Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana)

Family: Solanaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Physalis peruviana is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious bitter-sweet flavour, it has smaller but sweeter fruits than the cultivar 'Edulis'. — Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, cakes, jellies, compotes, jams etc.; A delicious bitter-sweet flavour, it has smaller but sweeter fruits than the cultivar 'Edulis'.; The dried fruit can be used as a raisin substitute, though it is not so sweet.; The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements.

Habitat & North American Range

Coastal regions and disturbed areas from sea level to 4500 metres. (Zone 10)