Unripe husk cherries (left)Husk cherries, also know as groundcherries, are fruits of the nightshade family and a close relative of the tomato. They grow in temperate and subtropical regions, fairing well even in poor soils. The fruit is easily recognized by its papery husk, which turns light brown when the fruit is ripe and ready for picking. Ripe husk cherries are creamy yellow to orange in color. Their flavor is reminiscent of tomatoes with a mild tartness.
Husk cherries are a good source of cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid and antioxidant. Cryptoxanthin is converted to retinal, a form of vitamin A necessary for human vision.
Husk cherries are rarely found at the grocery store but may be found at some farmers markets. Don't let limited availability get in the way of trying this fruit. Try growing some for yourself!
The CLG husk cherry patch (above)Media (text and image) created and published by Rebekah Carter 2010.
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