Native to Peru, the fruit of the Physalis peruviana plant goes by many names. In the United States, you will most commonly see them sold as golden berries. Other names for it, which are even more common in other parts of the world, are Inca or Incan berries, pichuberries, Peruvian groundcherry, and the Cape gooseberry.The latter name should not be confused with the dozens of other species which are also called gooseberry, such as Indian gooseberries and Chinese gooseberries (what we call kiwi fruit in America). Using the "Cape" moniker is most common in South Africa, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In Britain, the fresh berries actually takes a totally different name, physalis. Unfortunately in the United States, it's hard to find fresh goldenberries for sale.Due to the many names associated with this food, you will come across incorrect values on many websites. The ORAC value of Cape gooseberries/goldenberry (Physalis peruviana) is the value you see stated above.What do goldenberries taste like? If you like Sour Patch Kids, you will love these. Even if you don't, their sour flavor is crossed with subtle sweetness, which makes them appealing to most who try them.How much antioxidants there are in goldenberries ranks them right along side many others, measuring out in the same neighborhood as red raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. In addition to having a respectable ORAC value, goldenberries offer other compelling health benefits. The fiber content is over twice that of apricots, currants, dates, prunes, raisins, blueberries, and goji berries (when all are dried and compared on an equal weight basis). They also have more potassium and phosphorus than the aforementioned fruits.Their yellow-orange color comes with certain antioxidants you won't find in other berries or only in small amounts. Withanolide is a polyphenol that's not a household name. You will find it in ginseng and the incaberry is one of the few other natural sources for it. Thanks to their high carotenoid content, they are touted for their vision benefits. Like goji, there is evidence to suggest they may be beneficial for age related macular degeneration (AMD) and other diseases of the eye.
ORAC Value:
3,874
μ mol TE/100g.
The antioxidant value of Golden Berries / Cape Gooseberries / Inca Berries described in ORAC units is: 3,874 μ mol TE/100g.