How to Identify Husk Cherries in Your Share:
Husk cherries are in the same family as tomatoes and are in the same genus as tomatillos (thus why they both have similar husks). They are small (about a half inch in diameter), round fruits encased in a papery husk. When ripe, the husk and fruit are a golden yellow and they will fall off of the plant onto the ground (they are also called ground cherries).
When it's in Season at Hartwood Farm:
Husk cherries are in season mid- to late summer at Hartwood. Expect to get one to two boxes packed like berries.
Crop Category and What it Tastes Like:
Fruiting veggie!
Some people can pop husk cherries like candy, while others can only handle a few at a time. We describe their flavor as “interesting” for this reason; a mix of cherry tomato and tropical fruit notes make husk cherries a unique crop.
How to Handle and Store:
Husk cherries store best at room temperature in their husks, in a mesh bag. If you know you will use them within 5 days or so, you can remove the husks and store them in the refrigerator.
How to Prep for Use:
Peel off husks and eat raw, like a cherry tomato or berry, or add to another dish.
Ways to Cook and Eat:
Husk cherries are one of our more unique veggies, so you may have to get creative with them if you want more than just a sweet snack. Although we are prone to peeling and popping them, you can add them to salads, make jams or pies with them, or try a salsa!
Quick and Dirty Hangry Farmer Go-To Preparations:
Take a handful, peel the husks, and enjoy like candy!
Typical time to:
Steam—1 to 4 minutes
Saute—2 to 5 minutes
Bake—We don't recommend
Boil—We don't recommend
Our Favorite Recipes:
Ground Cherry Salad with Ground Cherry Vinaigrette (Rawmazing)- a great way to make make these guys savory! Try replacing the jicama with kohlrabi
Ground Cherry Pie (Diary of a Locavore)- a unique end of summer dessert
Plum and Husk Cherry Tart (Denison Farm)- another one for the bakers!
Ground Cherry Preserves (Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking)- keep the summer sweetness around a little longer
Savory Husk Cherry and Rosemary Jam (P. Allen Smith)- the coolest addition to your charcuterie board (scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe)