Ground Cherry Preserves

Ground Cherry, a.k.a. Husk Tomato, is an orange fruit similar in size and shape to a cherry tomato. It is close kin to the tomatillo. The fruit is covered in papery husk. Flavor is a pleasant, unique tomato /pineapple like blend. The ground cherry is very similar to the cape gooseberry, both having similar, but unique flavors. Uses are similar to common tomato. Can be eaten raw, used in salads, desserts, as a flavoring, and in jams and jellies. Fruits are excellent when dipped in chocolate, and can be dried and eaten. Cooking time approximate. From the Mississippi Valley chapter of the United States Regional Cookbook, Culinary Arts Institute of Chicago, 1947. While this recipe is written in an old-fashioned way, it is perfectly safe if processed using modern methods. If you are unfamiliar with these techniques, please go to http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_home.html for the current information.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 3 1/2 pints

Ingredients

• 3  pints  husk tomatoes (ground cherry fruits)
• 3  cups water
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1⁄3 cup lemon juice (fresh is best)

Directions

1. Remove husks from ground cherries and wash.
2. Boil water, sugar and lemon juice together for five minutes or until clear; skim.
3. Add fruit and simmer until clear and tender.
4. Seal at once in sterilized jars, filling to the top of the jars with the boiling syrup.