Difference between revisions of "Physalis"
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{{Infobox_Fruit | {{Infobox_Fruit | ||
| image = physalis.jpg | | image = physalis.jpg | ||
| − | | carrying temperature = | + | | carrying temperature = 5°C to 10°C |
| highest freezing point = Below 0°C, chilling below 2.5°C | | highest freezing point = Below 0°C, chilling below 2.5°C | ||
| acceptable product temp = Max. 2°C above carrying temperature | | acceptable product temp = Max. 2°C above carrying temperature | ||
Latest revision as of 16:17, 15 September 2025
| Infobox on Physalis | |
|---|---|
| Example of Physalis |  |
| Freshness facts | |
| Optimum carrying temperature | 5°C to 10°C |
| Highest freezing point | Below 0°C, chilling below 2.5°C |
| Acceptable product temp. at loading into containers | Max. 2°C above carrying temperature |
| Optimum humidity | 70%-75% |
| Ventilation setting for containers | 0-10 m³/hr |
| Storage life | Approx. 1 month |
| Climacteric / non-climacteric | non-climacteric |
| Ethylene production | Low (see text) |
| Ethylene sensitivity | Low |
| Modified / controlled atmosphere | No information is available |
| Potential benefits | - |
| Availability | |
| South Africa Colombia |
September - January all year round |
Physalis
Contents
Harvesting and handling
The Physalis (Peruviana) (or 'Cape Gooseberry') is a small yellow/orange fruit similar in size and shape to a cherry tomato. The physalis peruviana is of the tomato family, the berry is enclosed in a bladder-like husk, which becomes dry papery on maturity. Flavour is a pleasant, unique kiwi /pineapple like blend. The husk is bitter and inedible.
The uses are similar to common tomato. The fruit can be eaten raw, used in salads, desserts, as a flavouring and in jellies.
Cooling and storage
Physalis can be stored under a wide range of conditions. At ambient temperatures, the husks will dry, but the fruit will remain in good condition for about 1 week. The freshness of fruit and husk can be extended by storage at 5°C to 10°C with 70% relative humidity.
Physalis can be stored for approx. 1 month at 9°C without developing chilling injury symptoms. Fruit begin to show symptoms (surface pitting and decay) after 3 weeks at 5°C; symptoms of translucency become more pronounced at 2,5°C.
Mixed loads
Immature physalis produce low amounts of ethylene, while more mature fruit produce greater amounts; fruit showing colour changes due to ripening.
Cautions
Superficial moulds occur on the husk during storage under high relative humidity. Furthermore, the fruit is highly suspectible for white mould rot, what is an orchard related destructive rot, forming white greyish mould on the berries, causing further shrivelling and breakdown. The spores are highly invasive, also at low storage temperatures. This rot may develop rapidly during postharvest storage.
RH is recommended to be kept at 70%, to control development of mould and to maintain crispy dry husks
Storage disorders
Alternaria rot (Black mould), Chilling injury, White mould rot.