Region of Origin
Commodity:
Golden Berry
Description & Origin
Similar in size to a marble, golden berries are a type of husk cherry. These small, round fruits with a waxy, bright yellow-orange skin grow on sprawling, bush-like plants. The fruit is encased in a papery husk that is fully dried or removed after harvest. The seedy, firm fruit is much like that of a fleshy cherry tomato, but the flavor profile is complex: sweet, very tart, and tropical with disti...
Other Names
Physalis peruviana, Cape Gooseberry, Inca Berry, Peruvian Ground Cherry, Uchuva/Uchuba (Colombia), Uvilla (Ecuador), Poha (Hawaii), Jam Fruit (India)
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Golden berries are becoming well known as a “super food”. They’re an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and fiber. They have additional benefits from their wealth of antioxidant carotenoids and polyphenols that are linked to anti-inflammatory activity.
Our Varieties
Golden Berry In-Husk
Description
Golden berries are sometimes shipped with their tan papery husks intact. These showy husks are peeled back before eating, as they are not edible. It is said that leaving the husk on very slightly improves golden berry shelf life.
Variety Tips & Tricks
In-husk golden berries are best for garnish use when the husk will be displayed decoratively as part of the plating. They are particularly excellent paired with fatty cheeses, like machego.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Golden Berry Peeled
Description
Peeled golden berries have had their tan papery husk removed, leaving just the small orange-yellow fruit.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Peeled golden berries are best for snacking, as they can be eaten without further processing. They are also the preferred choice for cooking. Due to their high pectin content, they are excellent in jams, jellies, pastes, and chutneys.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
These sweet-tart fruits are typically eaten out of hand, but they can also be used in sauces, jellies, jams, pastes, pies, and tarts. They have high levels of pectin, which makes them especially useful in jellies and sauces. The fruits can also be dried, which intensifies the flavor.
Flavor Pairings
White Fish, Shrimp, Poultry, Eggs, Pineapple, Lime, Lemon, Corn, Onion, Garlic, Chile Peppers, Zucchini, Mushrooms, Cilantro, Mint, Soy Sauce, Honey, Dark Chocolate, Cream, Pecans, Cashews, Almonds, Cinnamon, Cumin, Paprika, Sparkling Wine
How to Store & Use in the Kitchen
Store refrigerated in a container. Golden berries can be served with or without husk (though the husk is inedible). Note they have a thin sticky coating once peeled. This is natural and can be easily rinsed or wiped off. They can easily be halved.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
While the husk of physalis isn’t consumed, it can be used for ornamental and garnishing purposes. It’s especially striking when folded back like a cape.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32-39°F
RECOMMENDED STORAGE TEMP:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
80-90%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes-High
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes-Low
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Exposure to ethylene can cause softening and changes in color. Keep away from ethylene sensitive products and isolated from ethylene producing products.
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST:
Yes
PROFESSIONAL RIPENING RECOMMENDED:
No
Quality Assessment
De-husked, the fruit should appear plump, vivid in color, and firm to the touch. If still encased in the husk, the fruit should be plump, firm, and in good color, and the husk should be intact with no major holes or tears.
Important Handling Notes
Note that exposure to moisture, especially condensation that often occurs at cold temperatures, can speed rates of decay. Prevent major fluctuations in temperature to avoid this issue.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, husk cherries may last 1-2 months.
