Husk Tomato, Ground Cherry

Yard and Garden – 09-11-2010- Ted Griess/ Extension Horticulture Assistant I‟d like to share with you a recent learning experience. It all began with an email from Mike. Subject: Husk tomato, ground cherry “Ted, I planted ground cherries ( Physalis pruinosa) this year and have noticed there is a similar weed around that has different looking leaves but very similar blooms and paper husks as the variety I ordered through the mail. …. the type I planted are very tasty… Can you tell me if the local weed I see around is also edible? Thanks, Mike” Fortunately, Mike contacted me via email and not over the telephone. Although I am familiar with an assortment of tomato varieties, the husk tomato was not one. Had Mike phoned me rather than email, I would have had to show my ignorance, but fortunately with an email, time was on my side. Before responding, I conducted a little research. Being vaguely familiar with the weed Mike referenced, the first thing I did was reach for my Weeds of the Great Plains book. I use this reference book frequently when I wish to know more about a particular weed. The book is published by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. All information presented is factual and research based. While reading, I soon discovered that the husk tomato/ground cherry, which Mike planted, belonged to the same genus as the weed. The weed, clammy ground cherry grows wild in Nebraska, and its scientific name is Physalis heterophylla. Knowing this similarity, I soon understood why Mike wanted to know more about the weed. I didn‟t stop there. I continued my investigation. I learned that well over eighty species of Physalis grow wild around the world, and a number grow in North America. The genus name Physalis is from the Greek „Physa‟ meaning bladder and refers to the inflated papery husk surrounding the ground cherry. Tomatillo, or Mexican tomato, is a cultivated ground cherry. Interestingly, they all belong to the family Solanaceae, more commonly known as the Nightshade family. That concerned me. Nightshade plants have the potential to be poisonous. Physalis heterophylla produces a fruit that is edible when ripe, but unripened, in its green stage, it may be poisonous to humans. However, Physalis plant with developing husks the book indicated that Native Americans used the fruit to create a sauce, and early pioneers used it in pies. Before responding back to Mike, I chose to learn more about the husk tomato/ground cherry Physalis pruinosa. This species is native to eastern North America. Being frost sensitive, it can be grown here in Nebraska but generally as an annual. Physalis pruinosa produces a tasty, yellow in color, cherry-sized fruit which grows inside a papery husk. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or in pies and preserves. Furthermore, if the fruit is kept in the husk and stored in a cool, dry place, it remains fresh well into the winter. If the fruit is eaten before it ripens, it may be poisonous. Knowing all this, I was ready to respond. “Dear Mike, Thanks for the email. There are actually two weeds growing in our area referred to as ground cherries. One is clammy ground cherry Physalis heterophylla, and the other Virginia ground cherry Physalis virginia. Both are said to be poisonous when green but supposedly not when ripe. They, like the ones you have planted belong to the Nightshade family, a group consisting of many poisonous plants. I‟m very reluctant to suggest eating either of the ones growing in Nebraska……. Ted” At the time, I thought that concluded my interaction with Mike regarding husk tomatoes. A few days later he personally showed up in my office bearing gifts. He presented to me with a small bag of ripe husk tomatoes and a jar of home- Ripe Husk Tomatoes preserved Physalis pruinosa strawberry jelly. I have yet to try the jelly, but I can report the husk tomatoes tasted great— and I‟m still alive! Together we visited at great lengths about husk tomatoes and other gardening concerns. I‟m not sure how much I enlightened Mike, but I can certainly say with confidence he provided me with a great learning experience. Thanks, Mike. .

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