as a snack for in-between meals, Physalis are commonly utilized in their origin countries for the production of marmalades or sweet chutneys. Additionally, Physalis fruits are also used as an ingredient in chocolate products such as pralines or chocolate puddings. Dried Physalis or Physalis powder, which is employed for a variety of health issues, makes Physalis valuable from a medical standpoint as well.
Storage: Physalis
Physalis does not ripen after harvest. Store dry and in light protection. Moisture (e.g., through washing) can cause spoilage. Physalis is optimally stored for 7 days.
Physalis fruits should be stored at room temperature until they are fully ripe. A ripe Physalis has a golden to orange color and is pleasantly sweet in taste.
Once the Physalis fruits are ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. However, it is important to place them in an airtight container or plastic bag beforehand to avoid drying out.
Physalis fruits should not be stacked on top of each other to prevent damage. They should also not be stored with other fruits or vegetables as they are ethylene-sensitive and ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas can accelerate the ripening process.
In general, ripe Physalis fruits should be consumed within one to two days. Unripe Physalis fruits can be stored at room temperature until they become fully ripe.
Health: Physalis
The multitude of vitamins present in ripe Physalis fruits makes them an ideal snack during the cold winter months, where they can optimally support the body's own immune system. Furthermore, medical products derived from Physalis are primarily used in cases of human joint disorders. Therefore, regular consumption of Physalis is generally recommended.
Season
The main season for the physalis fruit, which is predominantly found in the Southern Hemisphere, is from December to June. If these fruits, which thrive in warm and humid conditions, are cultivated in European regions (for example, at home), they can typically be harvested as early as September. Due to optimized shipping and air transport routes, ripe physalis fruits may occasionally be available year-round in local retail stores, where they are sold either as fresh fruits or in the form of further processed food products.
Taste: mild, aromatic, fruity
Physalis (or also known as Cape Gooseberry) is an annual plant that grows on strong-stalked bushes up to 1 and 2 meters in height. It features heart-shaped leaves and has stems that are silky and only slightly hairy. The fruits themselves are of yellow-orange color, with a diameter of 3 to 4 centimeters and weigh on average 5 to 6 grams each. The fruit is surrounded by calyceal-like sepals.
The fruit as well as the flesh can be eaten. Taste-wise, Physalis, whose firm flesh is streaked with white seeds, reminds one of a mix between pineapple and passionfruit. Overall, the fruits taste intensely sweet-sour and resemble in shape the local cherry. Once ripe, the sepals slowly separate from the fruit that initially surrounds it. Botanically speaking, Physalis belongs to the genus of Bladderberries and is part of the nightshade family.