Physalis: useful properties, recipes, contraindications. Physalis - what is it, edible and decorative species, beneficial properties and harm of berries

Physalis is an annual or perennial nightshade family with a characteristic, easily recognizable type of berries that have round shape and placed in boxes of bright orange blossoms. There are different types physalis, but they are all very useful for the body. The poisonous physalis is often confused with the inedible parts of this plant - in particular, the sepal, which looks like a paper Chinese lantern and surrounds the physalis berry, is inedible and poisonous. Dangerous alkaloids have also been found in the roots of this plant.

Is it possible to get poisoned with physalis

Like other members of the nightshade family, physalis contains substances that, in large quantities, can cause adverse reactions. What are these substances, physalis edible or not?

Tomatoes and potatoes, for example, which are also in the nightshade family, contain solanine, while eggplant contains solanine-M. Physalis also contains a substance called fizalin.

Physalin is a non-toxic alkaloid and carotenoid found in large quantities in Physalis. It gives the berry a bitter taste and an orange-red color.

Like the content of solanine in potatoes and tomatoes, the content of physalin in the physalis berry depends on the main factor - the degree of ripening of the fetus. The more ripe the fruit, the less bitterness and the berry is more suitable for eating. Therefore, to the question - is physalis poisonous or not, the answer mainly lies in the way it is used. Indeed, with skillful use, you can also use the leaves and roots of this plant, which in usual form may be dangerous, but contain valuable medicinal properties that can be extracted.

There are also different varieties physalis, which are divided mainly into decorative and edible:

• decorative " Chinese lanterns» have a small shape and a bright orange color. They are widely known in Russia as a decorative element used by confectioners to decorate cakes and other products. Such a berry has a bitter taste, although it is fully ripe. This variety is not edible due to its bitterness, but there is no scientific evidence of its toxicity;
• edible varieties have more large fruits, and the color of ripe berries can vary from yellow to red. There are many varieties of such fruits that have a pleasant sweet and sour taste. Pineapple, strawberry, vegetable physalis, as well as other varieties are popular.

However, it should be remembered that any kind of physalis is best consumed ripe, as green fruits can lead to minor indigestion. Distinguishing a ripe fruit is very simple: the sepal surrounding the berry, as soon as it is ripe, dries up and bursts. This is the main sign of the readiness of the berry for eating. Very tasty jams and preserves are obtained from physalis, it is dried, boiled, pickled, salted, added to seasonings and eaten raw.

Physalis vulgaris grows easily in middle lane Russia, it can be stored in winter time- for this, you should not clean the berries from the boxes in which they ripen. Physalis (ordinary) decorative has small round fruits 1-2 cm in size and a box covering the berry with a beautiful triangle.

Like the berries of other varieties of physalis, common physalis has a film with a sticky composition on the surface of the berry, which tastes bitter. It is difficult to wash off with water and has a waxy texture. The berries of ornamental physalis, due to their small size, contain a more concentrated substance fisalin, which gives the fruit a bitter taste. Other toxic compounds are also present in decorative physalis.. Because of these properties, the fruit is not recommended to be eaten.

The so-called vegetable physalis, or Mexican, is the most common type. edible physalis, although not the only one. Food physalis is represented by various varieties and is an edible plant species.. Due bigger size and selections with various plants received different varieties - the Sugar Miracle, Plum Jam and many others are widely known. Very tasty dishes are obtained from such berries, and in the form of jam, such a berry is more like a fig, and in savory dishes it goes well with vegetables, which makes physalis an excellent ingredient for a salad or side dish.

Stories from our readers

Vladimir
61 years old

Physalis poisoning is possible only if this fruit is used incorrectly - it cannot be eaten unripe.

To distinguish edible physalis from inedible, in addition to signs of ripening, you can also taste: an inedible fruit will have an unpleasant bitterness. It is also necessary to wash the fruits before cooking, preferably in hot water. The berry has a sticky, waxy coating that gives bitterness - it must be washed off with water.

