Organic dried physalis

What is caged or organic dried cape gooseberry?

Native to South America and a member of the Solanaceae family (eggplant, tomato, potato, etc.), the physalis is recognizable by its delicate calyx, which encloses the precious yellow-orange fruit. Its tangy taste has been known since the 16th century, and the berry has been consumed since the 18th century in the Andean region of Venezuela, where it was cultivated at altitude (800 to 3,000 meters). Over time, the plant spread throughout Central America before reaching the United States. It is harvested from small shrubs in May.

It is known by many names: Aguaymanto, Amour en cage, Baie des Incas, Cerise de Terre, Coqueret du Pérou, Groseille du Cap, Lanterne Chinoise or Lanterne Japonaise, Physalis...

This small berry, protected by its elegant ribbed calyx when ripe, offers a tangy, delicately sweet taste. Dried cape gooseberries are picked in Latin America. It dries naturally in the Ecuadorian or Colombian sun.

Properties of dried physalis :

Caged love (or physalis) can be eaten occasionally or daily. In this case, do not exceed 1 to 2 tablespoons a day (about 20g).
It is recommended...
- anyone (children, teenagers, students, mobile or sedentary workers, the elderly, vegetarians, vegans...): an undeniable source of numerous protective substances, cape gooseberry is rich in antioxidants(1) and fights free radicals thanks to the flavonoids it contains.

A source of vitamins B1 and B3, it is involved in energy production and nerve impulse transmission, and helps cover the body's vitamin requirements. It contains beta-carotene (vitamin A), which slows cognitive decline, and tocopherol (vitamin E), an anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant with a protective role against cardiovascular disease and cellular aging.
The physalins (steroids) it contains are said to have an anti-cancer action and are effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells(2).

(1) Murcia MA, Jimenez AM, Martinez-Tome M. Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of Mediterranean and tropical fruits compared with common food additives. J Food Prot. 2001;64:2037-2046..
(2) Chiang HC, Jaw SM, Chen CF et al. Antitumor agent, physalin F from Physalis angulata L. Anticancer Res. 1992;12:837-843.

Consumption of dried cape gooseberries :

Plain or accompanied, it's a real treat! Add a tangy touch to your breakfasts, desserts, snacks, aperitifs... Add to sweet or savoury dishes, and brighten up your salads (fruit or mixed), cheese platters, cakes, mueslis, yoghurts, rice or semolina cakes... A real delight when accompanied by chocolate.
You can also stick them on a skewer, alternating diced bell pepper / cape gooseberry / piece of meat: bon appétit!