Physalis or Golden Berry

Physalis peruviana

One of our most popular fruits! It is great for eating fresh and decorating all types of drinks and dishes. Its inner structure is similar to a miniature tomato. OCATI sells them fresh, with and without husk, as well as heat dried.

Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
Serving size 100g
Amount per serving
Calories 70
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 10mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 14g 47%
Total Sugars 9g
Includes g Added Sugars 0%
Protein 2g
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 8mg 45%
Vitamin K 25%
Vitamin B3 4%
Not a significant source of vitamin D, or potassium.
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Retrieved from http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ January 2015

How to eat

How to store

  • 1 - 4ºc
  • Wash before eating

Source: postharvest.ucdavis.edu/Commodity_Resources/Fact_Sheets/

Research areas

Research into the health benefits of this fruit is currently being carried out in the following areas:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties

  • Cancer prevention and treatment

  • Pancreas health

For more information please click here

Physalis or Golden Berry is...

GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN A

Physalis provides 14% of vitamin A, also known as beta-carotene, an antioxidant protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are believed to contribute to the development of certain chronic diseases and play a role in the aging process.

GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN C

Physalis provides 18% or recommended vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant vitamin. It is important for the skin, bones, and connective tissue as well as helping the body absorb iron.

GOOD SOURCE OF PHOSPHORUS

Physalis provides 10% of phosphorus, the main function of this mineral is bone and teeth formation. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also necessary for our body to produce protein for growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Phosphorus also helps the body to produce ATP, a molecule used to store energy.

NATURAL SOURCE OF IRON

Physalis provides 6% of iron. The body needs iron to produce proteins, hemoglobin, and myoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and myoglobin is found in muscles. They help carry and store oxygen throughout the body. The main function of this mineral is to aid the formation of bones and teeth.

Interesting info

Its Quechua name is ‘Topotopo’, which together with ‘chuchuva’ make the most common names for this fruit in Venezuela. It is also known as chirto, cape gooseberry, uchuva, capulí, makowi and physalis. The Incas grew them in the royal gardens of the Sacred Valley. The golden berry is believed to have originated in Perú, Brazil and Chile. It was brought to South Africa by the Spanish to combat scurvy. In Colombia it is grown in the states of Cundinamarca, Antioquia and Boyacá. Did you known that inside the physalis looks very similar to a miniature tomato? It is covered by a papery calyx that protects it from insects, birds, pathogens and extreme weather. Some people eat it as anti-inflammatory and for prostate ailments. It is widely used in sauces, jams and cakes and for plate decoration. OCATI offers both fresh and dehydrated golden berries.

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