What is useful physalis

Bright juicy fruits have a number of advantages - this is a sour taste that perfectly quenches thirst, and a lot of useful properties for any occasion. Edible physalis is good for the body, as it has the richest nutritional composition: it has a considerable content of organic acids - ascorbic, succinic, malic, tartaric, citric. It contains pectin, useful for bone tissue, a large amount of carotene, protein. This Berry is a source of bioflavonoids, it contains minerals necessary for health and a complex of important vitamins. Has an antioxidant effect.

The plant is used in folk medicine and in homeopathy as a diuretic, choleretic, hemostatic, antiseptic and analgesic. Effective for rheumatism, diseases of the respiratory tract and urinary system.

To preserve the rich composition, the berries are taken raw. AT medicinal purposes juices are made from them, decoctions, tinctures are made. For treatment, the roots of the plant and leaves are also used, since they contain a large amount of useful substances.

Useful properties of the fetus are also indispensable for anemia, hypertension, for the treatment of painful menstruation, rheumatism, dermatosis. Modern medicine uses this tool as a multivitamin and dietary complex that can give the body the necessary trace elements and provide it with good nutrition.

A decoction of fruits in complex therapy is used to treat urolithiasis.. Berry juice is used for wounds, they have a regenerating property and are suitable for the treatment of other skin lesions - lichen, gout.

Vitamin and mineral composition physalis is the following:

• vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, PP;
• trace elements magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and zinc.

Thus, the regular use of physalis will provide the body with the necessary substances that cause it normal work, and, consequently, improve immunity and overall well-being.

Cultivation and care

Although initially physalis is a South American plant, its production is also possible in central Russia. We grow both decorative and edible species of this plant.

This plant is very picky about temperature and loves plenty of sun and low humidity.. However, this plant cannot be called finicky - with proper care it can grow up to a meter in height, and supply the winter cellar with a variety of dishes - both sweet and savory, as caviar or pickles.

Growing and caring for edible physalis does not require special knowledge. It is enough to purchase and plant seeds, fertilize the soil and take care of the limestone content in its composition. Here are some secrets of landing in your area:

• seeds should not be soiled with the ground - then the plant will not get sick;
• do not plant different varieties in the same soil - they can interbreed with each other and bear deformed fruits;
• on waterlogged and acidic soil it grows poorly and often gets sick;
• loves a large amount of ash and humus;
• seeds should be germinated after disinfection, placed in a damp cloth;
• seedlings, before planting in open ground prefers cool temperatures - ideally around 17 degrees Celsius, frequent ventilation is necessary;
• frequent watering is needed only during the growth period, when the plant has grown, watering should be reduced.

Physalis will be very useful at any time of the year and, in addition to gastronomic diversity, it will help to cope with beriberi, strengthen immunity, and berries also remove toxins and heavy metals from the body due to the unique elements that make up the composition.

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindications to use can also be extensive - this is berry intolerance, and an allergy to one or more chemical substances in its composition - for example, for a carotenoid. The content of organic acids in the composition can adversely affect stomach diseases associated with high acidity - in this case, there may be heartburn. Despite the fact that this berry is successfully used to treat gastritis, normalize the acid-base balance in the gastrointestinal tract and other types of diseases of the stomach and intestines, it should be used with caution in people with high acidity.

Physalis can be both beneficial when used in not large quantities, and become the culprit of poisoning with excessive consumption of berries. The positive effect on the body is beyond doubt, however, only those varieties that, during the selection process, were bred specifically for their safe use in food, should be used for food. The low content of toxic and unhealthy compounds in their composition became possible due to the artificial cultivation of the culture through the selection of plant forms and species. When used in food wild species plants are not excluded poisoning, up to severe conditions. In addition, one should not forget that in the process of ripening, the amount of fisalin decreases sharply, which increases the safety of ripe fruits and potential harm in the unripe.

