Physalis — a genus of annual or perennial plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae); a vegetable crop. In the wild, more than 100 species are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in Central America. Some species are also found in Southeast Africa. Physalis was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and later reached Asia. The most commonly cultivated species are the Mexican Physalis or Mexican tomato (P. ixocarpa), Husk Tomato/Strawberry Tomato (P. pubescens), and Cape Gooseberry or Peruvian cherry (P. peruviana). The Mexican Physalis is the most widely grown.
Chemical Composition:
Dry matter: 8–9%
Fats: 33.1–33.6%
Protein: 18.4–19.5%
Fiber: 17.6–18.1%
Ash: 4.4–8.3%
Sugar: 3–4%
Pectin: 5–10%
Vitamin C: 20–30 mg%
Additionally contains carotene, organic acids, the bitter compound physalin, and alkaloids (0.26–0.4%).
The fruit is sweet and sour, greenish in color, and consumed both fresh and processed. The Peruvian Physalis (5–12 g) is round-oval, yellow or orange, with a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of strawberries. The cultivation techniques are identical to those of tomatoes. It is used in the canning industry for making sauces, jams, and pickles. Citric acid is extracted from the ripe fruits
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