Encounter the Flavor: What Do Ground Cherries Taste Like?

Not many may have heard of this fruit, but most people would assume it’s like a cherry or one of its variants.

If you think the same, you might need to read this post.

First of all, it tastes nothing like cherries and looks relatively different.

In this case, the fruit is encased in a husk that looks like a paper lantern.

So, what do ground cherries taste like? Expect a burst of flavor when it comes to this fruit.

In short, it’s a mix of sweet and tart flavors.

Keep reading as we delve more into its taste profile and the similarities it shares with.

What are Ground Cherries?

Scientifically known as Physalis, it’s a fruit that grows widely in subtropical and mild temperate climates.

This fruit belongs to the nightshade family, which also includes eggplant and tomatoes.

The distinguishing trait of this fruit is its papery husk obtained from the calyx.

It encloses the fruit like how a pearl is held in a shell.

Ground cherries are small and round similar to cherry tomatoes.

The color of this fruit varies from yellow to orange.

This obscured fruit is a native of North and South America, which you don’t usually find in your local grocery stores.

The fruit grows in trees but falls to the ground when ripe.

Hence, the name ground cherry came into being.

It’s grown during summer and fall, mainly in August and October.

You will likely find this fruit in an organic food shop or a specialty market.

These fruits are mainly sold with husks.

Watch out for their exterior texture as it sometimes has a sticky element that you need to wash off the water before consuming it.

What Do Ground Cherries Taste Like?

Unlike your regular cherry, ground cherries have a tropical note to them.

It’s a blend of a variety of fruit flavors, such as green grapes, pineapples, and strawberries.

It’s also quite aromatic, which makes it more enticing.

The citrusy or tart flavor is prominent when you first taste the fruit but leaves a floral and sweet aftertaste.

Ground cherries also have an earthy undertone.

Overall, it gives off a tropical fruit taste profile making it suitable for savory and sweet recipes.

People who have tasted this fruit compare it to mangoes, pineapples, and strawberries.

If you love tropical fruits, then you’re going to savor this.

You can have this fruit raw by removing the husk or incorporating it in different recipes.

Unripe ground cherries are acidic and sour but turn sweet when they ripen.

If the color of the fruit changes from yellow to orange, it’s ripe.

When it comes to health benefits, it provides tons of nutrients essential to your body.

Due to its low-fat content, it helps in weight loss management.

Besides, it’s a good source of Vitamin A, which helps in the reproductive system and cell growth.

The fruit is also rich in Vitamin C, which helps improve the immune system.

It’s a super healthy fruit that is worth trying if you have the opportunity to do so.

Including this in your diet would be an excellent addition if you’re looking for extra nutrients.

How to Eat Ground Cherries?

You can simply remove the husk and have the fruit as it is.

Ripe ground cherries taste amazing, but raw ones are sour.

Since it’s a blend of sweet and sour flavors, you can incorporate the fruit in various recipes or dishes.

Here are some recipe ideas that you can try with this fruit:

• You can use it in baking, such as an upside-down cake or ground cherry pie.
• Make a puree with salsa Verde or make ground Cherry salsa.
• Substitute them with lemon juice in your green salad. It’s refreshing and makes your salad more flavorful.
• Make an appetizer by layering ground cherries with basil and fresh tomatoes.
• You can also make ground cherries jam and have it with bread.

These are a few ideas that you can incorporate or create your version of it.

Eat the fruit right away if there are limited storage options.

Or keep them in the refrigerator with husks that will likely last seven to ten days.

Also, avoid having it in excess, especially if you have unripe ones.

It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Conclusion

Ground cherries are an absolute delight to have and even better when it’s ripe.

This husk enclosed fruit is packed with flavors and nutrients.

Due to its versatile taste profile, you can use this in various recipes such as salads, pies, or in baking recipes.

You can also use it as garnishes in cereals and yogurts.

Give this fruit a shot if you have yet to taste it.

Visit your local organic or specialty shop to get this fruit.