Conclusion

Distinguish edible species physalis from inedible can taste - the pulp of the fruit should not have a strongly pronounced bitter taste, however, a slight bitterness may be present. The main taste of the fruit is a sweet and sour pleasant fresh aroma with hints of strawberries and other berries.. Bitterness from the pulp should not be confused with a waxy film around the berry, which also has a bitter taste and is characteristic of edible and inedible varieties. Berries must be washed in plenty of water to remove the film. Moreover, if you wash the berries in hot water, although this effective method, you can notice a change in taste to a more sour.

Only ripe fruits are used for food. that have ripened to orange or red (depending on the variety) and their box is completely dry. The poisonous elements of the plant - roots, leaves and blossoms - should not be used as food, since there are many dangerous compounds in the inedible part of the plant.

There are many varieties of physalis, but the most popular edible ones are Mexican, called vegetable, and strawberry. The latter is widely used in cooking due to its unique aroma, reminiscent of strawberries, excellent taste and small fruits. The larger berries of the vegetable variety have a pleasant taste, but this plant requires certain growing conditions - moderate humidity and bright sunlight. It is worth noting that there is a decorative type of plant that can be seen on almost any suburban area. It is not picky about environmental conditions and is unsuitable for eating.

Composition and characteristics

Widespread use for medicinal and culinary purposes is due to the balanced composition of the berries. A low sugar content (no more than 6%) and low calorie content (30 kcal) make them popular among those who lose weight. The product is rich in vitamins of groups B and A, which makes it indispensable in vegetarian menu. The composition contains toxic substances called glycoalkaloids, but they can only be found in unripe fruits. Ripe berries edible varieties are safe for human health.

In addition, physalis is rich in the following substances:

• zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium,

• essential oils,

• protein

• ascorbic acid,

• dietary fiber,

• lycopene and pectin,

• flavonoids,

• organic acids (tartaric, malic, citric),

• phytoncides,

• carotene.

The seeds of the plant contain many oily elements, the roots contain alkaloids, and the leaves contain lutein and steroids. Tannins in berries have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects on the body, lycopene reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors, and pectin promotes the rapid removal of cholesterol, toxins and toxins. The complex of organic acids normalizes the acid-base balance, and vitamin C is indispensable for infectious diseases.

Useful properties and application

Physalis is an amazing plant that is used in a variety of fields: from cooking to cosmetology. Berries restore strength well, are used in medicine as a cure for exhaustion, which is especially important during the rehabilitation period after serious illnesses. The pulp of the fruit is rich in water and fiber, so the plant contributes to the normalization of the digestive system. A decoction of physalis is suitable for preparing compresses that help relieve discomfort from arthritis, swelling and bruises. Also, a decoction is used to rinse the mouth to remove excruciating toothache.

The use of the fruits of a perennial plant in cosmetology is due to the content in them a large number antioxidants that slow down the natural aging process of the skin. In addition, physalis helps to get rid of allergic irritation, relieving inflammation and rash in dermatitis.

For men

Regular consumption of fruits contributes to the improvement of men's health. Berry is an excellent prophylactic against diseases of the reproductive system. Physalis reduces the likelihood of impotence, increases the ability to reproduce, enhances spermatogenesis.

It is useful to use bright fruits during heavy physical exertion, as they contribute to the set muscle mass and relieve stress while relaxing. Due to the property of physalis to cleanse the liver and improve its functioning, the plant is recommended for men who abuse tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

For women

The benefits of regular use of physalis for women are as follows:

• safe and comfortable weight loss, due to the high content of dietary fiber, which favorably affects the work of the digestive tract;

• improving well-being during the menstrual cycle due to replenishment of iron and magnesium deficiency;

• getting rid of age spots, improving the condition of the skin;

• prevention of headaches and muscle pain;

• slowdown natural processes aging;

• relieving stress and signs of depression;

• fight free radicals.

