Physalis: useful properties and applications. Video
Physalis is not only a beautiful, but also an extremely healthy berry that is a relative of the tomato. Until recently, physalis was used mostly as a decoration for confectionery, but recently more and more people are discovering its gastronomic properties.
Physalis in Russia is no longer exotic
Physalis (Latin physalis) is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants of the Solanaceae family, common in Central and South America. The name of the plant comes from the Greek word “fisa”, which means “bubble”. Physalis berries of medium size are hidden in a translucent shell of sepals accreted along the entire length. Outwardly, it really looks like a bubble. Physalis is also called the Chinese lantern because of its external resemblance. Sometimes you can also hear the names “Mexican tomato”, “earthy cherry” and “earthy cranberry”. There are many types of physalis, but the most common are vegetable physalis and berry physalis (strawberry). In Russia, you can mainly find the latter on the shelves. The following subspecies of berry physalis are most often sold in stores: – pubescent, – Peruvian, – Florida.
The first has a sweet and sour taste, the second has a rich berry flavor and aroma, the third is the sweetest of all types of physalis.
The berries of the vegetable physalis have a greenish tint, and the berries of the berry have a rich orange.
Confectioners love to decorate cakes with physalis, and florists love flower arrangements. Few realize that physalis is possible – and necessary! – to use “just like that”, and not only to use it as a kind of culinary decor. Physalis is an extremely healthy, vitamin-rich product. Its fruits contain vitamin C, carotene, pectin, lycopene, tannins, organic acids and physalin, which has antimicrobial action.
One tablespoon of juice or 10-15 physalis berries daily will help strengthen the immune system and improve well-being. Regular consumption of this berry helps to improve digestion, reduce pain in the stomach, and normalize bowel function. Physalis is also known as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anthelmintic and pain reliever. The infusion of the leaves or the juice of the berries of the plant has a diuretic and antipyretic effect. Physalis has no contraindications.
Physalis can be called a dietary berry, because 100 grams of the product contains only 29 kcal
Physalis is used not only fresh. From its fruits, you can make jam, jam, candied fruits, candies, juice, compote and much more. Berries can even be pickled. Physalis begins to gain popularity among Russian gardeners. This heat-loving plant is not too whimsical and, with proper care, gives a good harvest on fertile soil, therefore, there are no problems with its cultivation in the southern regions of the country. Physalis also takes root in greenhouses.