This little fruit, Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana), looks just like a tomatillo (which is a tomato-like fruit covered by a husk, also in the Solanaceae family), but tastes more like a sweet fruit! As they are also rich in vitamin C (about 21% of the RDI) they have a tartness about them as well.
The Goldenberry fruit is born under a husk-like calyx, which is easy to peel off before enjoying the fruit below.
Being yellow-orange in color, they look and have the consistency of a little tomato, but they have a sweet-tart fruity flavor and contain a good content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. As they also contain high amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin K and calcium, they are also considered superfoods.
Interestingly, Goldenberries contain the well-studied withanolides (the main active phytochemicals in the adaptogenic herb Ashwagandha).
Through scientific investigation, Goldenberries have been observed to exert antioxidant, antiarthritic, anticancer, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as neuroprotective and eye health benefits.
A recent study suggested the steroidal lactones withaperuvin E/C and hydroxywithanolide E as promising compounds of interest for their potential in inhibiting TNF-alpha enzyme in anti-inflammatory modeling.
In a recent study, Goldenberries were observed to be able to reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress and alter gut permeability in men without changing the inflammation status or gut microbiota. The authors postulated that Goldenberries may work to positively modulate redox balance as a mechanism of action.
Other plant parts (such as the leaf and calyx) have exhibited anti-inflammatory, blood sugar lowering properties and to have a soothing effect on the colon.
They are available as both fresh fruits or dried, for uses such as trail mixes or like dried raisin products—many of which will be labeled as superfoods. My favorite is to eat them fresh, or dried and chocolate-covered.
#ethnobotany #medicinalplants #superfood #goldenberry #peru
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.