1. Renewed popularity
The ground cherry, which is the tomato’s cousin, is a physalis fruit plant belonging to the nightshade (or Solanaceae) family. The species known as physalis pruinosa is native to parts of Central and North America, and is also cultivated in certain areas of the United States and Canada (such as in Quebec since the end of the 19th century). The Indigenous consumed it fresh or dried it for the winter. The upright annual plant, now experiencing renewed interest, used to be grown in the home gardens of grandmothers and great-grandmothers, who made jam out of them.
2. Little candies
The fruit, also known as husk cherries, Cape gooseberries and golden berries, has a slightly acidic and sweet taste, combining aromas reminiscent of tomatoes, citrus and tropical fruits like pineapple. Its membrane, the calyx, has a paper-like texture that resembles a Chinese lantern.
3. Ultimate freshness
The harvest period runs from mid-July to mid-October, right up until the first frost. Some signs that the fruit is ripe include the membrane turning from green to beige or pale brown, and the cherries detaching from the plant and falling to the ground, preferably onto mulch that’ll keep them dry and prevent the husk from getting dirty. When purchasing, make sure the membranes are intact and that their texture is like tissue paper.
4. Best storage
When storing them, keep the ground cherries in their husk and store them in a cool, dry place for up to a month. When they’re fully ripe and the torn membrane reveals the berry inside, store them in the refrigerator without washing them, and be sure to consume them within 10 days. If you’re planning to freeze them, spread them onto a baking sheet and once frozen, store them in an airtight container.
5. The cherry on top
Ground cherries often play a more decorative role in recipes, such as appetizers or cocktails. Rediscover them by consuming them as is, tossing them in a fruit salad, or serving them as a garnish on crepes. Ground cherries also make for a great compote, like in our ground cherry and vanilla compote recipe, or in a vegetable and ground cherry salad with roasted fish.
Want to cook with ground cherries? Here are a couple of recipes for you to try: