Cape Goose Berry: A New Cash Crop in India

Abstract

Cape gooseberry Physalis peruviana L. is an annual growing fruit crop belonging to the family Solanaceae. It is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical region of the world. Cape gooseberry is herbaceous or soft wooded plant usually reaches 2-3 feet height. Cape gooseberry is cultivated in different types of soils but sandy loam soil is preferred for getting higher production. The fruit of cap gooseberry have better aroma with1.8% protein, 0.2% fat, 11.5 % carbohydrate, 10 mg calcium, 60 mg phosphorous, 18 mg iron, 49 mg ascorbic acid, 2380 IU vitamin A and 0.9% pectin. Due to the good amount of pectin present in cap gooseberry its value added product Jam is made of very good quality.