Content
Physalis is the largest species of the nightshade family. In common parlance it is called emerald berry or earthen cranberry. A characteristic feature of the plant is the fruit-berry in a bright cover of sepals, reminiscent of a Chinese lantern. Many gardeners grow the crop to decorate their garden plots, not knowing that the beneficial properties of physalis have been studied for a long time, and it is widely used in folk medicine.
Physalis is a berry or fruit
Growing emerald berries in their garden plots, many gardeners wonder whether physalis is a fruit, berry or vegetable. The fruits are similar in appearance to cherry tomatoes and are yellow, red or orange in color. In nature, there are 3 types: decorative, berry and vegetable.
The crop can be called a berry, a fruit, a flower and a vegetable at the same time, it all depends on the variety and sugar content, and physalis can also be grown as an annual or perennial plant.
Vegetable physalis is a shade-tolerant, frost-resistant plant. The vigorous bush has yellow, green or purple foliage. Ripe fruits are large, weighing up to 80 grams.The vegetable crop has a bitter taste, is used for canning, making sauces, and is used as an addition to main courses.
Berry or strawberry physalis is a small plant with dark olive leaves and small bright orange fruits. The berry has a sweet or sweet-sour taste. Used to make jam, compote, candied fruits and raisins.
Decorative species - a popular plant intended for decorating a personal plot. There are tall and short varieties, emerald and crimson in color. Lantern flowers are colored orange, lemon or nut. Decorative physalis has found wide application in floristry. Cut flowers will be a good addition to a winter bouquet.
Physalis is a berry, fruit, vegetable or flower, there is no difference, the main thing is that in order to grow a healthy, strong plant, you need to put in a minimum of effort in care and cultivation.
Is it possible to eat physalis
There are 2 types of edible physalis: vegetable or Peruvian gooseberry and berry or strawberry. Due to the high content of ascorbic acid, B vitamins and other beneficial substances, physalis is widely used in cooking and folk medicine.
Physalis is somewhat reminiscent of tomatoes. It can be eaten directly from the garden, used to make preserves and jams, also salted and stored for the winter.
It must be remembered that physalis has poisonous leaves and a bright orange shell. Therefore, when preparing infusions and decoctions, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage and consult a specialist before use.
Taste qualities
Edible species of physalis are perennial plants, but in our latitudes the crop is grown as an annual. The plant is gaining fame around the world for its good taste and beneficial properties.
Berry physalis is more popular than vegetable physalis, and has several varieties with different tastes:
- Izyumny – has a sweet taste. The berries are dried and used instead of raisins.
- Peruvian or strawberry - small fruits with a sweet and sour taste, reminiscent of strawberries.
- Florida – the variety has delicious sweet fruits. There is one drawback - they do not emit aroma.
Vegetable physalis is represented by one Mexican species, which has a large number of varieties. Most popular:
- Confectioner – a strongly branched plant with large sour fruits.
- Korolek – a medium-sized bush with light lemon fruits with a sweet and sour taste.
- Ground Gribovsky – an erect plant strewn with light olive fruits with a characteristic sweet and sour taste. The variety is suitable for cultivation in all regions of Russia.
What are the benefits of physalis for humans?
Physalis is a tasty and healthy berry. The beneficial properties have been known for a long time. Physalis was discovered by the tribes of South and Central America several thousand years ago. Modern scientists have studied the culture for a long time and have come to the general opinion that physalis has positive properties and contraindications:
- It contains a large amount of ascorbic acid, due to which the berry accelerates the recovery of the body after infectious diseases.
- Nicotinic acid eliminates “bad” cholesterol.
- B vitamins normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
- Potassium and magnesium strengthen the heart muscle and remove excess fluid from the body.
- Beta-carotene and lycopene prevent the formation of cancer cells.
- Fiber removes toxins and waste, improves intestinal motility.
- The juice heals wounds and burns, smoothes out old scars and scars.
Physalis has diuretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties.
Fresh berries or medicine prepared on the basis of physalis are recommended for:
- kidney disease;
- cholecystitis;
- Botkin's disease;
- rheumatism;
- hypertension;
- after surgery.
The plant will benefit those who are on a diet. Since it contains dietary fiber, which normalizes intestinal function. The culture contains vitamins, microelements, phytoncides and acids, which are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. The fruits remove fluid and toxins from the body.
Physalis has found wide application in cosmetology. Thanks to the high copper content, the skin becomes smooth and velvety. Regular consumption of fruits helps get rid of wrinkles and pigmentation.
Physalis during pregnancy
Physalis, according to French beliefs, is a symbol of long-awaited pregnancy. In ancient times, a woman who gave birth to a child would present her husband with a green branch as a sign of gratitude for the conception.