The plant helps the fair sex to keep the body in good shape, to be in good mood and get rid of extra pounds.

Medicinal properties

Physalis belongs to the category medicinal plants helping the body to cope with many ailments. Shows antiseptic, hemostatic, diuretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Various parts of the overseas plant are used for the following purposes:

• to lower blood pressure;

• with diabetes and anemia;

• to alleviate the condition with rheumatic pains;

• for the purpose of removing stones from the bladder and kidneys;

• with epilepsy and disorders of the nervous system;

• for the treatment of diseases of the digestive organs, including gastritis;

• with an inflammatory process in the bladder;

• to relieve the symptoms of gout and jaundice;

• with a strong cough and the first signs of a cold.

With the help of plant juice, you can fight the manifestations of hypertension, dropsy, gonorrhea and lichen. A decoction of physalis roots normalizes menstrual cycle, and berries are a powerful prevention of oncological diseases.

In cooking

Edible varieties can be eaten both raw and processed. The only caveat is that the berries should be doused with boiling water or steamed to get rid of the sticky coating. Nutritionists advise eating fruits in their raw form, since most of the useful elements are lost during heat treatment. Low-calorie berries are added to vinaigrettes, salads and cold appetizers.

Sauces, desserts, hot dishes, pastries, as well as sweets and drinks are prepared from vegetable, Peruvian and strawberry varieties. In addition, the berries acquire an original taste if you bake them on the grill. The fruits can be dried and candied, making marmalade, marshmallow or candied fruit. On the basis of physalis, delicious jam and preserves are obtained. Berries have a low calorie content, so they are recommended for people who want to get rid of extra pounds or follow a strict diet.

Contraindications

Processing the fruits of the plant with boiling water before use is required. Otherwise, the product may cause indigestion. In addition, long-term use of certain parts of physalis, such as roots and berries, is unacceptable. Medicinal formulations, made from a perennial plant, should be used in strict accordance with the dosage and after consultation with a specialist.

Of the main contraindications to the use of physalis, the following are distinguished:

• allergic reaction,

• hyperacidity stomach,

• period of pregnancy and lactation,

• individual intolerance,

• overactive thyroid.

With caution, the reception should be treated with gastric ulcer. It is worth noting that ornamental varieties of plants that grow on calcareous soils cannot be eaten.

Selection and storage

When buying berries, you should pay attention to their color. Ripe fruits should be elastic, have a rich yellow or orange hue with a dense skin and an intact shell. If physalis is planned to be used for making desserts and sweet pastries, it is best to buy a strawberry variety. Appetizers, salads and side dishes will taste better with vegetable physalis.

The optimal conditions for storing berries are cool and moderate humidity. At a temperature of about 14 degrees, the fruits will retain their appearance and taste for 2 months. It is recommended to place the physalis in perforated boxes or in slatted boxes. During the entire storage period, you need to inspect the berries, selecting fully ripe ones and throwing out the spoiled ones.

The word "physalis" will hardly evoke clear associations for anyone, but many at least once in their lives have seen branches with unusual dried flowers in the form of orange lanterns, where round berries are hidden. AT winter bouquets, as an independent decoration of the house and at the cottages of enthusiastic gardeners, physalis looks very impressive, however, some varieties of this plant are also very tasty and extremely useful.

Physalis is a plant from the nightshade family; in appearance, its berries immediately resemble both and cherry tomatoes. He received an unusual “name” from the Greek “physo” (bubble) for an unusual swollen cup, and this unusualness was immediately appreciated by the people. Bladderberry, bubble grass and bubble cherry, dog cherry, mashnukha, mahunk berry and sleepy datura (due to alkaloids in the bracts) are all physalis, known in the West as the golden berry and the Inca berry.

