Physalis

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Physalis is a genus of plants of the potato family. The fruits are orange in color and resemble small tomatoes, which are partially or completely nestled in a paper-like pod, which is formed by the dried color of the plant. Physalis is also known as "tomato in shell", "Jewish strawberry", "gooseberry" and "earth cherry".

Physalis it can be grown to decorate the home, but also for its edible fruits. The plants of this genus number about 70 species, about 20 of which have pleasant and edible fruits, the cultivated are 4-5, and on the Bulgarian market so far there is only Peruvian physalis.

Peruvian physalis originated in Brazil, but spread naturally to Chile and Peru, where it was introduced as a Inca culture in the mountains. Physalis is not a capricious plant, it can be on any soil.

It is grown by direct sowing or by seedlings, which should be transplanted at 30-35 days of age. The seeds germinate at a temperature of 10-12 degrees. From 6 to 10 days after sowing, the ponies themselves appear. The plants can withstand up to -2 degrees, but at -3-4 degrees they need shelter. The plant reaches a height of 40 cm.

Physalis care is standard - loosening the soil, digging, and in severe drought - watering. The plant should be fed twice with mineral fertilizers.

The natural paper bag of the fruits of physalis protects them from mechanical injuries, pests and ensures their durability up to 3 months after picking. Therefore, when buying physalis, pay attention to the integrity of the outer shell.

Composition of physalis

Physalis is rich in antioxidants, pectin, vitamin A, vitamin C, organic acids, trace elements. 100 g of physalis contain about 130 g of calories, 0.8 mg of niacin, 3 mg of iron, 90 g of water, 1.7 g of protein, 4.9 g of fiber, 20 mg of vitamin C, 11 g of carbohydrates.

Selection and storage of physalis

Choose fruits with a preserved shell, because as already mentioned, this shell provides them with a shelf life of up to 3 months. Avoid fruits whose skin is missing. Physalis can be purchased at major grocery stores.

Physalis in cooking

Physalis has a specific, slightly tart, fresh, sour to sweet taste. It is used to make salads, pickles, sauces, cocktails, soups, jams, liqueurs and various other beverages. In Mexico, physalis is a major ingredient in green salsa verde sauce.

The fruits are also used in confectionery to decorate various desserts and cakes. Furthermore physalis can dry out, resembling raisins in this form, known as Inca berry. The gelling properties of physalis are highly valued by chefs. Physalis can be consumed directly - a handful a day. You can mix them with other fruits and make a healthy breakfast.

If you are going to cook physalis jam or jelly, it is best to do it outdoors or in a ventilated room, because while it is boiling, a very unpleasant smell is emitted, which can permanently cause disgust from the otherwise delicious fruit.

Recipes with physalis

Physalis jam

The pleasant sweet and sour taste is due to the high content of vitamin C. To make physalis jam, you will need the following ingredients:

- physalis - 1 kg;

- lemon - 1 piece;

- orange - 1 piece;

- ginger root - 30 g;

- sugar - 1 kg;

- water - 250-300 ml.

Method of preparation:

1. Before you start cooking, the fruits are flooded for 3 minutes with boiling water to remove their sticky film, which gives a more bitter taste;

2. Punch all the fruits with toothpicks to make sure that the syrup will penetrate them;

3. Cut the citrus fruit into small pieces;

4. Cut the ginger into slices;

5. Put the physalis in the sweetened water and let the mixture boil. After boiling, add the chopped ginger and citrus puree;

6. After 10 minutes, remove the jam from the heat to cool well.

After cooling, the jam is boiled 2 more times for 10 minutes. Then pour, roll into jars and leave in a dark place.

Spicy sauce with physalis

It is ideal for various meat dishes as well as fish delicacies.

Required ingredients:

- physalis - 450 g;

- garlic - 1 small head;

- hot pepper - 1 pc.;

- garlic - 3 cloves;

- coriander - 1 tsp;

- lime - 1 pc.;

- salt - 1 tsp.

Method of preparation:

1. Finely chop the onion, garlic and hot pepper, then put everything together in a small saucepan along with physalis. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat and finally add the coriander;

2. Squeeze the lime juice and add salt to taste;

3. Cook for another 15 minutes until the physalis fruits darken;

4. Pass the slightly cooled mass through a blender together with the lime juice.

5. Add liquid if necessary, adjusting the density of the sauce.

Marinated physalis

Necessary products:

- physalis;

- sugar;

- water;

- vinegar;

- a little garlic;

- spices - celery and parsley.

