Growing on sprawling vines, ground cherries (sometimes referred to as husk cherries) are encased by a paper lantern shaped husk. While related to tomatillos, they are frequently smaller and sweeter with husks that do not split open. The plants can be trellised but are usually left to their own devices in a corner of the garden. The ripest (and sweetest) have husks that are fully dry and no longer green. For harvesting, it’s helpful to have a small child search the ground for ripe fallen fruit, while you reach overhead to pluck some from the vines. Nutrients: good source of Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Niacin, Potassium and Manganese.