A bit of history

An old romantic tale tells about the origin of physalis. In ancient times, a cruel dragon appeared in the world, swallowed the sun, and the earth, being in complete darkness, began to die. But then a young daredevil showed up and went to kill the dragon, taking with him a small flashlight. The dragon was defeated, the sun was freed and immediately rose, and the young man, blinded by the light, dropped his lamp in surprise. And in its place immediately grew a bush, dotted with small orange lanterns of physalis.

This tale was apparently invented by the ancient Incas. It is believed that they were the first to grow and use physalis - its beneficial properties are most valued precisely in South America. Later, this plant was brought to North America, then, with English settlers, to Africa. In America, physalis grows almost at every turn, it is popular as a medicine and a component of many national dishes, and in the USA bright lanterns of decorative physalis invariably make compositions for the holidays.

In Russia, physalis appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, simultaneously with its closest relative, tomatoes, but it never received much recognition. In the 20th century, interest in the vesicle woke up again - it turned out that it can grow almost anywhere, but the beneficial properties of physalis could not be fully used.

For a long time, only decorative physalis was popular - in Soviet homes and even in institutions. all year round one could see dried dark orange bouquets with lantern flowers made as if from tissue paper. But there are still edible varieties - and today we are increasingly starting to think about healing power, fragrant jam, candied fruits and physalis caviar.

Varieties of Physalis

There are 3 main types of physalis, within which there are several separate varieties. This is:

• decorative (not used for food);
• vegetable (Mexican origin);
• berry (South American origin).

Although for a long time the bubble was used precisely as ornamental shrub, today edible physalis is increasingly grown - its beneficial properties are valued both in home kitchen recipes and in medical ones.

Physalis vegetable varieties after a short heat treatment are added to salads, canned food and soups, pickled and salted berries, make spicy caviar and stuffing for pies, sauces and jams. In folk medicine, the fruits of the vegetable physalis are also used - a decoction, juice, an infusion of dried physalis berries, an ointment from the fruit. Sweets are harvested from berry varieties - jams, jams and marmalade, fruit marshmallows and sweets from physalis, often dried, getting similar to small berries.

Since physalis belongs to the nightshade family, it is propagated, like tomatoes, seedling way. Whether it is decorative, vegetable or berry physalis - growing from seeds is done the same way - in the spring they plant the seeds in moist soil and keep warm until germination, then transfer to a bright place. When the first leaves of physalis begin to appear, the plant is transplanted - first into small cups, then into larger pots. And only then the bubbler is planted in open ground.

The main thing - do not plant physalis where tomatoes, peppers and potatoes used to grow - it will be difficult to develop. best land for the golden berry - where cabbage and root crops used to grow.

Healing properties

Physalis combines the best of sweet berries and juicy tomatoes; it is no coincidence that it looks like both cherries and tomatoes with many seeds inside.

Bubble cherries contain a lot of organic acids - malic, citric, tartaric, ferulic, coffee and synapic - sugars (up to 6%), tannins, a set of vitamins A and group B. Among the latter, B12 stands out - this vitamin is mainly found in red meat and fish, so physalis is especially recommended for vegetarians, who often lack natural vitamin B12.

As part of the golden berry, they bind well and remove radionuclides, salts from the body heavy metals, toxins ... And in physalis (its presence makes bubble berries related to tomatoes) it can work wonders - it helps to keep our immune system healthy, destroys free radicals, preventing the development of tumors in the body, removes "harmful", saving us from atherosclerosis. And lycopene strengthens the walls of blood vessels, rejuvenates the skin and normalizes digestion.

calories different varieties physalis - about 50 kcal, so it can be safely used both in regular diets and in medical ones. Salads and soups with physalis will help increase immunity in case of ulcers, gastritis and cholecystitis and improve the condition. With regulatory use, the bladder stimulates the body's ability to heal itself, therefore, during the recovery period after operations and illnesses, this berry is also recommended to be included in the menu.

Fresh physalis (primarily vegetable varieties) is used in folk medicine due to the following properties:

• hemostatic;
• painkillers;
• anti-inflammatory;
• choleretic;
• diuretic.

If you grow physalis in your summer cottage, the beneficial properties of this berry will be useful to you all year round. Decoctions and infusions from dried golden berries will alleviate the condition with urolithiasis and rheumatism, with tonsillitis and the usual cough.

With small wounds, diathesis, dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases, compresses and ointment from physalis berries will help. Fresh fruits of vegetable physalis are recommended to be eaten regularly before meals for hypertension, diabetes, stomach diseases and obesity.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that the physalis plant has long been known, its benefits and harms often caused controversy. controversial moment- These are poisonous alkaloids in physalis, which can seriously harm health. However, these substances are contained only in the outer shell and aboveground parts- if you carefully clean the fruits, no toxic compounds will get into them.

Physalis should also be used with caution for those who have an increased acidity of the stomach. And, of course, be sure to check if you have an individual intolerance before feasting on fresh berries or fragrant sauces and physalis jam.

Evgeny Shmarov

Reading time: 7 minutes

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Cultural physalis of the nightshade family is most often used for landscape design and compiling autumn bouquets. Bright red berries will decorate any interior, and garden plot. But physalis also has edible varieties. Fruits are low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, as well as a significant concentration of organic acids. All this determines the beneficial properties of physalis.

Varieties and types of cultural physalis

Edible varieties of physalis include:

• Mexican tomato.
• Vegetable physalis.

Inedible is often popularly called:

• Marunka.
• Monsieur cherry.

The species differ in the shape of the bushes, plants can reach 1 m in height or be smaller.

The composition and energy value of physalis

The energy value of physalis is small, like that of other non-starchy nightshades.

Its berries will give:

• 32 kcal.
• 1 g fat.
• 4 g carbohydrates.
• 0.9 g of protein.

Vitamins in Physalis:

Minerals in physalis:

• Potassium 268.
• Phosphorus 39.
• Magnesium 20.
• Sodium 1.

The benefits and harms of physalis

Beneficial features

1. In folk medicine, the physalis bush and its shoots are used. It should be borne in mind that they are quite poisonous, and should not be used on their own. A specially prepared physalis tincture is used against dermatitis, lichen and even fungal skin diseases.
2. Physalis berries are useful as a source of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and tannins. They are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, almost like regular tomatoes. It is believed that the substance can serve as a means of preventing cancer and inflammatory diseases. Lycopenes are useful for anyone who wants to maintain visual acuity and improve blood circulation, as they can also affect cholesterol levels, according to some reports.
3. Physalis organic acids gently stimulate digestion, contribute to the normal secretion of gastric juice, and allow more active digestion of "heavy" protein dishes. It is often advised to eat physalis as a snack before dinner.
   Physalis is considered beneficial for immunity. It is also often named among the sources of unsaturated fatty acids, but they are quite few in percentage terms.
4. Physalis can be considered a serious source of them only if its dosages are high enough.
5. Physalis in folk medicine is used as a mild choleretic agent. Eating berries in fresh before regular meals. The fruits do improve the outflow of bile, but should be used with caution in gallstone disease.
6. Physalis is useful for the urogenital area. It is used in folk medicine for pyelonephritis and cystitis. Berries are considered useful in gynecological diseases, adhesions, and inflammatory processes.
7. The content of vitamins in the composition makes it possible to attribute physalis to berries that are useful for vision. The product can have a beneficial effect on blood circulation, which indirectly affects the condition of the retina for the better.
8. Physalis tannins actively fight pathogenic flora. Berries are recommended for mild food poisoning, as available means from diarrhea and flatulence.
9. Physalis berries have a diuretic effect, but it is not as pronounced as that of medical preparations. You can just eat them, lose a little excess liquid and not be afraid of problems with dehydration and loss of mineral balance.
10. Berries are often used in cosmetology for cooking:

• cosmetic masks with moisturizing and vitaminizing properties.
• Scrub preparations (berries are dried and ground in a coffee grinder with regular coffee beans).
• Hair rinses (make a decoction with berries and use instead of a traditional conditioner.

