Cape Gooseberry and Husk Tomato -- Who Can Educate Me???

16 years ago

OK, I need a primer on Cape Gooseberries and Husk Tomatos. I've grown the Cape Gooseberries a couple of times, and they performed very well here, but I just didn't really like the flavor, even when I allowed them to get extremely ripe. I've never tried growing the Husk Tomatos.

I see that both of these Physallis species have sort of a following among some people.

I DO get Tomatillos now -- tried them a couple of years ago, both the green and purple varieties, and they made really tasty salsas.

So, my questions are: Are some of the Cape Gooseberry varieties truly fruity in flavor? The catalogs always describe them as tasting like pineapple or something similar. Mine always had a wierd, sort of bitterish aftertaste, kind of like eating an unripe cherry tomato, even when very, very ripe, a month or more after falling off the bush. Does variety matter? or, is it a question of climate -- maybe not enough heat units in Michigan to really get good flavor, sort of like the way some years, melons look nice but taste like cardboard or cucumbers.

And, how about Husk Tomatos? How do they differ from Cape Gooseberries? How about the flavor?

I feel like I should try these fruits again, as I know they would be quite productive in my garden. I'd be willing to give them a chance if I felt like I knew what I was doing with them, and that they would be worthwhile to grow.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

gardenlen
16 years ago
g'day,

we've grown the cape gooseberry (ground cherry in the US) over here there is a variety that is all but a native species not in weed proportions but can be found growing in the wild.

the best time for picking and eating is after they fall from the bush, and the taste can be somewhat acquired they can taste almost sweet and still have a little tartness as well, my grandchildren love them so they can't be too bad hey?

i'll try and find out the common species over here might be it will grow where you are?

len

Here is a link that might be useful: len's garden page
wayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana
16 years ago
I really love ground cherry pie.....There are two requirements in my opinion: let the fruits fall on the ground and use only the fully yellow ones and mash the fruits well.
Related Discussions
Tomatillos ( Tomato Tree)
Q
Comments (27)
whgille wrote: "They are supposed to fruit in 2 years. The fruit does not taste or look like tomatoes or tomatillos. It can be used as a veggie, fresh like a fruit, dessert or make into a hot sauce with chili peppers substitute tomatoes. Once you have a home grown tamarillo you will find out that when perfectly ripe it is delicious! the supermarket variety is picked under ripe." I've only ever had supermarket ones, of course, and I'm sure the difference between fresh, off the plant and under-ripened, shipped, stored, and chilled probably is night and day. Even at that, the ones from the supermarket aren't bad. They definitely benefit from sitting in a warm place for 2 or 3 days with a couple of ripe pieces of other fruit. I would be really hard pressed to describe their flavor. Sort of unique, I guess hints of tomato, papaya, etc., but mostly just their own.
...See More
5th Annual Tomato & Pepper Seed Exchange - Pt. Deux
Q
Comments (95)
Something else that is really cool about Heather's swap (and the other round-robins) is that when I'm reading the threads on GW I recognize many names, esp. those who have been around a few years and/or sent me seeds. When I have grown someone's plants, I feel some kind of connection with them. (Hi, Janine!) Some old salts like Smokemaster put their names on every packet they send out. I'm realizing how much I appreciate that, and I'm gonna start doing it. Hope others will too - it makes this chili addiction even more fun. Happy holidays to all. Rick
...See More
have: your choice tomato sase, now 150 varieites
Q
Comments (55)
Yes, I do currently have this variety. Someone very recently donated Cowlick's Brandywine to WinterSown, I deeply appreciate their generosity, I am honored to share their seeds, and the seeds of so many other good folk too. Recent online discussion does generate interest, so I can't determine how long this seed stock will last. It's always first come first served, so do send your SASE as soon as you can. Cowlicks is one of the choices on the list, but there are also many other wonderful varieties too. There's a form to print out and fill in, put in six first choices and four defaults ;-) T
...See More
5th Annual Tomato & Pepper Seed Exchange
Q
Comments (145)
Heather: Thank you Thank you Thank you!! I tried to lower my expectations before i opened my envelope, but when I looked inside I was completely blown away. It is completely like Santa came early and I got all the tomatoes of my dreams. I cannot say enough how much fun and excitement I've had looking over and learning more about all the seeds I received. A thousand thanks to you for the time and effort you put into spreading so much cheer to so many of us! And thank you to all of those of you who sent in such interesting (and extra) seeds!!
...See More

Cape Gooseberry and Husk Tomato -- Who Can Educate Me???

Comments (2)

gardenlen

wayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US