Most pregnant women, having learned about the beneficial properties of the fruit, begin to consume it in large quantities. Forgetting that physalis, like any other plant, can bring not only benefits to the body, but also harm.
Physalis is a very strong allergen; its use can cause a severe allergic reaction in the form of rash, swelling and itching. This reaction can have a detrimental effect on fetal development.
During pregnancy, a woman's blood pressure is unstable, and since the plant can reduce levels, you need to be extremely careful when taking the berries.
The culture also has a diuretic. It is useful for severe edema; when used with other medications, there is a possibility of complete dehydration of the body, which will negatively affect the child.
How to use physalis
Physalis is used fresh and for preparing various dishes. When purchasing a product in a store, you must adhere to the following rules:
- fruits are selected in a closed, dry shell;
- green sepals are the first sign of immaturity;
- store the berry in the shell in a dark, cool place for about a month;
- the purified product should only be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 10 days.
Cooking does not stand still; chefs from all over the world are coming up with more and more new recipes from berries, vegetables and fruits. Physalis is no exception. Here are some proven recipes for sweet and sour berries.
Apple and physalis sauce
The seasoning goes well with pork chops.
Ingredients:
- berry – 250 g;
- sweet apples – 2 pcs.;
- lemon juice – 30 ml;
- apple juice – ½ tbsp.;
- coriander, curry – ½ tsp each;
- honey – 1 tsp;
- salt and pepper - to taste.
Performance:
- Apples are peeled and seeded, cut into small slices and fried in butter.
- The physalis is sorted, washed, cut in half and sent to the apples. Fry until the fruit turns golden.
- Pour in apple and lemon juice and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes.
- Softened apples and physalis are crushed in a blender until pureed.
- Add honey and spices and leave to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- The dish is ready, enjoy your meal.
Jam
A tasty, healthy treat that will warm you up on cold winter evenings.
Ingredients:
- berry – 1 kg;
- water - half a liter;
- granulated sugar – 1200 g.
Preparation:
- Physalis is washed and each berry is pierced with a toothpick.
- Syrup is prepared from water and 500 g of sugar.
- Hot syrup is poured over the berries and left to steep overnight.
- In the morning, place the pan on low heat, add the remaining sugar and cook until the desired thickness.
- Hot jam is poured into prepared containers and, after cooling, put away for storage.
Caviar
The appetizer prepared according to this recipe has a good taste and will be an unusual addition to meat dishes.
Ingredients:
- berry – 1 kg;
- onion – 0.3 kg;
- carrots – 0.8 kg;
- vegetable oil for frying;
- spices - to taste.
How to do it:
- Grate the carrots, cut the onion into half rings, and cut the physalis in half.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the food until the carrots soften.
- The prepared vegetables are ground through a sieve or crushed until smooth in a blender.
- Add spices and pour into jars.
- The workpiece is stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, the snack must be sterilized. 0.5 liter jars – 20 minutes.
Use in folk medicine
Thanks to its beneficial properties, physalis saves you from many ailments. Decoctions, infusions and ointments are prepared from it.
A decoction for the treatment of the genitourinary system, biliary tract, rheumatism and fever. 30 pcs. Dried berries are poured into 500 ml of water, put on fire and simmer for 15–20 minutes.The broth is removed for 30 minutes to infuse, cool and filter. Take 50 ml 4 times a day after meals.
Ointment for skin diseases. The fruits are burned. The resulting ash is mixed with vegetable oil to obtain a paste consistency. The ointment is applied to the affected areas for half a month. The jar of medicine is stored in the refrigerator.
Wound healing ointment. 10 g of crushed fruits are mixed with 40 ml of olive oil, mixed thoroughly and removed for 1 month to infuse in a dark place. The prepared ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin.
Juice for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Freshly squeezed juice is taken 10 ml 3-4 times a day for 7 days.
Gruel and juice for the treatment of childhood diseases: sore throat, laryngitis and stomatitis. Some of the berries are crushed, and juice is obtained from the other. Transfer the gruel to a saucepan, add juice and bring to a boil over low heat. Warm milk is added to the finished natural medicine. Children are given 3 tbsp. l. 2-3 times a day for 5 days. The medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Contraindications
Like any plant, physalis has contraindications. First of all, the danger comes from the poisonous parts of the plant - the leaves and sepals. If the culture is used for cooking, the fruits must be thoroughly cleaned and washed. If Physalis is used as a medicinal drug, the dosage must be strictly observed. Healing decoctions and infusions are not recommended for use with other medications.
Physalis is taken very carefully in the following cases:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children under 12 years of age;
- allergic reaction;
- increased stomach acidity;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
- diabetes.
Conclusion
The beneficial properties of physalis have been known since ancient times. But in order for the emerald berry to bring benefits and not harm, it is necessary to use medications under the supervision of a specialist.
