Fruit · 2 min. read

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry)

Physalis peruviana · Kaapse kruisbes · goudbes

Allergen-free (raw ingredient) Glutenvrij Lactosevrij Vegan
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Key facts
Across kitchens worldwide, Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) has earned a reputation as a small orange fruit enclosed in a papery husk of dried calyx leaves.
Nutritional Values per 100g (vers, zonder kafje) Energy 53 kcal Protein 1.9 g Fat 0.7 g Carbohydrates 11.2 g Sodium 1 mg USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID 174133)

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): what every chef needs to know

Across kitchens worldwide, Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) has earned a reputation as a small orange fruit enclosed in a papery husk of dried calyx leaves. The flavour is sweet-sour with a subtle herbal note. In patisserie and fine dining, physalis is an iconic garnish in which the husk is opened back like decorative wings. The fruit is rich in fibre and beta-carotene. The husk itself is not edible but doubles as a presentation element. Physalis should never be eaten with the husk closed.

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): nutritional values per 100g (vers, zonder kafje)

Based on unprocessed product. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID 174133) — the Dutch food composition database, managed by RIVM and Wageningen University.

Energy 53 kcal
Protein 1.9 g
Fat (total) 0.7 g
of which saturated 0.1 g
Carbohydrates 11.2 g
of which sugars 7.5 g
Dietary Fibre 3.9 g
Sodium 1 mg

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): classic dishes

Proven preparations from the professional kitchen — from haute cuisine to global restaurant classics. Use as inspiration for menu development and recipe costing.

Physalis-chocolade Dutch

fresh physalis gedoopt in getempereerde pure chocolade, classic petit four in Dutch patisserie

Cheesecake with physalis garnish Dutch

fried cheesecake with opengevouwen physalis-kafjes as decoratie on the bovenzijde

Physalis-jam French

sweet-sour jam of physalis with vanilla at soft geitenkaas of brie

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): preparation techniques

Exact temperatures and times for HACCP compliance. Core temperature is leading for poultry and pork.

Raw as garnish
kamertemperatuur 0 min

Open the kafje as vleugels and vouw terug for decoratieve presentation on dessertbord

Jam
104°C 25 min

use 1:1 saute-suikerverhouding, test geleerstand with cold-bord method

in chocolade doppen
32°C getempereerd 5 min

Houd the vrucht vast to the kafje, doop in pure chocolade and let set on silpat

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): HACCP storage and food safety

Based on Codex Alimentarius (WHO/FAO) and EU Regulation 852/2004. Consult your national authority (NVWA/FDA/FSANZ) for applicable local standards.

Storage temp.
8–12°C (with kafje, not in gesloten plastic)
EU Regulation 852/2004 Annex II
Shelf life
Met kelkblad intact: max. 3 weeks at 5-7 degrees C. Zonder kelkblad: max. 1 week refrigerated. Always with kelkblad store for langste houdbaarheid.
Cross-contamination risk
LOW
LOW: fresh fruit; kafje is not eetbaar maar not toxic at small hoeveelheden
⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER: These HACCP guidelines are based on Codex Alimentarius (WHO/FAO) as the global baseline and EU Regulation 853/2004. Local regulations may differ. Always consult your national food safety authority (FSA/UK, FDA/US, FSANZ/Australia) for applicable standards in your region. KitchenNmbrs accepts no liability for damages arising from applying this information without verification of local regulations.

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): global seasonal overview

Availability per climate zone — Northern Europe, Mediterranean and warm climate. Relevant for purchasing planning and international menus.

Northern Europe
Year-round
Mediterranean
Year-round
Tropical/Warm
Year-round

Physalis is available year-round via imports from Colombia, Peru and South Africa. Year-round stable supply makes this a reliable product for the professional kitchen.

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): EU-14 allergen information

Full overview compliant with EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Annex II). Raw material information — always verify with your supplier for processed products and possible traces.

🌾
Gluten
Absent
🦐
Shellfish
Absent
🥚
Eggs
Absent
🐟
Fish
Absent
🥜
Peanuts
Absent
🫘
Soya
Absent
🥛
Milk
Absent
🌰
Tree nuts
Absent
🥬
Celery
Absent
🌼
Mustard
Absent
Sesame
Absent
⚗️
Sulphites
Absent
🌸
Lupin
Absent
🦪
Molluscs
Absent

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry): wine pairings

Every wine recommendation is verified via at least 4 independent sources: wine specialists, sommeliers and culinary authorities. Serving temperatures conform to Wine Enthusiast and Vintec guidelines.

