It’s so tempting to start picking your physalis (also known as ground cherries or Cape gooseberries) as soon as they look plump. But trust me, if you harvest these exotic little gems too early, you’re going to be disappointed. To get that perfect, tropical flavor we all love, timing is everything.
Checking for Ripeness
Keep an eye on those papery husks. Just before the berries are ready, the husks will turn a grayish-brown color. But don’t grab your harvest basket just yet! It usually takes another week or two after the color change for the fruit to actually reach its peak. Depending on the variety, your physalis season can start as early as June.
The golden rule? Only pick the fruit when it practically falls into your hand. In fact, many gardeners just wait for them to drop to the ground and collect them from there. Unlike some other garden treats, physalis won’t ripen once they’re off the vine. If you pick them too early, they’ll stay green and taste unpleasantly tart.
Pro tip: Let your harvested berries sit for a few days before eating them. They’ll lose a little moisture during this time, which actually makes the flavor even sweeter and more concentrated.
How to Store Your Physalis
Physalis are best enjoyed fresh or processed quickly. If you need to store them for a few days, keep them inside their husks and place them in a cardboard box. Make sure they have plenty of airflow so they don’t get mushy or start to mold.
Always keep your physalis at room temperature. These are heat-loving plants, and sticking the berries in the fridge will actually kill that beautiful aroma. At room temp, they’ll stay good for about a week.
By the way, if you’re planning to propagate your own physalis, there’s no need to wait. You can scoop the seeds out of a ripe berry and get started right away!
Using Your Harvest
Before you dig in, give your berries a quick wash. Peel back the papery husks, rinse the fruit under cool running water, and let them dry on a paper towel.
Just a heads-up: once you’ve removed the husks and washed the berries, their shelf life drops significantly. Plan to use them within a day or two for the best taste and texture.
