Physalis—or Golden Berries, as many of us call them—are packed with nutrients, but they have one major downside: they don’t stay fresh for long. If you want to enjoy that tangy, tropical flavor in your morning granola all year round, drying them is the way to go. The secret to a delicious dried berry starts with picking them at the perfect moment.
Harvesting Your Golden Berries
When it’s time to harvest your Physalis, timing is everything. Luckily, the plant tells you exactly when it’s ready: the ripe fruits will simply drop to the ground. Once they fall, don’t let them sit too long! You’ll want to get them ready for drying within a day or two.
Since these berries don’t continue to ripen once they’re off the vine, picking them at their peak is crucial for the best flavor. No need to worry about storage—you can get straight to the fun part as soon as you gather them.
Washing the Berries
Beyond those papery husks, Golden Berries have a natural, waxy coating on their skin. Some people find the taste of this film a bit off-putting, so I always recommend giving them a quick wash.
First, peel off the husks. Place the berries in a colander and rinse them under lukewarm water. Pro tip: Avoid soaking them in a bowl of water! Soaking can dilute that bold flavor and actually makes the drying process take much longer because the fruit absorbs extra moisture.
How to Dry Physalis Properly
Because these berries are so juicy, they have a high water content. Be prepared for a bit of a wait—drying them usually takes between 20 to 30 hours.
Step-by-Step Oven Drying:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the berries out evenly so they aren’t touching.
- Set your oven to a low heat (about 120°F / 50°C).
- Place the tray on the middle rack.
- Keep the oven door slightly propped open to let moisture escape.
- Give the berries a gentle toss every now and then.
If you have a food dehydrator, that works great too! Just keep in mind that the berries might leak a little juice as they dry. I like to place small groups of berries on pieces of parchment paper on the dehydrator racks to catch any drips—just make sure you aren’t blocking the airflow.
Once they’re completely dried and leathery, pop them into a mason jar or an airtight container, and you’re good to go!