Physalis peruviana

Physalis peruviana, also known as Cape gooseberry, is a perennial plant that is mainly cultivated as an annual in our climate. It produces small orange berries enclosed in a lantern-shaped calyx. These decorative and edible fruits are slightly larger than those of tomatillo. Plant in full sun in May and June for a harvest from August to October.

The cape gooseberry belongs to the Solanaceae family and the Physalis genus, like tomatillos and Chinese lanterns. Native to South America, this perennial plant is frost-sensitive and is mainly grown as an annual in our climate. Plant it in a very sunny location as it needs warmth for the fruits to ripen. With its decorative and edible fruits, it can be grown in a vegetable plot or in ornamental borders. It needs space as it can reach 80cm (32in) in height and width. It has a bushy habit with large hairy leaves. In summer, it bears yellow flowers with a black centre which give way to the fruits. These are small yellow-orange berries contained in a lantern-shaped calyx. The calyx is initially green before drying out and turning beige when the fruits are ripe.

The fruits boast a sweet and tangy flavour. They can be eaten raw, as an appetiser or dessert. For a treat, dip the berries in melted chocolate and let them cool before biting into them! The fruits can be cooked to make jams, compotes, or jellies. You can also simply decorate your dishes by placing the slightly open 'lantern' on them.

Harvesting: harvest from August to October. The lantern-shaped calyx dries out and turns beige. Pick the fruits with their husk, 2 to 3 times a week. Only harvest fully ripe fruits as, like all Solanaceae, the plant and unripe fruits are toxic.

Storage: leave the husk around the fruits. Store them for several weeks, spread out in crates without touching each other, at room temperature.

Gardener's tip: to keep the soil cool and moist in summer, we recommend using a mulch with successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection keeps the soil moist and reduces weed growth.