Also known as Cape Gooseberries, Physalis are small orange fruits encased in a green to tan inedible papery husk that gives them the appearance of a mini Chinese lantern. They are originally from South America but are now found all over the world where they are grown in temperate and tropical climates with good availability all year round.

Their unique appearance makes them most popular as a decorative element to desserts, however the sweet/tart flavour has many other culinary uses ranging from salads to salsas, purees to preserves. The fruit’s naturally high pectin content makes them perfect for jams, compotes and preserves, while their similarity to cherry tomatoes allows them also to be used as a savoury ingredient.