If you’ve ever wondered what ground cherries taste like, you’re not alone. They’re a well-kept secret among gardeners, but a few simple ingredients can make them an appealing addition to any recipe. The flavor is slightly sweet with hints of tomato and vanilla, and the juice holds the most flavor. Be sure to use them only when they’re ripe, or the skin will be poisonous.
Ground cherries grow very upright, with stiff stems, and they’re prone to toppling over as the fruit falls. They need support structures to prevent broken branches. Their favorite soils are moist, well-drained, and humus-rich. They’re so weedy; they’ll grow anywhere, so you might as well give them a chance. They’ll grow just about anywhere but don’t like too much moisture.
What Is Ground Cherry?
Physalis is a nightshade genus of flowering plants that grow in mild temperate and subtropical climates worldwide. The majority of the species, estimated to number 75–90, are native to the Americas. Worldwide, cultivated species and weedy annuals have been introduced. The creation of a vast, papery husk generated from the calyx, which wholly or partially encloses the fruit, is a distinguishing trait. The fruit is small and yellow to orange in color, resembling a small tomato in size, shape, and structure.
Ground cherries are a member of the Physalis family, along with Chinese paper lanterns and tomatillos. They are in the nightshade family and are related to tomatoes and eggplant. The strawberry ground cherry, which is the most popular in the United States, is a variety that’s widely available in backyard gardens. Aunt Molly’s ground cherry is another popular type. You’ll find it in most grocery stores.
What Is The Taste Of A Ground Cherry?
Ground cherries have a slightly sweet, tropical flavor and a texture that falls in between that of tomato and that of a grape. According to this source, the common name stems from falling to the ground when the fruit is ripe.
It has a sweet but somewhat tangy flavor, with an earthy undertone, and tastes like pineapple, strawberries, mango, or citrus fruits.
Their skin is smooth and prevents liquid from leaking out. They have a sweet, tart flavor and hints of pineapple. They are not shipped well, but they keep their flavor in a paper husk for three months. Because of this, they’re an excellent choice for pies, preserves, and other recipes. They’re delicious and can also be used in several creative ways.
What Is The Purpose Of Ground Cherries?
Groundcherries are frequently used in desserts as a decorative garnish. Toss them in a fruit salad or dip them in chocolate to make a special treat. They also produce a fantastic jam and can be made into a crisp or clafoutis. Groundcherries can also be used in salsa, ketchup, and chutney in place of green tomatoes.
A cup of ground cherries yields about 1 tablespoon, so you can use them in salads or nibbling. You can also use them as garnishes for a meal, depending on the variety. Here’s an easy way to eat them: peel the husk off the cherries, pop them in your mouth and enjoy! Now, let’s look at the health benefits of ground cherries! They’re high in antioxidants, Vitamin A and C, and contain significant amounts of potassium, zinc, and copper. What’s more, they’re low in sodium and have a low glycemic index, making them great for diabetics and vegetarians alike.
Purchasing & Storing Tips
Look for fruits that are completely encased in their husks when selecting groundcherries. The better the cherry, the dryer the husk.
Groundcherries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two months. The husks should be refrigerated and consumed within 10 days if open or broken.
To freeze groundcherries, place them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for two hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll last a long time in the freezer.
If your ground cherries are fully ripe, store them in a paper bag or a bowl in the refrigerator with a cloth or paper towel over the top. Ground cherries may be kept for a long time before going wrong, and they usually stay 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, although they can sometimes last up to a month before becoming soft.
Nutritional Values of Ground Cherries
This fruit is loaded with health advantages. Vitamins A, C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin are all abundant in them. Beta-carotene concentration is also high in ripe fruits. Calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, bioflavonoids, protein, and fiber are all present in large proportions.
- Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is Excellent for vision. Aids in the proper functioning of the immunological and inflammatory systems. Aids in the regular development and growth of cells and the reproductive systems require it. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.
- The immune system needs it. An antioxidant is a substance that protects cells from being damaged or dying. An antihistamine made from natural ingredients (allergy relief) Reduces the risk of a stroke. Prevents the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Thiamin, generally known as B1, is a B vitamin.
- It aids in the protection of the nerves. Excellent for mental health and metabolism, especially when it comes to carbs. Reduces the risk of cataracts. Riboflavin, generally known as B2, is a B vitamin.
- Iron metabolism requires it. Prevents migraines and headaches. Other B vitamins are maintained. B3 niacin niacin niacin niacin ni
- Increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels, beneficial to heart health. It can be used to treat depression, senility, and memory loss. Reduces arthritic pain and swelling by increasing joint flexibility. Vitamin B12, commonly known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin.
- Aids in the correct development of youngsters Improves mental health; if diagnosed early enough, it can potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Reduces the chance of pernicious anemia. Keeps you young and fresh by assisting with cell renewal.
The health benefits of ground cherries are numerous and impressive. They are high in vitamins A, C, thiamin, and riboflavin and contain a high concentration of beta-carotene. They also contain significant amounts of minerals, bioflavonoids, and protein. 3.5 oz of ground cherries are only 53 calories and one gram of fat, and they have zero sodium and a low glycemic index.
What Is The Toxicity Of Ground Cherries?
Unripe powdered cherries are sour and contain poisonous chemicals solanine and solanidine, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps in small doses and can be deadly if consumed in moderate to high amounts. Except for the ripe fruit, all components of the groundcherry shrub are poisonous. When a ground cherry achieves its final color, which is frequently yellow or pale orange, you know it’s ripe. Unripe ground cherries have an acidic flavor that changes to sweetness as they ripen.
Also, researchers at the University of Michigan Health System are currently studying the connection between the chemical compound withanolides and anti-cancer properties in ground cherries. They’ve found that they’re particularly effective against Adrenal Cancer.
Conclusion
Ground cherries are very similar to tomatillos, but they are much more flavorful. They’re often found in the tropics and are closely related to tomatillos. They have a unique sweet and tart flavor with a hint of pineapple. The most common way to prepare ground cherries is to peel off the husk and pop them into your mouth. To get the best flavor from them, they’re the most convenient.
As a fruit, ground cherries are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Compared to plums and apricots, they’re also high in antioxidants. In addition to these benefits, ground cherries are also delicious as a snack. A quart of ground cherry can be used for one cup of roasted cherries, so you can save the rest for snacks. They’re also great in salads.