Physalis harm

• Physalis berries must be completely cleaned of "leaves" and poured over with boiling water before serving. "Leaves", like all ground parts of the plant, are poisonous, as they contain toxic alkaloids. They should not be allowed to eat, and even more so, decorate desserts with them, as is sometimes done in public catering. The “protective layer” covering the berries can cause diarrhea and flatulence, so boiling water is indispensable.
• Physalis should not be eaten in large quantities, as well as those who have an allergic reaction to nightshade. It should not be used for exacerbation of gallstone disease and biliary dyskinesia, although folk sources say the opposite. In the non-acute period of the disease, you can eat, but in moderation.

Physalis in the diet of pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, diabetics: recommendations from nutritionists

Since the plant contains potentially toxic parts, it not recommended for usepregnant, nursing mothers, and children . In some places on the network you can find that pregnant women can eat physalis in moderation, but the issue is resolved at their own responsibility. Of course, the berries themselves do not contain toxins, but it is better not to experiment even with the smallest pieces of leaves.

diabetics can eat physalis, it contains extremely few carbohydrates. Such products are usually "equated" with vegetables, and bread units are not counted in them.

For physalis is useful as an additional source of vitamins and minerals.

What dishes can be prepared from physalis

Physalis is often used to decorate:

• Panna cat.
• Tiramisu and other desserts.
• Jam.
• Pickled almost like olives.
• Candied by boiling in syrup.
• After drying.
• But most often we meet fresh physalis in fruit salads.

Physalis and weight loss diets

Physalis is usually said to be for everyone for weight loss, it contains a meager amount of carbohydrates, and is even allowed on keto and paleo diets.

There is no mono-diet on physalis. It is best to eat fresh physalis if you are losing weight, and do not buy candied and canned food.

Our country is distinguished by its natural diversity and richness of the healing properties of plants, but it is worth learning about interesting representatives of the flora of other countries and continents that can be grown in our conditions. One of these plants is physalis, the largest species diversity which grows in the countries of South and Central America. It is known to most people for its orange or bright red berries, similar to Chinese paper lanterns.

Physalis (from the Latin Physalis - bubble) is a genus of plants close to tomatoes of the nightshade family. It is popularly known under the names "emerald berry", "earth cranberry", "bubble", "marunka", "dog cherry". Many people know it as a decorative element with bright lanterns that are fused sepals. After flowering, the calyx grows faster than the fetus, forming a natural defense. In the homeland of origin (South America), the "case" protects the ripening berries from the hot sun. After maturation, it dries up and changes color.

What does it look like

Physalis is a perennial plant that every year produces new angularly curved erect shoots up to 1 m high from the root. root system branched, with woody creeping processes, therefore physalis grows in large bushes. The leaves are ovate, soft, serrated at the edges. From the bud emerges a pale yellow, five-lobed flower that resembles a bell. After flowering, a spherical fruit appears, which immediately closes with sepals that form a bell-shaped calyx with triangular teeth.

When ripe, the color of the calyx changes from light green to red, orange or purple, depending on the variety, the place where the plant grows. Ripe berries change color from green to bright yellow or orange. By appearance very similar to cherry tomatoes. Inside they are fleshy, with scattered bones. There are berry and vegetable varieties of physalis, so many summer residents know it as a berry, unpretentious, well-bearing plant. In addition to decorative functions, it is eaten, healing properties are used in medicine.

Where does it grow

Physalis native habitats are South and Central America - from here it was introduced to North America and Southern Europe. The species "Physalis vulgaris" showed resistance to cold snaps, due to which it spread to China and Japan, here it was recognized as one of the important decorative elements on holidays. The ability to tolerate cold has made perennial growth possible in countries with temperate climate. In the conditions of Russia, varietal cultivation is carried out through seedlings into a fertile soil mixture for tomatoes and peppers.

