Husk (Ground) Cherry Recipe

“What is it and how do I use it?” is a common question we hear this time of year when referring to husk cherries, also known as ground cherries or husk tomatoes. They are small pale orange fruits wrapped up in what looks like a brown paper bag (or very dry skin), that are ready for harvest in early October. Their flavor is subtle, a little sweet, and very different. Some say they taste like butterscotch, pineapple, or even cheddar cheese! Because of their unique but vaguely familiar flavor, ground cherries can work well in a variety of different recipes like pies, jams, salsas, or to accompany salads or meats.

Meg Tallon’s Peach Salsa Recipe (Substituted with Husk Cherries)

Ingredients

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, cored, seeded, and finely chopped

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

4 medium peaches, pitted and diced (substitute with 2 cups husk cherries, halved)

½ bunch fresh cilantro, leaves finely chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, bell pepper, jalapenos, onion, peaches, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.

Toss thoroughly. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and black pepper, if you like. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

All of us at Green City Growers enjoy eating the fruits of our labor, and thankfully a handful of us also enjoy preparing what we grow for the rest to eat. Growing vegetables and fruit is admirable, but ultimately not useful (aside from the exercise and stress relief) if you don’t know how to prepare what you’re growing into something you also like to eat.

We invite those of you who could use a little extra guidance in preparing and preserving your harvests to join us for an evening with special guest Chef Meg Tallon. Meg developed a gardening and cooking program for the youth of East Boston with our Director of Garden Education, Leilani, and is known for crafting unique combinations for her delicious seasonal recipes. Using & Preserving Your Harvest Workshop, October 14^th at 6:30 PM.

Register Today!