Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Cape gooseberries are globular fruits, averaging 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, and are encased in a green to tan, papery husk that forms an inflated, lantern shape. The skin of the fruit is initially waxy and slightly sticky when removed from the husk, giving way to a smooth and taut consistency. The skin also transitions from green to orange-yellow when ripe. Underneath the surface, the flesh is aqueous, soft, yellow-orange, and is filled with many small, crunchy, and edible, cream-colored seeds. Cape gooseberries have a sweet-tart flavor that is reminiscent of a cherry tomato crossed with tangy notes of pineapple, mango, vanilla, strawberry, and Meyer lemon.
Seasons/Availability
Cape gooseberries are available year-round, with peak season in the late summer through fall.
Current Facts
Cape gooseberries, botanically classified as Physalis peruviana, are sweet and tangy fruits that belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Known by many names, including Goldenberry, Husk Cherry, Peruvian Ground Cherry, and Poha berry, Cape gooseberries are native to South America and have spread around the world, naturalizing in many regions. Cape gooseberries are of no relation to the common gooseberry and are actually a close relative of the tomato and other members of the nightshade family. The tart fruits are viewed through many different perspectives depending on the region they are grown in and can range from being a common, unimportant weed to being seen as a valuable, exported crop. Despite their varying reputation, Cape gooseberries are utilized in a wide variety of culinary applications and are considered a niche crop, often grown for local markets and consumption.
Nutritional Value
Cape gooseberries are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and increase collagen production. The fruits also contain phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, and riboflavin, and have been used in folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Applications
Cape gooseberries are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as boiling and baking. The husks should be discarded before consumption as they have a bitter taste and are inedible, but they can be used as an ornamental decoration on baked goods and desserts. Cape gooseberries can be eaten fresh, out-of-hand as a sweet-tart snack, sliced and tossed into green and fruit salads, chopped into salsas, blended into smoothies, or made into a puree. The small fruits are also easily incorporated into cereals, oatmeal, and yogurt and can be sliced and served as a topping over ice cream. In England, Cape gooseberries are popularly dipped in chocolate, fondant, icing, or pricked and rolled in sugar as a bite-sized dessert. The fruit’s high pectin content also allows the berries to be cooked into preserves, compotes, and syrups for use in pies, crumbles, and tarts. In addition to sweet applications, Cape gooseberries are used similarly to tomatoes and can be cooked into gazpacho, mixed into rice and stuffing, baked into bread and muffins, or halved and served with burrata cheese, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The berries can also be canned or dried for extended use. Cape gooseberries pair well with honey, spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pumpkin spice, red grapes, apricots, blueberries, strawberries, ginger, and nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and pecans. The fresh fruits will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in a cool and dark place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Cape gooseberries earned their name from their commercial success in the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. First introduced in 1807, the fruits became a prevalent ingredient in jams and were a highly exported good in canned form. At the peak of their popularity, Cape gooseberries were introduced to Australia from the Cape of Good Hope, and local Australians gave the fruit its “Cape” name in reference to where the fruits originally came from. The name stuck and is one of the most prominent names used worldwide for the fruits in the modern-day.
Geography/History
Cape gooseberries are native to Brazil and were naturalized within the Chilean and Peruvian highland region of the Andes Mountains during ancient times. The Incas were closely associated with the cultivation of the fruit, and in 1774, the plant was introduced to England from explorers returning from the New World. Cape gooseberries then spread to South Africa in 1807 and were also introduced to many other tropical and temperate regions around the world in the 20th century. Today Cape gooseberries can be found at specialty and local markets in Asia, especially in China and India, and can also be found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, South America, and in Hawaii and Florida of the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Cardellino | San Diego CA | 619-722-3398 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cape Gooseberries. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Cape Gooseberries using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Winn-Dixie
Winn Dixie
Florida, United StatesAbout 56 days ago, 11/22/21 
Santee Farmer's Market
Martinez Farms
Near Santee, California, United StatesNipomo, CA About 117 days ago, 9/22/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 124 days ago, 9/15/21 
Rionegro, Antioquia
La Tienda De La Confianza Quiero Fruta Medellin
Antioquia, ColombiaAbout 201 days ago, 6/30/21 Sharer's comments : Miguel siempre viene a comprar u huevas frescas en la tienda de la confianza 
Mariner's Farmers Market
JM Produce
Near Newport Coast, California, United StatesSan Luis Obispo, CA About 212 days ago, 6/19/21 Sharer's comments : Good for your eyes, good for your bones, high in antioxidants! 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Athinagoras LTD
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens G-43 00302104830298 About 398 days ago, 12/15/20 Sharer's comments : Physalis berries 🤩 
Hayward Wisconsin
Hayward Farmers Market
Wisconsin, United States15886 US hwy 63 Hayward WI 54843 About 483 days ago, 9/21/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
McGrath Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 509 days ago, 8/26/20 Kroger Marketplace Near Amelia, Ohio, United States About 524 days ago, 8/11/20 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock st. San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 594 days ago, 6/02/20 Sharer's comments : Gooseberries from South America .. 
Carulla
Carulla Oviedo Medellin
Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaCarrera 43a # 6 Sur 145 Medellin Antioquia 034-604-5164 https://www.carulla.com/ About 690 days ago, 2/27/20 Sharer's comments : Golden berries from Colombia .. 
Andronico's
Andronico's Community Market - Lighthouse Ave
Near Pacific Grove, California, United States900 Lighthouse Ave Monterey CA 93940 831-718-2405 https://www.andronicos.com About 691 days ago, 2/26/20 |
