Preserved "yellow Ground Cherries" Recipe

Preserved Yellow Ground Cherries Recipe

Introduction:
Preserving fruits and vegetables has been a common practice throughout history in various cultures. Preserved "yellow ground cherries" are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year. These cherries, which grow abundantly in many town and country gardens without being cultivated, make a delicious preserve and can also be used to create an appetizing pie. In this recipe, we will explore how to make preserved yellow ground cherries and discuss some fun facts about this delightful fruit.

Fun Facts:
- Yellow ground cherries (Physalis xanthocarpa) are small, golden fruits that belong to the nightshade family.
- They are native to North America and have a long history of being enjoyed by Indigenous communities.
- Yellow ground cherries are often referred to as husk cherries or cape gooseberries.
- These cherries are encased in a delicate, gossamer-like covering, which needs to be removed before preserving.

Preserved Yellow Ground Cherries Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of small yellow ground cherries
- 3/4 pound of sugar

Instructions:
1. Begin by removing the gossamer-like covering from the small yellow ground cherries. This can be done by gently peeling away the covering with your fingers.

2. Place the peeled ground cherries in a stew-pan.

3. Add the sugar to the ground cherries. The recommended ratio is three-fourths of a pound of sugar to one pound of fruit. Adjust the sugar quantity according to your preference for sweetness.

4. Place the stew-pan on the range and cook the ground cherries and sugar mixture on low heat. Cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. As the mixture simmers, you will notice the fruit becoming clear, and the syrup thickening to a honey-like consistency. This is an indication that the ground cherries are being preserved effectively.

6. Once the fruit looks clear, and the syrup has thickened, remove the stew-pan from heat.

7. Carefully transfer the preserved ground cherries into sterilized pint jars. Make sure the jars are clean and dry before adding the preserve.

8. Seal the jars tightly to prevent any air or moisture from entering and causing spoilage. This can be done using a water bath canning method or by using airtight jar lids.

9. Allow the preserved ground cherries to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. This will ensure the longevity of the preserves.

10. The preserved yellow ground cherries can be enjoyed as a sweet and tangy preserve, or they can be used to create a delicious pie.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Preserved Purple Ground Cherries: If you prefer larger ground cherries, you can try preserving the purple variety. These cherries, when preserved, greatly resemble "Guava" jelly in flavor, as described by Frau Schmidt.
- Ground Cherry Pie: To create a delightful pie, you can use the preserved yellow ground cherries as a filling. Simply prepare your favorite pie crust, add the preserved ground cherries, and bake until the crust is golden brown.

Conclusion:
Preserving yellow ground cherries is a wonderful way to capture their unique flavor and enjoy them throughout the year. Whether enjoyed on their own or used as a pie filling, preserved ground cherries are sure to delight your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and savor the sweet and tangy goodness of these exquisite fruits.