(Physalis peruviana, Topotopo, Uvilla, Coztomate, Pogapoga, Tomatillo, Peruvian ground cherry, Wild tomato, Golden berry)
Native to South America, aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana), called topotopo in the indigenous Quechua language, is a perennial herb that produces edible, round, yellowish-orange berries which have a soft, succulent flesh characterized by a pleasant, tangy sweetness.
Mainly distributed in Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia and the Argentine provinces of Salta and Jujuy, the plant is typically gathered from the wild, and it is closely related to tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. The indigenous populations, including the Incas, have long consumed the fruits of the aguaymanto plant.
The fruits are an excellent source of iron, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. They can be eaten on their own or enjoyed with syrup, combined with other desserts and sweet fruits. The fruits can also be dehydrated or processed into jams, fruit preserves, and beverages.
The use and traditional knowledge of local wild plants such as aguaymanto are at risk of being lost as the consumption of these plants is increasingly neglected by younger generations because of cultural changes and migration to cities.