Method of preparation:

1. Blanch the fruit in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove their sticky layer;

2. Start alternating them in pre-sterilized jars - a layer of physalis and a layer of spices;

3. Make the marinade from 1 liter of water, 50 grams of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar;

4. Fill the physalis with the still hot liquid;

5 Add the finely chopped garlic, if desired, to the other ingredients and close the jars.

Application of physalis

The valuable plant is actively used in the field of landscape design and decoration of parks. Some varieties are useful in cooking and traditional medicine.

Physalis in folk medicine

The recipes of traditional medicine are based mainly on the use of physalis fruits.

1. Painkiller decoction

For this you will need 50 grams of physalis fruit, which is flooded with 400 milliliters of water. Allow the decoction to boil for 15 minutes, then strain it and store it in the refrigerator.

2. Ointment for rheumatism

It is extremely useful for joint problems and for its preparation you will need only two ingredients - 10 grams of physalis and 40 grams of olive oil.

Method of preparation:

Finely chop the physalis and add olive oil. Mix everything well and leave the ointment in a dark place for 3 weeks. In case of joint problems, rub it into the affected areas. It is best used after you have taken a hot shower to better penetrate the sore spot.

3. Decoction for colds

When it's cold outside, it's always a good idea to boost your immunity a bit and take care of your health. For this purpose, a decoction of physalis is ideal, which is a wonderful tool for the prevention and treatment of colds and flu.

Method of preparation:

Pour 500 milliliters of water and add 30 grams of physalis. Allow the decoction to boil for 15 minutes, then strain it and drink it half a cup 2 times a day during respiratory diseases.

Benefits of physalis

Physalis is used for medicinal purposes as a powerful antioxidant. It has a calming effect, and tea from the leaves of physalis has an anti-asthmatic and diuretic effect. Physalis has antiseptic properties. It helps purify the blood and remove albumin from the kidneys. The antiseptic action of the fruits of physalis is widely recognized, they are considered useful in diseases of the throat.

One of the most valuable qualities of physalis is that with frequent consumption destroys internal parasites. Due to the flavonoids contained in the fruit, it has a calming effect. Regular consumption of physalis improves digestion. Physalis is considered a particularly useful food for children. In addition, there is evidence that it can be consumed by diabetics without any restrictions.

Studies have been launched that are likely to prove that the immunostimulatory effect is strong enough to fight some cancers. In addition, physalis is said to have antiviral effects against influenza, herpes, polio and HIV type 1.

Benefits of physalis for women

1. Restores iron and manganese deficiency during the menstrual cycle;

2. Reduction of unpleasant symptoms during the premenstrual period;

Photo: Lilia Tsacheva / Lipodve

3. Accelerates the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genitals;

4. Relieves depression, headaches and muscle aches;

5. Decoction of the fruit helps to restore the menstrual cycle and inflammation of the urinary system.

Benefits of physalis for men

1. Cleanses the liver of accumulated alcohol and tobacco toxins;

2. Reduces the likelihood of impotence;

3. Helps prevent diseases of the genitourinary system;

4. Increases fertility and sperm quality;

5. Accelerates the accumulation of muscle mass if you exercise.

Other useful properties of physalis

1. Increases immunity;

2. Removes bad cholesterol;

3. Prophylactic against stroke and heart attacks;

4. Cleanses the body of heavy metals and toxins;

5. Reduces pain;

6. Has hemostatic properties;

7. Has a choleretic and diuretic effect;

8. Used in the treatment of bronchitis, gout, rheumatism, diabetes mellitus;

9. Strengthens hair, nails, teeth;

10. Eliminates bad breath;

11. Reduces the likelihood of cataract formation;

12. Compress of physalis fruits help reduce swelling;

13. Helps with dermatitis.

Be very careful because physalis flowers are highly poisonous!

Contraindications to the use of physalis

In addition to the above poisonous action of physalis, its fruits should not be taken in:

1. Increased stomach acidity;

2. Hypotension or taking medicines to lower blood pressure, as physalis itself reduces it;

3. Pregnancy and lactation - with caution, only with a doctor's permission;

4. In combination with caffeine - tachycardia, headache or joint problems are possible;

5. Taking diuretics;

6. Individual intolerance to the fetus.

It is also forbidden to eat the immature fruits of physalisas this causes food poisoning.