Copius
Physalis, drawn for Copius

Physalis

Physalis

Latin namePhysalis peruviana
FamilyFruits
OriginAndes
Season (France)August – November
FlavourSour · Sweet · Fruity · Tangy
Typical price (France)15–30 €/kg

What it is

Known as the cape gooseberry, though it came from the Andes rather than the Cape — the name records a stopover in South Africa on its way to Australia. The lantern husk dries to a papery cage that keeps the berry edible for months.

In the kitchen

Peel the husk back rather than off and use it as a handle for dipping in chocolate. The fruit oxidises fast once fully bared.

Goes with

Dark chocolate Honey Cream Orange Vanilla Mint Pistachio Lemon

Same species

Tomatillo

In season alongside

Plum Bergeron apricot Lingonberry Apricot Blackberry Blueberry

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