[3759allen]

have any of you grown chinese lanterns for fruit?

i tried some last year but the lanterns didn't seem to get so thin they go see through (is probably best way to describe it), i' assume that would be when they are ready to eaten.

i have them in the poly tunnel now to stop any rot and hope they may ripen further, i will try and get a pic this week.

have any of you got any photo's of what they look like when they are ready to eat?

cheers

[sunshineband]

Do you mean the Chinese lanterns that make bright orange papery fruits, or a variety of Physalis that you eat the berry out of the middle?

The orange ones are not edible!

The Physalis papery cases go pale brown when they are ripe, and the berry inside turns a bright yellow. if you peel back the case you can see the berry and they are very sweet when ripe.

They do last ages in their cases, so if these are the ones you have, they should still be alright in your greenhouse

[Mum2mj]

Chinese lanterns are poisonous I think. Cape gooseberries are edible and look similar

[sunshineband]

Chinese lanterns are poisonous I think. Cape gooseberries are edible and look similar

Quite right!!

[3759allen]

hmmmmmm thats got me worried.

it was listed as CHINESE LANTERN - ALKEKENGI. i have searched for it but no where seems to say weather it's poisonous or edible.

hear are some pictures of what they look like.

i was wondering weather they are worth growing as they don't seem to make a good quantity of fruit, i have grown them in pots so they may be struggling for nutrients. and now i'm not 100% sure if they're edible i may get rid and not bother.

any comments weather i can eat them would be brilliant for now though.

[sunshineband]

Physalis alkekengi are Chinese  Lanterns, which are grown as an ornamental plant: the berries are poisonous. Those bright orange berries you have show it is indeed this plant

Physalis peruviana are Cape Gooseberries aka Golden Berries which re edible.

Looks like you have had a lucky escape from an upset tummy there imho

[3759allen]

thanks for that definitely a lucky escape.

i should look at things properly rather than buy seeds on a whim.

do any of you think cape gooseberries are worth growing for fruit?

i thought as they ripen latter than most other fruit they could be useful. but as they didn't seem to produce much fruit (i think because they're in pots) i'm wondering if it's worth the hassle.

[sunshineband]

thanks for that definitely a lucky escape.

i should look at things properly rather than buy seeds on a whim.

do any of you think cape gooseberries are worth growing for fruit?

i thought as they ripen latter than most other fruit they could be useful. but as they didn't seem to produce much fruit (i think because they're in pots) i'm wondering if it's worth the hassle.

I found the "Giant" version of P peruviana well worth growing. Giant refers to the size of the plant and in a sheltered spot they grow to 1.5m and cropped very heavily, with cases staying fresh right through until after Christmas.

Sooo glad you didn't taste those other ones!!

[Dekzion]

I know it's a bit late now but this will add to the confusion ; https://www.livestrong.com/article/397489-how-can-i-eat-chinese-lantern-berries/
it seems they are edible according to them, I'm growing both lanterns and cape gooseberries this year on my plot, lanterns in the flower plot and capes in the fruit cage. I've just discovered the lanterns spread worse than mint so,, heyho!

[Subversive_plot]

I also found the same information link given in the previous post.

See also:
https://freakofnatural.com/chinese-lantern-plant/

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Physalis+alkekengi

I have always heard that Chinese lantern berries, when ripe, were edible. Do your due diligence though. The unrelated rhubarb also has some parts which are edible, other parts that are toxic.

[Added later: just realized that I replied to a new post on a very ancient thread]