#husk cherries

Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries, are members of the Solanaceaebotanical family which also includes eggplants, tomatoes and their lookalikes, tomatillos – in fact, ground cherries and tomatillos belong to the same genus, Physalis. While they are native to Mexico where they are known as coztomates or depes, they can grow anywhere tomatoes do well. 

Ground cherries are prepared just like tomatillos: remove the papery husk, rinse, and eat. They have a bright, sweet-tart flavor that reminds us of pineapple. We find that they are just at home in savory recipes as in desserts. However, they also simply a great table fruit.

Ripe ground cherries have a warm apricot hue – unripe fruits are yellow. Like tomatillos, ground cherries should be stored in their husks. Placed in a cool, dark place they should keep for several weeks. Ground cherries also freeze well though they will loose their texture and will be best suited for sauces.

Note: The Cape gooseberry, also known as Inca berry and Peruvian ground cherry, is another species of Physalisthat can sometimes be found at farmers’ markets and seed catalogues. While the fruit is originally from Peru, they are particularly popular in South Africa (their name comes from the Cape of Good Hope).