Moscato d'Asti
8–10°C

peach- and abrikoosnuances match perfect to at the sweet-sour tropische flavour of physalis

Recommended:
  • Moscato d'Asti DOCG
Sources: Gambero Rosso 2023
Champagne Blanc de Blancs
8–10°C

Krijtige minerality and citruszuur balance the zoetigheid of physalis in dessertpresentaties

Recommended:
  • Champagne AOC Blanc de Blancs
Sources: Revue du Vin de France 2022

Wine advice is for culinary information purposes only. Wines and appellations are exemplary; availability varies by region and supplier.

Frequently asked questions about Physalis (Cape Gooseberry)

At what temperature should you store Physalis (Cape Gooseberry)?

Store Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) at 8–12°C (with kafje, not in gesloten plastic), compliant with EU Regulation 852/2004 and Codex Alimentarius guidelines.

How do you prepare Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) professionally?

The primary professional technique for Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) is Raw as garnish at kamertemperatuur for 0 min. Always verify core temperature with a calibrated probe thermometer.

Does Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) contain allergens?

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) is free from all 14 EU declarable allergens under EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex II. Always verify with your supplier for processed variants.

What is the nutritional value of Physalis (Cape Gooseberry)?

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) provides 53 kcal, 1.9g protein and 0.7g fat per 100g raw product. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID 174133).

When is Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) in season?

Physalis (Cape Gooseberry) is in season in Northern Europe during Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun. Availability varies by climate zone and import market.

Calculate the food cost of Physalis (Cape Gooseberry)

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Dietary characteristics

Glutenvrij Lactosevrij Vegan Vegetarisch
Legal disclaimer: For informational purposes only

The allergen and HACCP information on this page relates to the raw, unprocessed ingredient and is provided for reference only. Under EU Regulation 1169/2011, the Food Business Operator (FBO) bears sole responsibility for providing accurate allergen information to the consumer. KitchenNmbrs accepts no liability. Always verify against the current specification sheets from your supplier.

Read full disclaimer ▼ Collapse ▲

Informational character

The information on this page has been compiled exclusively as reference material for professional kitchen staff. KitchenNmbrs does not provide legal, medical or commercial advice. Data on preparation techniques, storage temperatures, HACCP guidelines and allergens is based on publicly available professional sources and applies to the raw ingredient in its unmodified state.

Your responsibility as operator (FBO)

Under EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Food Information Regulation) and EU Regulation 852/2004 (HACCP Hygiene Regulation), the Food Business Operator (FBO) is solely and exclusively responsible for:

  • Providing accurate, up-to-date and complete allergen information to the end consumer;
  • Determining allergens in the finished product based on current supplier documentation;
  • Maintaining and documenting a demonstrable HACCP management system;
  • Controlling cross-contamination risks within their own production environment;
  • Compliance with local food safety authority requirements.

Allergen information: Limitations

The allergen information on this page relates to the ingredient as such. The actual allergen composition of your purchase may differ due to:

  • Varying suppliers, production facilities or growing regions;
  • Cross-contact during production, transport or storage ("may contain");
  • Changed product formulations not yet reflected in public sources;
  • Processing or preparation in your own kitchen that introduces new allergens.

Always verify allergens against the current specification sheets (spec sheets) from your supplier. Orally or informally provided allergen information is not legally valid under EU Reg. 1169/2011.

Milk allergen and lactose intolerance

The EU-14 allergen "Milk (including lactose)" covers two distinct conditions, both of which require declaration: (1) cow's milk allergy, an immunological reaction to milk proteins (casein, whey), and (2) lactose intolerance, an enzymatic deficiency (lactase) preventing digestion of milk sugar. Both groups must be informed separately on the menu. Lactose-free is not the same as milk-protein-free: a guest with cow's milk allergy may still react to lactose-free products.

Limitation of liability

KitchenNmbrs B.V. excludes all liability for direct or indirect damages arising from:

  • Use of the information on this page as the basis for commercial or operational decisions;
  • Allergic reactions, food poisoning or other health incidents involving guests or staff;
  • Inaccuracies resulting from changed product compositions by third parties (suppliers);
  • Non-compliance with food safety laws and regulations.

All information is subject to the KitchenNmbrs Terms and Conditions.

Official sources and authorities

Legal basis: EU Reg. 1169/2011 Annex II (EU-14 allergens) · EU Reg. 852/2004 (HACCP) · Local food information legislation as applicable

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