The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a relative of the tomatillo, also known as poha in Hawaii has a tart tomato flavor and is used for making jam and in ice cream. Like the tomatillo, the fruit has a papery outer skin which is removed before preparation.
The name Cape Gooseberry came from early settlers in Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. They ate the fruit raw or can even be dipped in chocolate fondue. They work very well for making chutney or a simple fruit sauce too.
You probably won't find these in your average grocery store but look for them in really well-stocked grocers. In Northern California try Andronicos or if you have a Sprouts Farmer's market in your you may find them there. Watch for them in local farmer's markets too. These are not difficult to grow so if you are a summer gardener you may want to purchase seeds and grow them at home.
If you don't have or can't find Cape gooseberries you can substitute:
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