
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.
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
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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