Physalis peruviana
| Cape gooseberry | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Cape gooseberry flower | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Physalis |
| Species: | P. peruviana |
| Binomial name | |
|
Physalis peruviana L. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 222 kJ (53 kcal) |
|
11.2 g
|
|
|
0.7 g
|
|
|
1.9 g
|
|
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A equiv. |
(5%)
36 μg |
| Thiamine (B1) |
(10%)
0.11 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) |
(3%)
0.04 mg |
| Niacin (B3) |
(19%)
2.8 mg |
| Vitamin C |
(13%)
11 mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium |
(1%)
9 mg |
| Iron |
(8%)
1 mg |
| Phosphorus |
(6%)
40 mg |
|
|
|
|
|
| Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
|
Physalis peruviana, a plant species of the genus Physalis, is originally from Peru. The plant and its fruit are most commonly known as Cape gooseberry (South Africa, UK, Australia, New Zealand), or Physalis.
It is indigenous to western South America, but has been cultivated in England since the late 18th century and in South Africa in the region of the Cape of Good Hope since at least the start of the 19th century.
Physalis peruviana is closely related to the tomatillo and to the Chinese lantern, also members of the genus Physalis. As a member of the plant family Solanaceae, it is more distantly related to a large number of edible plants, including tomato, eggplant, potato and other members of the nightshades. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the cherry, Ribes gooseberry, Indian gooseberry, or Chinese gooseberry.
The fruit is a smooth berry, resembling a miniature, spherical, yellow tomato. Removed from its bladder-like calyx, it is about the size of a marble, about 1–2 cm in diameter. Like a tomato, it contains numerous small seeds. It is bright yellow to orange in color, and it is sweet when ripe, with a characteristic, mildly tart flavor, making it ideal for snacks, pies, or jams. It is relished in salads and fruit salads, sometimes combined with avocado. Also, because of the fruit's decorative appearance, it is popular in restaurants as an exotic garnish for desserts.
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Wikipedia