Some plants which grow naturally in many parts of our country are sometimes important commercial products in other parts of the world. ‘Physalis’ (Physalis Peruviana L.) is one of them. This exotic fruit is indigenous to South America. Today, it is cultivated in South Africa, Colombia, Thailand, Peru, Kenya, Ecuador, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its cultivation in our country has recently started.
PHYSALIS FACTS
Physalis, the wild type of which is called bride lantern in our country, is known as yellow lantern, courteous lantern, and bride lantern in the European countries. The reason for these pretty names is its attractive appearance. The plant has yellow flowers, and its fruits are inside the eye-catching sepals (calyx). The calyx surrounding the fruits when turned yellow resembles a tulle, and gives the
impression of a lantern. The fruits which have a aromatic, delightful and tart flavour are green when unripe, then turn into light yellow, and when become ripe, look like orange colour cherries.
USAGE
Cape Gooseberry, fruits of which can be eaten fresh, has a wide area of usage. Owing to its rich aroma and tart flavour, its fruits can be used in baking pastry and making marmalade. It can be eaten fresh and also used in fruit salads, deserts and tarts. Its jam is very delicious. And offers an excellent taste with chocolate sauce. Fruits dipped
in chocolate are favoured in the European countries. It is delightful with crème and ice cream. Can be used to prepare sauces. Recently, it has been popular as the serving fruit (fondue) for the conferences and business meetings in Europe, and it is also recommended for the lunch boxes of the children, a portion a week, due to its benefits.
BENEFITS
Physalis is commonly used by the people in South America for treatment of skin, diabetes, heart, tuberculosis and urinary diseases. Not only the fruits, but also the roots and green parts of Cape gooseberry are used for production of some medicines. The roots and green parts of the plant contain 8 separate alkaloids. These alkaloids are used in the industry for production of herbal based medicines. The fruit has 6 % sugar in its 100 g, and vitamin C content is more than the orange. It is the richest fruit as regards potassium content. The fruit also contains considerable amount of carotene (vitamin A9) and vitamin B. It is known that, in particular riper fruits contain higher amounts of beta carotene concentration. Due to its high
nutrient values, the fruit is recommended for nutrition of preschool children.
• Promotes urine flow, removes uric acid within the blood. Thus, it is beneficial for Gout and Rheumatism.
• Dissolves and removes urate and oxalate calcili.
• Removes water contained in abdomen. Reduces liver swelling.
SELECTION
As the fruits are below a natural protective cover called the calyx and the inner part of the fruits can not be seen for this reason, the criteria for selection is made through a rather simple method. The fruit basket is manually weighed. If it is too light, the fruit has lost its juice. When the fruit becomes ripe suitable for eating, it looks like an orange colour big cherry. A change in the calyx colour is not an indicator for ripening. Those with
a bright golden yellow colour should be preferred.
STORAGE
Although it is not an easily susceptible fruit, we recommend it to be consumed within a few days like any other fruit. It preserves freshness for more than 1 week in the refrigerator. It should be consumed after being washed. We recommend the fruit to be stored with its calyx, otherwise it will have a shorter durability.
PREPARATION
Gently pull away the fine skin (calyx) protecting the fruit. You may eat the fruits after washing.
