Golden Berries

Golden berries are currently grown in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. They originate originally from the Andes Mountains in western South America. Since then, it has visited Egypt, Thailand, India (where it is known as ras bhari), Australia, and New Zealand. Golden berries have been grown in South Africa since around the 1950s and in England since the late 1700s. Goldenberries are about the size of a marble and are packaged in a paper lantern (1-2 cm wide).

Golden berries are not gooseberries (as the name Cape gooseberry suggests) but are actually closely related to the tomatillo and the Chinese lantern. It is more distantly related to tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and other members of the nightshade family. In Ecuador and Peru, uvilla refers to the golden berry. Golden berries are considered a superfood, being low in calories and with moderate levels of vitamins and minerals. They are listed as being high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Many sources list golden berries as beneficial for treating weight loss, inflammation, diabetes, liver and kidney health, and improving the immune system.