Goldenberries gain attention through southeast specialty fruit production

South America’s goldenberry is emerging as a potential superfruit for North American consumers. A USDA-funded study shows the crop can be grown in the U.S. as part of southeast specialty fruit production.

Rutgers University plant biology researcher Edward Durner is leading the effort. He is focusing on farm market and community supported agriculture opportunities in the northeast. He recently presented his findings at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Goldenberries (Physalis peruviana) are annual crops that grow much like tomatoes, peppers or eggplant. The small yellow fruits, about the size of a penny or dime, carry a tart, tropical flavor. Durner described it as “a mixture of pineapple, strawberry, sour cherry and citrus.” Each berry forms inside a husk that often turns golden brown and translucent as it matures.

Rising consumer and market interest

Goldenberries are closely related to ground cherries and tomatillos, but they deliver a fruitier, more tropical flavor. The fruit gained traction in global markets when Nestlé purchased a majority stake in Terrifertil, the world’s largest buyer of goldenberries. Nestlé described them as an “Andean superfood high in vitamins and antioxidants.”

“This investment allows us to strengthen our presence in fast-growing categories such as plant-based foods, beverages and health snacks, known as ‘superfoods’ due to their high natural nutrient content,” said Lauren Freixe, Nestlé Zone Americas CEO.

Goldenberries have also appeared on cooking shows, sometimes as a “secret ingredient” in chef competitions. In the U.S., the American Pichuberry Association trademarked the name “Pichuberry” and offers marketing support for growers adopting the crop.

Research trials in the northeast and the midwest

Durner said excitement is high because goldenberries are not yet grown commercially in North America. “I think they have potential to be grown anywhere in North America,” he said.

In the first year of research, northeastern growers tested the fruit. Some growers faced delayed receiving seed, but those who harvested ripe fruit reported positive results. The plants grew vigorously, with a need for wide spacing — at least five feet between plants and seven to nine feet between rows. Mature plants reached six to seven feet tall and up to 10 feed wide.

“Those folks who were able to harvest some fruit and try them, and have other people try them — most people really liked the flavor,” Durner said. “Several of them actually liked them better than ground cherries, because they had a fruiter, more tart, fruit-like flavor than ground cherries.”

Goldenberry seed is often confused with ground cherry seed. Durner explained that goldenberry seedlings are fuzzy when germinating, while ground cherries are not.

Addressing production challenges

During the second year of research, 116 growers in the northeast and midwest are planting goldenberries and providing feedback. Because goldenberries need a long season, harvest typically occurs in September and October.

“I’m also focusing on methods of training and pruning to induce earlier flowering and fruiting, so the plants are more productive and come earlier in the season,” Durner said. “That was probably the biggest complaint, if you want to call it a complaint, from the growers is that they’re such a long-season crop.”

Growers interested in trying goldenberries can contact David at Rutgers University for more information.

Future for southeast specialty fruit production

Goldenberries represent a promising addition to U.S. specialty crops. Researchers believe the fruit can expand farm market offerings and CSA opportunities while appealing to health-conscious consumers. With rising demand for superfruits, goldenberries may soon become part of southeast specialty fruit production, alongside established crops.

By refining production methods and addressing the crop’s long season, researchers hope goldenberries will give U.S. growers — especially those focused on southeast specialty fruit production — a new opportunity to diversify and compete in a growing market.

— Stephen Kloosterman, associate editor