Types of Physalis

There are about 120 varieties of physalis, common feature which is a 5-10 lobed flower. When ripe, it takes on different bright colors, which remain after drying and are used for decorative purposes when creating flower arrangements, bouquets. Berries ornamental varieties vesicles have a bitter taste, are not used for cooking. This is one of the few plants whose edible varieties include berry and vegetable varieties. In terms of texture and taste, they are more like vegetables, but in terms of the biological structure of the bush, they are more like berries.

Decorative

The cultivation of ornamental varieties of physalis dates back to 1894. Ornamental physalis has the names Alkekengi (Physalis alkekengi) or Franchet (Physalis francheti), was named after Rene Franchet. French botanist pioneered the study this plant. The basis of decorative interest in the variety are even flowers-lanterns with a diameter of 6-7 cm. On a stem up to 90 cm long, 10-15 lanterns can be located. The fruits of ornamental varieties are poisonous, so they are not suitable for food.

food

Eaten varieties of bladder are divided into vegetable and berry varieties. Vegetable or Mexican, glutinous, Physalis ixocarpa Brot. used raw and for canning, cooking. The Mexican physalis fruit has a bitter-tasting sticky film that can be easily removed by blanching (dissolving in hot water). Berry varieties are Peruvian (Physalis peruviana), strawberry (Physalis pubescens). They do not have a bitter adhesive film, they are used for making jams, compotes.

Physalis edible

Edible varieties of bladderwort do not have such bright colors cap, as in ornamental varieties. The berry is large, has a bright sweet taste, without heat treatment can be used by children and adults. The most famous edible varieties are:

• Strawberry;
• Pineapple;
• Confectioner;
• Plum jam.

To understand the usefulness of the plant, it is worth analyzing the composition of fruits that contain sugar, pectins, quercetin, tannins, phytoncides, citric, malic, succinic, tartaric, sinapic, ferulic and coffee organic acids. In addition, berries are a multivitamin complex rich in trace elements (thiamine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus) and include:

• 32 calories per 100 g;
• cholesterol - 0%;
• potassium - 8%;
• Vitamin C - 20%;
• Vitamin K - 13%;
• Vitamin B6 - 3%;
• Vitamin A - 2%.

What is useful

The beneficial properties of physalis are complemented by a wide range of healing components of the remaining parts of this plant. The roots contain several types of alkaloids - pseudotropine, tegloidin, tropine, kuskigrin. The leaves are saturated with steroids - sitosterol, campesterol and isofucosterol. Some varieties contain carotenoids - alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin ester, cryptoxanthin, physoxanthin. The seeds can yield up to 25% fatty oil.

All parts of the plant are widely used to create medicinal preparations and means of prevention in folk medicine. Medicines based on physalis have the following healing properties:

• have diuretic and choleretic properties;
• relieve inflammation, anemia;
• have a hemostatic, antiseptic, analgesic effect;
• help against hypertension, stomach ulcers, chronic cholecystitis, hypoacid gastritis;
• are used to prevent metabolic disorders.

The fruits of the bladder contain antioxidants that prevent the mutation of healthy cells and degeneration in oncological diseases. To maximize the use of all the healing components of the plant at home, you can cook:

• decoction of physalis fruits - for the treatment of kidney diseases, nephrolithiasis, bladder, gout, for the treatment of bronchitis, tracheitis, cough, other respiratory diseases, for pain attacks, spasms of the stomach, intestines;
• diuretic tea - with cholelithiasis, cystitis;
• fresh fruit juice - used externally for fungal skin diseases;
• liniment based on physalis - in the treatment of rheumatism;
• wine tincture - in the treatment of kidney diseases;
• alcohol tincture- for the treatment and prevention of rash, fungal skin diseases.