Physalis with husk

The Cape gooseberry (physalis) is characterised by the unique packaging of each individual fruit. The light brown, lampion-like sheath (the enlarged calyx) holds a fruit about the size of a cherry inside. The greenish-yellow to bright yellow, juicy berries are pleasantly sweet-sour with an intense aroma.

Origin

The home of the Cape gooseberry is the Andean region between Venezuela and Chile. In the early 19th century, it was introduced at the Cape of Good Hope, the promontory at the southern tip of Africa, and found great favour there, hence the name. The main export countries for Europe are Colombia, South Africa, Ecuador and Madagascar. Cape gooseberries are available all year round.

Tips

Cape gooseberries are also very good for freezing.

Preparation

Remove the gooseberries from the skin, wash them and eat them raw. The small seeds can be eaten as well. Cape gooseberries are particularly delicious in fruit salads, desserts or as a cake topping. They are also often "chocolatised" and used in desserts.