Growing on wild shrubs, the round, yellow fruit known as the goldenberry (or Phsyalis peruviana) originates from the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Andes in South America. Goldenberries are perfect on their own as a fibre-rich snack or as an addition to muesli and granola recipes.
Despite originating in South America, goldenberries? popularity has spread to a variety of other countries including South Africa, Australia, Fiji, China and Hawaii and as a result, it is known by a variety of names ? Inca Berry, Cape Gooseberry and Peruvian Ground Cherry. They are renowned not only for their taste but for their carotenoid content ? a form of antioxidant responsible for preventing cell damage.
These goldenberries or ?the lost fruit of the Incas? are part of the Solanaceae family – the same family as the tomato. They are similar in size to small tomatoes and are known to grow well wherever tomatoes are grown but offer no resemblance in terms of taste. Fresh goldenberries are fruity and often likened to grapes while sundried golden berries are distinct with a deliciously bitter-sweet tang.
