A perennial plant of the nightshade family, perhaps at least once, but was found by everyone. It is also called emerald berry or earthen cranberries. Physalis can be compared with magical Chinese lanterns, that is how its flowers look, inside of which there are fruits. The beneficial properties of physalis to humans have been known for a long time, however, it should be borne in mind that only some types of plants are suitable for consumption (vegetable and strawberry). The main varieties of physalis are toxic and poisonous.
What is important to know about physalis?
Before you start to grow and, especially, eat this plant, it is important to figure out which physalis is edible and not dangerous to health. In total, in nature there are more than 100 varieties of physalis, of which only 10 can be eaten without fear.
First of all, the berry group of physalis is isolated. The fruits of this plant are suitable for eating raw, as well as when added to compotes, preserves, confectionery dishes. The most popular in Russia is strawberry physalis, the cultivation of which is available not only in the southern regions of the country.
There is a physalis vegetable group, which is also popular in cooking. The fruits of this plant in appearance resemble small tomatoes, and depending on the variety of physalis, their color can be green, yellow and even purple.
The most popular in Russia are:
- Ground physalis;
- Moscow early physalis;
- Confectionery Physalis.
Healthy plant properties
Due to its composition, the plant has many beneficial properties. In the composition of physalis you can find:
- Essential oils.
- Protein.
- Calcium, iron, zinc.
- Ascorbic acid.
- Alimentary fiber.
- Carotene.
- Organic acids.
Physalis, from seeds to roots, has a wide range of health benefits. Eating physalis serves as a good prevention for the development of oncology, helps to eliminate toxins from the body, has an antibacterial effect. Thanks to organic acids, it perfectly restores the acid-base balance in the body.
In folk recipes, the fruits of an exotic plant are present quite often. It is customary to make ointments from physalis, which save from bouts of rheumatism and have a regenerating property (healing). Decoctions from the roots of the plant are good for coughing.
Useful properties of physalis in traditional medicine:
- Rehabilitation after serious illnesses (restores strength, helps with exhaustion).
- Due to the large amount of fiber, it restores digestion well.
- Compresses from physalis relieve discomfort with arthritis, swelling and bruises.
- Helps remove stones from the bladder.
- Gently lowers blood pressure.
- Helps to cope with the first symptoms of colds.
It is important to remember that some parts of the plant (leaves, stems) can be poisonous, so they should be used with medical care with extreme caution. It is best to consult with a specialist.
Useful properties of physalis for men
It is proved that the regular consumption of physalis fruits favorably affects the functioning of the reproductive system, as a prevention of unwanted diseases.
During regular sports, the addition of physalis to the daily diet will help to gain muscle mass, as well as relieve increased stress during rest. The fruits of the plant are recommended for men who are prone to smoking and drinking alcohol.
Physalis for women
The main benefit of physalis, which catches the eye of women, is to help lose weight. Thanks to dietary fibers, which are present in large quantities in the fruits of the plant, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is normalized. It is this property that allows you to comfortably and naturally reduce weight, get rid of extra pounds.
Other beneficial properties of physalis for women:
- Improves well-being during menstruation by filling in the lack of magnesium and iron in the body.
- Improves skin color, reduces the appearance of age spots.
- Tones up the body, which helps to slow down natural aging.
- It is a prevention of headaches.
- Relieves unnecessary stress, relieves depression.
In addition, a decoction of the roots of the physalis helps to normalize the menstrual cycle.
Physalis in cosmetology
A large number of antioxidants in the composition of the plant's fruits allowed physalis to become indispensable in cosmetology. First of all, the plant helps to slow down the basic processes of natural aging of the skin.
A decoction from the roots of physalis helps to successfully cope with acne, as well as allergic rashes and dermatitis. Beauticians only recommend avoiding the area around the eyes.
Physalis in cooking
There are a huge number of options for how to use physalis in food. First of all, it is worth noting that the fruits of the plant are useful both in raw and in processed form.
