Winter cherry whole berry – Physalis alkekengi

Dried winter cherry berries are harvested when ripe before being dehydrated at low temperatures. They retain their rounded shape, intense orange color, and fibrous texture. Rich in natural pigments and aromatic substances, they are primarily used in the preparation of infusions, decoctions, or as an addition to traditional culinary creations.

Description

A perennial herbaceous plant of the Solanaceae family, winter cherry is recognizable by its lantern-shaped calyxes surrounding a small orange fruit. The dried, spherical berry, 1 to 2 cm in size, is used whole. It is appreciated both for its aesthetic appeal and for its traditional use, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Alkekengi, Japanese lantern, winter cherry
• Latin name: Physalis alkekengi
• Family: Solanaceae
• Part used: Whole dried berry (fruit)
• Shape: Whole fruit
• Origin: Europe, Central Asia, China
• English name: Winter cherry / Chinese lantern fruit
• German name: Blasenkirsche
• Name in Spanish: Farolillo chino
• Name in Italian: Alchechengi
• Name in Arabic: حب الفانوس (Habb al-Fanous)

Main virtues

Used as an infusion, the winter cherry berry is prized for its tangy flavor and richness in natural pigments. It is also incorporated into plant decorations or homemade dried fruit compositions. In cooking, it accompanies certain compotes or dried fruit preparations.

Main constituents

Carotenoid pigments (physalin), organic acids (malic, citric), natural sugars, flavonoids, traces of mucilages.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 2 to 3 berries per cup, infuse for 10 to 12 minutes in simmering water.
• Decoction: 5 to 10 berries in 500 ml of water, boil for 5 minutes then infuse for 10 minutes.
• Other: used whole in herbal teas, potpourris or decorative arrangements.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not consume in excess: fresh berries can be toxic, only ripe and well-dried berries are used.
• Avoid in pregnant women and young children without professional advice.
• Store in a dry, ventilated place to prevent mold.

History and origin

Winter cherry has been cultivated since ancient times, particularly in medicinal and ornamental gardens. It appears in numerous medieval European herbalism texts. Its name comes from the Arabic "al-kakanj," transmitted through Greco-Arab botanists. Used in Central Europe and Asia, the dried berry was renowned in various traditional preparations.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from humidity, in an airtight container.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box or opaque glass jar.
• Appearance: spherical orange berry, fibrous texture.
• Smell: sweet, slightly fruity.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional European herbalism
• Dictionaries of ancient botany
• References in phytognosy and applied botany

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