In Tamil, this is called Sodakku Thakkali. It looks like a cherry tomato. Hence it is called a wild cape gooseberry. These small and bell-shaped solitary flowers are enclosed in a balloon-like calyx, which is green in color with net-like markings.
This is one of the fruits that we have forgotten today. Do not think that this is available in some stores in our country. It is commonly found on roadsides, vacant lots, and Barren land.
This fruit is not marketed in our country. So people in urban areas know very little about it.
In villages, children play by blowing the balloon-like casing of the ripe fruit on their heads. When you break this fruit on your head, it makes a sound like when you crack it. And the fruit looks like a tomato. Hence it is called a Sodakku Thakkali in Tamil.
Potato, eggplant, tomato, etc. are their relatives. This plant belongs to Solanaceae family.
This fruit will stun everyone with its amazingly unique sweet taste.
Structure and growth of Physalis minima
Physalis minima are derived from the small plant. The plant grows up to 90 cm tall. It is an annual plant. The stem of this plant is branched. Leaves are 10 cm long. The plant bears 2 cm flowers of greenish yellow or brownish yellow color. Flowers hang from the stem. This plant is often considered a weed. It is more common during the rainy season. This plant is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It is native to tropical America.
These tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and protein. It also contains fiber, carbohydrates, ash, etc. Tannin and pectin are also found.
Can you eat Physalis minima?
The question many of us have is can we eat Physalis minima and its greens? The answer is yes. The fruit and leaves of the plant have medicinal properties. By eating these, our body will get healthy.
Benefits of Physalis minima
Anemia
Physalis minima are the best remedy for those suffering from anemia problems. Its high iron content helps in the production of new blood cells. Due to this, more blood is produced in the body and the blood is clean.
The liver will have a new glow
If you eat this fruit, all the waste in the liver will be removed and the liver will be clean. Apart from that, this tomato is the best medicine for people who have liver-related problems where new cells are formed in the liver.
The nervous system will get stronger
These cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins necessary for the smooth functioning of the nervous system in the body. People with nerve-related problems will get benefits soon if they eat these tomatoes. Especially cures joint swelling and arthritis caused by gout.
Brain performance increases
If you eat Physalis minima, you will get the necessary blood flow to the brain. This increases the memory power and also makes the brain work faster.
Eyes are healthy
Physalis minima are rich in nutrients for the eyes. People with eye problems and people who spend a lot of time in front of the computer can get better benefits from eating these tomatoes.
Diabetes
Various studies have shown that these tomatoes have the power to prevent traditional diabetes.
Increases immunity
These are naturally immune-boosting fruits.
Blood pressure
Physalis minima has the power to control the blood pressure in our body.
Bad cholesterol
The chemical substance present in these cherry tomatoes dissolves the bad cholesterol in the body and thus helps the heart to function smoothly. This also helps in reducing excess body weight.
Bones get stronger
The calcium and phosphorus present in these tomatoes provide essential nutrients to the bones. This makes the bones stronger and stronger.
Digestion is regular
Due to the high amount of fiber in tomato, which is necessary for food digestion, it helps digestion to take place smoothly, and thus the problem of constipation is also fixed. And these tomatoes are excellent pain relievers and have anti-cancer properties.
To remove fibrosis in kidneys and liver
Alkaloids and flavonoids are found in the root of Physalis minima. Research results suggest that these can cure fibrosis in the kidneys and liver. So eating this fruit often can cure the disease of kidney and liver fibrosis.
Reduce pain caused by gout
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) found in this fruit is essential for blood flow to all parts of the body. When arthritis occurs, vitamin B3 drives the necessary blood to the affected area. This reduces the pain in the area and helps to move the joints easily. 140 grams of this fruit contains 24.5 percent vitamin B3.
For healthy heart function
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) found in this fruit produces a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical acts as a neurotransmitter that transmits messages to nerves and muscles. Vitamin B1 deficiency results in reduced neurotransmitter efficiency and irregular heartbeat. So we can have healthy heart functions by eating this fruit.
Let's grow naturally growing Physalis minima in our home garden and eat the fruit and live a prosperous life.
