Hi, Folks!
"Ground Cherry, Cossack Pineapple (Physalis primosa)
I've grown this one, but it's not my favorite.
"Ground Cherry, New Hanover (Physallis spp)
I have seeds for this one, which seems to be the preferred variety around
here (named for New Hanover, PA) and I've grown it, but it's not my
favorite, either.
The one MY grandfather grew and that I prefer is this one:
Aunt Mollys Ground Cherry (Physalis pruinosa) Recorded as early as 1837 in
Pennsylvania and still quite common at almost every roadside stand in late
summer. Fruits are ½ to ¾" in diameter and are encased in a papery husk
that turns brown when the fruits are ripe. Stores 3-4 weeks in the husk.
Extremely productive plants have a sprawling habit and grow 18" tall and
24" wide. Excellent citrus flavor, can be used for preserves, pies, over
ice cream or in fresh fruit salads. Starts fruiting by the end of July and
continues until frost and a little beyond, extremely productive. We have
had excellent results growing ground cherries on landscape cloth which
retards weed growth and makes collecting the fruits easy as they ripen and
fall off the plants. . 70 days from transplant.
You can order it from the Seed Savers Exchange catalog on the web at
http://www.seedsavers.org/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=2000&Product_Code=912
The Seed Savers Exchange Yearbook currently has 2 columns of ground
cherries offered, but this is a pretty sparse year compared to others I've
seen.
Jean wrote:
>I think that Ground Cherries, or Tomatillos, is what is meant here.
While both plants are Solanaceae, they are different species. Ground
Cherries are Physalis pruinosa, P pubescens, or P. subglabrata, originate
in South American (Peru?), the husks remain closed around the fruit even
when ripe and the fruit is small (cherry-sized) and usually gold when ripe.
Tomatillos are Physalis ixocarpa, originate in Mexico, the husks split open
when the fruit is ripe, and the fruit itself is much larger (golf-ball
sized) and greener when ripe. Needless to say, the taste between the two
is much different -- ground cherries are sweeter while tomatillos are more
sour.
The PA Dutch never let a plant go that produced well, no matter where it
came from. One could get nearly anything through the Philadephia port, even
as early as William Penn -- so if something produced with little effort
(like ground cherries and saffron), it became a home staple even if you
couldn't sell it on the open market.
Dorene Pasekoff, Coordinator
St. John's United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden
A mission of
St. John's United Church of Christ, 315 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
