Physalis
Physalis has a long and fascinating cultural history. Physalis plants have been cultivated in South America for thousands of years. Then it spread to Europe in the 17th century. Physalis is a relative of potatoes. But instead of root tubers, you harvest a berry that resembles a small yellow-orange tomato. These berries are a delicacy that can often be bought fresh or dried. A physalis plant can grow large, green and lush. This is true whether you have it in a pot or in the garden. The flowers open at night.
Tips for those who want to grow physalis
Physalis is a fairly easy plant to grow. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to maximise your success.
- Choose a good location – Physalis likes a sunny position and well-drained soil that is not too compact. Six hours of sunlight a day is really the minimum.
- Add nitrogen – Physalis needs nitrogen-rich fertiliser to produce a large harvest, especially during the growing season. You also need to water regularly.
- Don’t plant physalis seeds too early – If you’re sowing seeds indoors, you can put the plants outside when there’s no longer a risk of frost.
- Prop up – A physalis plant can grow tall and needs support to protect it from the wind.
Over-wintering physalis
Physalis is a tropical plant and there are only a few varieties that can overwinter outside in Sweden. If your physalis survives the winter, it will not produce much fruit next year. To survive the winter indoors, physalis needs to be cut back by half and kept in a bright, warm place.
Different types of physalis
There are over 200 species of physalis. Some of the most common are:
- Cape gooseberry – The most popular species of physalis in Sweden.
- Tomatillo – Produces small berries with a tart flavour. Common in Mexican cuisine.
- Goldenberries – Have a sweeter flavour.
How to make the most of physalis
Physalis is sweet and sour with complex nuances and a slightly rough character. Harvest physalis when the leaves closest to the berries have started to wilt and the fruit has turned yellow or orange. Today, physalis is mainly used for food. The berries are delicious fresh. They can also be boiled, baked in the oven or eaten dried. Dried physalis berries are often called inca berries in the trade. If you dry the berries yourself, they will keep for several months in an airtight container. Making jams and marmalades from physalis is another way to utilise the tasty berries.
In traditional medicine, physalis has been used for a wide range of conditions, including fever, inflammation and diarrhoea. The berries have also been used to make colour and wine. In other words, physalis is a very versatile plant.
Physalis is healthy
Physalis is also rich in nutrients. For example, it is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium and fibre. There are also a lot of antioxidants in physalis. However, it is not very high in calories. You can read more about the nutritional content of physalis here.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-12-28