Why are there so many different names for Goldenberries?

Although the popularity of goldenberries in the United States and around the world has increased in the last twenty years, It is still considered a minor fruit, there aren't that many supermarkets and grocery stores that carry them around NYC.  but goldenberries aren’t as exotic as you might think, they are found in markets from Venezuela to Chile, they are also grown in Hawaii, California, South Africa, East Africa, India, New Zealand, Australia, and Great Britain.





Physalis Peruviana is the scientific name of the goldenberry, they are commonly known in Europa as “cape gooseberry” or simply “gooseberry”, however, they are not at all related to the true Gooseberry as the name suggest, in fact they are more closely related to tomatoes. The name cape gooseberry was adopted by Australians, who received their first plants from the Cape of Good Hope.

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Meanwhile in the United states, the plethora of names given to physalis is baffling, names such as Goldenberries, Peruvian groundcherry, Giant groundcherry, Groundcherry, Chinese lantern, Husk tomato,  Poha Berries, Inca Berries, Pichuberries can be found in the US market and this can get confusing both to the consumer and the retailer who's trying to sell them.

In the article “Notes on the History,  Cultivation and Uses of Physalis”, published by The Journal of Royal Horticultural Society in 1974, the panel suggested the descriptive name “goldenberry,” which was commonly used in Great Britain and South Africa and was recommended as the commercial name. This more “melodic” name helped change the consumer appeal towards the fruit, since it is a reminiscent of other berry fruits, such as blackberry and blueberry, making it easier to remember.

As everyone who reads our blog knows we have settled with the name "Goldenberry", Please join the discussion and share your thoughts on this matter.