20+ Ground Cherry Recipes (Husk Cherries)

Ground cherries (or husk cherries) have a flavor reminiscent of pineapple, yet with subtle grape and tomato notes. Easy to grow and wonderful to eat, they make a lovely addition to dishes both sweet and savory.

Ground cherries, despite their name, are actually not a true cherry. This small yellow-orange fruit is actually related to the Solanaceae or tomato family. This is more apparent when you see the fruit has a partial resemblance to a tomato when green and growing in its husk. Hence, it is sometimes also referred to as a husk tomato.

Similar to a tomatillo, ground cherries produce yellow flowers in the summer which develop into papery husk-wrapped fruits in the late summer and early fall.

Choosing the Best Ground Cherries

Ground cherries or husk cherries (Physalis pruinosa) have many names. There are multiple types of ground cherries, one of which is cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) which is native to Peru and actually completely unrelated to the gooseberry family.

There are several additional varieties of ground cherry including the popular Aunt Molly variety, which has been cultivated since the 1800s, beginning with Pennsylvania Germans. Other popular varieties include Cossack Pineapple which is noted for its tangy-sweet flavor very similar to pineapple, as well as the Goldie variety which tends to spread more than the upright Aunt Molly cultivar.

Ground cherries are named so for a reason – the fruit is typically picked from the ground rather than the plant itself. According to The Spruce, each plant produces around a pint of fruit each growing season.

When ripe, the husk will dry up and change from a shade of green to tan. The husked fruit then falls from the plant. Regular growers may place containers beneath their plants to collect these fallen fruits during harvest season. Others simply pick up the felled husks as often as they can.

Ground Cherry Recipes

The flavor of ground cherries can vary by variety, but most are sweet and tangy, with notes of grape, tomato and pineapple.

Ground cherries can be used in both fresh and baked recipes. You’ll find them often in fresh salads, chutneys, jams and baked goods. Prepared ground cherries can also be frozen and preserved for later use.

To prepare ground cherries for culinary use, you’ll need to remove the outer husk. This can be easily done by simply pulling the husk gently from the fruit. Next, rinse and gently pat dry with a towel.

Fresh Ground Cherry Recipes

Tarts, salsas and salads all benefit from this brightly colored fruit. A simple ground cherry tart can be made with just some basic kitchen ingredients. Top with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream for an old-fashioned treat.

A salsa can also be made with freshly de-husked ground cherries. All you’ll need are some tortilla chips and you’ll be set. Fresh salads accompany ground cherries quite well too. Combine with lemon zest, red onion, chives and sea salt for an easy combination, or try grilled corn and basil.

Preserving Ground Cherries

Sometimes, you collect more fruit than you know what to do with. You only have so many neighbors that you can foist your bounty on before having to turn to preservation. Luckily, there are multiple methods for preserving ground cherries.

You may preserve ground cherries via canning, just be sure to add lemon juice as this fruit is borderline in terms of its acidity. You can also dehydrate ground cherries with the help of a dehydrator or oven. Additionally, ground cherries can be frozen on a sheet pan and moved to freezer bags for storage, just be sure to remove the husks first.

And as always, there is ground cherry jam that can be canned for long-term storage. Stock your shelves, gift extra jars away or trade jams with neighbors and friends.

50+ Fruit Canning Recipes from A to Z (listed under husk cherry)
How to Dehydrate Ground Cherries
How To Store Ground Cherries (freezing and storage tips)
Ground Cherry Jam for Canning

Ground Cherry Breakfast Recipes

For breakfast, consider baking ground cherries into a simple coffee cake with brown sugar and cinnamon. A quick compote can also be made with ground cherries, sugar and maple syrup to top oatmeal, yogurt or French toast.

For a healthier breakfast boost, consider adding ground cherries to a smoothie. Ground cherries are high in vitamin C and also contain vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and potassium. Mix other fruits and veggies in for added nutrition.

Ground Cherry Savory Main Courses

For more savory dishes, try utilizing ground cherries in hot sauce or savory jam to pair with crackers and cream cheese. This hot sauce can easily be mixed with mayo for a spicy salad dressing while this savory jam can be spread on sandwiches or grilled cheese.

Similarly, a savory chutney can be made to serve with meat, cheeses and other charcuterie items. Blend with onion, honey, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard and olive oil for a tangy, pineapple-scented treat.

Fish also pairs quite well with ground cherries, be it in a flounder-topped salad or halibut and ground cherry salsa. Both these dishes are refreshingly light and healthy to boot!

Ground Cherry Drink Recipes

Looking for a refreshing beverage to add some ground tomatoes to? Many cocktails can be made by muddling a few ground cherries and mixing with gin and cherry juice, or rum and lime juice. Basil makes a lovely addition as well.

For best results, muddle the fruit, add ingredients and shake with ice, then strain and pour. Garnish with a few whole ground cherries for added effect.

Cultured & Fermented Ground Cherries

Fermented ground cherries are one option for simple preservation. Try pickling ground cherries in vinegar with peppercorns, coriander, thyme and clove for an enjoyable brine.

Ground cherries can also be fermented in the form of honey wine or mead. Experiment with adding complementary fruits and flavorings for extra punch.

Husk Cherry Wine

Ground Cherry Snack Recipes

For snackable ground cherries, consider dipping the fruit into dark chocolate for a tiny burst of fruit flavor. Pull up the husks to use like stems for easy dipping.

Other personal-sized snacks include ground cherry muffins and miniature ground cherry crumbles. For these sweet treats, pair ground cherries with brown sugar and vanilla extract or rolled oats and almonds. Both make irresistible treats that transition well from summer to fall.

Ground Cherry Dessert Recipes

For more decadent desserts, consider making a ground cherry torte for a moist and dense final course. Ground cherry clafoutis is another option, made from common pantry items including eggs, flour, milk, sugar and almond or vanilla extract.

Consider combining with other fruits as well for intriguing flavors. Peach is a wonderful example, lending a bright sweetness to the flavor of ground cherry. A shredded coconut and nutty topping completes this dish spectacularly. Creamy dishes pair well with this fruit as well – explore a chilled panna cotta with ground cherry sauce.