Strawberry Husk Tomatoes
Have you ever tasted Ground Cherries, Physalis pruinosa (Strawberry Husk Tomatoes)? I came across them yesterday in our local NJ Farmers' Market in the Burlington County Agriculture Center. I remember hearing about them when I was a writer for Dave's Garden.
The vendor described them as yellow tomatoes. I noticed that they had a papery looking husk, similar to a tomatillo, and asked her, "How could they be tomatoes?" She picked out one from the container and pinched the paper covering at the bottom. A small yellow tomato emerged; she let me taste it.
Wow! The sweet, pleasant flavor surprised me. I can't really describe it other than it was good! Some describe the taste as a tropical blend of mango and pineapple. The yellow-looking tomato was small, about the same size as a Petit Moineau currant tomato.
Harry thought the skins were thick and chewy. I ate the whole fruit, and so did Mom, who is a picky eater. I guess you would just have to taste them for yourself and see what you think. I would buy them again.
I may save some seeds to try and grow them next season. If you want to buy seeds, they are readily available from heirloom seed companies.
Ground Cherries get a thumbs up from me and Mom! I'm sure they would taste great in baked goods, jams, jellies and sauces.
Enjoy Discovering New Fruits and Vegetables!
GardenCuizine Nutrition Data Ground Cherries: 1 ounce (28g, about 14 or 1 handful): 15 calories, 3 mg Vitamin C (5% DV), 202 IU Vitamin A (4%DV), Niacin 3.8 mg (4% DV), only 3g total carbohydrates
Related Links
Grandma Ott's Ground Cherry Jam
Freezing Ground Cherries
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