Dried Physalis,Peru Villa Andina price supplier

Physalis, also known as the “Incan berry”, “Golden berry”, “Cape Gooseberry”, or locally as the “Aguaymanto”, “Capuli” or “Tomatillo”, is the edible fruit of Physalis peruviana , a plant native to the Peruvian Andes. The Physalis dates back to the times of the Incas, who are believed to have initiated its cultivation in the Sacred Valley and later to have planted it in the royal gardens of Machu Picchu. Although it originates from Peru, Physalis is now also cultivated in other Latin American and even African and Asian countries.

Physalis develops usually around 2300 meters above sea level. It prefers areas protected from frost, drought and high winds and requires high light intensity and average temperatures of around 20°C. The plant grows to a height of between 1.0 and 1.5 meters, and in good climatic conditions each plant can produce up to 30 kg of fruit a year. Its fruit is cherry shaped, 1 to 2 cm in diameter and bright yellow-orange in color. It comes enclosed in a delicate, light brown-golden capsule, which protects the fruit and keeps it fresh for several weeks after harvesting. This natural leafy capsule also makes the fruit very ornamental. The fruit contains tiny edible seeds and has a pleasantly sweet/sour taste, a penetrating aroma, and an exotic fragrance.

The Physalis fruit has acquired fame world-wide, not only for its gastronomical qualities, but also for its long list of medicinal and nutritional properties. These berries contain an amazing array of vitamins which are crucial energy generators critical to cellular metabolism. They are a great source of bioflavinoids, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antihistamine and antiviral properties, Physalis is also rich in fiber, pectin, phosphorous, iron, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6 and B12.

As a result of these properties Physalis is helpful in a variety of conditions. It protects specialized tissues in the eye; the retina and generally improves the vision. The Physalis also has antioxidant properties, delays the ageing of the skin and helps in the healing of wounds. It contributes to good functioning of the immune system and helps to protect against certain types of cancers. It also helps to combat asthma, sinusitis and other allergies. It contributes to the development of good teeth and bones. Physalis has also been found to increase the production of red blood cells, improve cardio-vascular function, and reduce cholesterol levels. It acts as an anti-diabetic and stabilizes glucose levels in the blood. It has an anti-rheumatic/anti-inflammatory effect and disinflames joints and articulations. It increases estrogen levels and reduces the symptoms of the menopause. It also energizes, helps combat stress, physical and mental tiredness and depression.

Physalis in the past was underestimated, ignored and sometimes even unappreciated. Now this situation has been reversed and the fruit is being successfully distributed onto global markets. Physalis is available in a variety of presentations: either as the fresh fruit, dehydrated, and conserved or canned, and can be consumed in a variety of ways: in chutneys, marmalades, as fruit pulps, compotes, or in the preparation of smoothies, a selection of different sweets and desserts, and in granolas and mueslis.

As a result of the growth in its demand there are now differing brands of Physalis available on the market, and differing companies involved in its commercialization.

 However, Villa Andina Organic Physalis has definite advantages:

• Villa Andina Physalis is Organically cultivated and processed, and is guaranteed to be free from heavy metal contamination resulting from the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. We have formed strategic alliances with the local Farmers and give them support and technical orientation, and buy their produce applying the principles of Fair Trade. In this way Villa Andina demonstrates its policy of corporate responsibility, participates in the socio-economic development of the region and works towards improving the health, education and living standards in general of the local farmers and their community in general. 

• Villa Andina Organic Physalis is harvested from carefully selected areas of Cajamarca where growing conditions are at their best. Due to the different levels of sunlight received, this fruit is of a superior quality; the fruit is sweeter and has a more intense color, flavor and fragrance than the fruit from other areas, or indeed other countries. The fruit is harvested at its optimum point of maturity and carefully packed in ventilated boxes to ensure the freshness of the fruit during transportation.