It's all Golden!

There is this item that I always saw in the fruit/veg section of the super market and I never knew what it was, and usually I'll buy one of something, try it and if I like it; if I like it great, if not, no big deal!  So I had been eyeing these fruits (I was assuming they were fruit as they were in the fruit section) that had thin paper-like leaves over them, but for some reason was really gun shy in buying them.  Honestly, I felt kind of weird not having any idea what they were, and then when I got home, what to do with them?  Well, I finally took the plunge and bought these Goldenberries, and I am one happy girl.  Not only are they delicious, but they are really good for you too!!

What are they?

Goldenberries are round yellow fruits about the size of a marble, or a US quarter in diameter, from the Physalis peruviana plant that is indigenous to South American and South Africa, they were first found in and around the Cape of Good Hope. They are also known as cape gooseberries, poha, aztec berries, and peruvian cherries; despite the various nicknames, they have no relation to gooseberries or cherries and is more closely related to the tomato family of fruits.  And they are found in the higher altitude areas of India, Southern China, South America, South Africa, and New Zealand.  And an interesting little tip? if you leave the berries in the little husks they are in, they can be stored for 45 days....what other fruit can do that??

the golden berry!

Why are they so good for you?

So, I feel like they are good for me because they are super delicious but they actually have some real life health benefits. They are high in Vitamins A, C, B, B1, B2, B6, and B12. And, FULL of antioxidants, that as we all know help to fight free radicals, and may prevent cancer.  Years ago, in South African folk medicine, they were used to treat a whole bunch of different medical ailments: diabetes, malaria, asthma, arthritis, and various blood disorders.  It is interesting that they were used in this manner of treatment, because they have been found to have both antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. So they may in fact help with allergies that may cause asthma, or help to decrease inflammation in joints with arthritis and malaria flares. 

These special berries are currently being studied more closely to find the true effects of the fruits, and how much we need to eat to actually see some of the side effects. So, I wouldn't spend all of your time and money searchign for this muracle fruit BUT they are super tasty and I am kind of obsessed with them.  The perfect fruit for making preserves, cooking with, adding to food (they are very colorful and pretty), and they are just yummy to munch on!

If you see them in the store, give them a try, I don't think you will be disappointed, and they are so good, you might ditch your afternoon candy attack to reach for some goldenberries- they are THAT good!

Yours in Good Health

B