Surely everyone caught the eye of salads and main dishes, which were decorated with bright fruits of physalis. In addition, it is customary to make blanks from physalis for the winter. Regardless of how the fruits are cooked, they must be pretreated.
To remove the waxy coating from the berries of physalis, they must be rinsed with boiling water and washed thoroughly under running water. This will reduce the bitterness that is inherent in them. Naturally, pre-fruits are cleaned of covers.
Physalis recipes are often very easy to use.
Physalis compote
An indispensable drink in the harsh Russian winter is homemade compote, which is prepared in advance and pleases with sunny summer tastes in the cold season.
Preparing a vitamin drink is simple, this will require the following ingredients:
- Berries of physalis.
- Ginger.
- Lemon acid.
- Sugar, vanillin.
- Water.
Stages of preparation:
- First of all, the fruits of physalis are cleaned of "flashlights" and treated with boiling water to remove excess bitterness.
- The fruits are sent to a pot of water and boiled for about 5 minutes, after which they cool.
- At the same time, syrup is prepared (1 kg of sugar requires 1 kg of water).
- Then the chilled berries are added to the syrup and the mixture is brought to a boil.
- Ginger, vanillin and citric acid are added to taste, depending on individual preferences.
The result is an interesting drink rich in vitamins and tonic properties.
Pickled Physalis
If the first recipe is considered a sweet treat, then now we will consider a great option for a savory snack.
For pickled physalis you will need (on a half-liter jar):
- Carnation - 4 branches.
- A pair of garlic cloves.
- Sugar, salt, pepper, bay leaf - in small quantities, more to taste.
- Nine percent vinegar - not more than 5 milliliters.
- Cherry and currant leaves for a variety of tastes (10 leaves each).
- A few branches of dill.
The cooking process is quite simple:
- The most responsible and difficult stage is the sterilization of cans into which pickled physalis will be rolled (each housewife uses her own proven methods).
- Physalis fruits are cleaned of covers, washed with hot water.
- In a small saucepan, boil water, where the physalis berries drop for one minute.
- The berries are cooled and tightly placed in a sterilized container, at the bottom of which the necessary spices are already laid.
- For brine, boil the cloves. After which, cool the solution a little and add salt and sugar to it.
- The fruits of physalis, stacked in a jar, pour the resulting solution and tightly roll the lid.
To complete the pickling process, the jars must be stored in a cool place for two months, after which the product will be ready for use and will become an unusual addition to the table.
Ideal conditions for physalis
Having learned about the beneficial properties of a plant, you will want to grow it yourself. Growing physalis should not cause big problems, but it’s worth to familiarize yourself with the basic rules.
- Any part of the soil is suitable for the plant, but it is better that it be sunny.
- Both seedlings of physalis and growing plants from seeds can be used.
- The best time to land in the open ground is the second half of April or May.
Based on experience, it is believed that seedlings are the best way to get a good harvest. It is important that land that is used for other vegetables is ideal for physalis. If seedlings are planted in open ground in May, the harvest will be quite early.
If a cultivar of edible physalis is selected for planting, then simplicity in caring for the plant is important:
- It is necessary to maintain moderate soil moisture.
- To loosen and weed a bed from weeds.
- Fertilize the plant at its discretion, by analogy with other vegetables.
- Create support for the curly stems of the plant.
It is not necessary to trim the stems of the physalis, this can adversely affect its fertility.
Conclusions about Physalis
The description of physalis is multifaceted and unusual, since the plant itself has truly unique properties.
Physalis is widely used in medicine, providing an excellent diuretic, anti-inflammatory and even analgesic effect on the human body. Ointments, compresses and decoctions are made from its fruits and roots, which are widely used both for the treatment of joints and for preserving the youth of the skin.
Edible varieties of physalis have long been indispensable culinary aids. The number of recipes using physalis cannot be counted. In addition to an aesthetically beautiful addition to dishes, it successfully acts as an independent product with an unusual sweet taste, which will appeal to both adults and children.
And, perhaps, one of the important points is the ease of cultivation. Subject to simple rules, you can easily independently provide yourself with a supply of healthy and tasty fruits.