Sunny Physalis

Physalis peruviana (physalis = bladder) is the plant and its fruit, also known as Cape gooseberry (South Africa), Inca berry, Aztec berry, golden... more

by Irina Effa

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Price

$150

Dimensions

9.840 x 13.770 inches

Title

Sunny Physalis

Artist

Irina Effa

Medium

Painting - Acrylic On Board

Description

Physalis peruviana (physalis = bladder) is the plant and its fruit, also known as Cape gooseberry (South Africa), Inca berry, Aztec berry, golden berry, giant ground cherry, African ground cherry, Peruvian groundcherry, Peruvian cherry, pok pok (Madagascar), poha (Hawaii), ras bhari (India), aguaymanto (Peru), uvilla (Ecuador), uchuva (Colombia), harankash (Egypt), Love in a cage (France), and sometimes simply Physalis (United Kingdom).
The fruit is a smooth berry, resembling a miniature, spherical, yellow tomato. Removed from its bladder-like calyx, it is about the size of a marble, about 1�2 cm in diameter. Like a tomato, it contains numerous small seeds. It is bright yellow to orange in color, and it is sweet when ripe, with a characteristic, mildly tart flavor, making it ideal for snacks, pies, or jams. It is relished in salads and fruit salads, sometimes combined with avocado. Also, because of the fruit's decorative appearance, it is popular in restaurants as an exotic garnish for desserts.
According to analyses by the USDA, a 100 g serving of Cape gooseberries is low in calories and contains modest levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1 and vitamin B3, while other nutrients are at low levels (right table). Basic research on the cape gooseberry has provided preliminary evidence that its constituents, possibly polyphenols and/or carotenoids, may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The crude extract of the fruit-bearing plant has in vitro evidence for activity against markers of inflammation and lung cancer. It has also shown possible properties in vitro against diabetes and hypertension mechanisms. Some with anolides isolated from the plant may have anticancer activity.
It must be remembered that the above-ground part of Physalis (apart from their own fruit) and fruit-shaped case contains toxic substances, so at home they never use as a therapeutic agent.


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Uploaded

October 5th, 2014