The uchuva (Cape gooseberry), uvilla, wild tomato or Peruvian physalis belongs to the family of the solanaceae and possesses characteristics similar to the potato, the tomato and to tobacco although it ´s growth is bushy.

It is a round fruit, yellow, sweet and small (between 1.25 and 2 cm in diameter). It can be consumed alone, or in brine, deserts and with other sweet fruits. It ´s inner structure is similar to a miniature tomato.

The uchuva bush is characterized for being ramified with hanging foliage and normally grows up to one meter in height. With stakes and proper care, this plant can reach a height of two meters. It possesses yellow bell shaped flowers that are easily pollinated by insects and the wind.

Origen and consumption

The fruit originates from America, where more than 50 species are known in the wild. It was originally described in the region of Tierradentro, province of Cauca, Colombia and it ´s first cultivation was on a semi commercial scale.

Today it has conquered important markets in the European Union and the United States. It ´s principal consumers are the United Kingdom and Germany. It is actually cultivated in Colombia, Ecuador, California, South Africa, Australia, Kenya, India, Egypt, the Caribbean, Asia y Hawaii.

The uchuva can be consumed freshly, alone or in salads, giving a touch of sweet and sour to foods. In some countries like Colombia, it is being processed to obtain products like marmalade, yoghurt, sweets, ice cream, canned conserves and liquors. They also serve as decorative elements (in the same manner as a cherry) to decorate cakes and pies. Last, the uchuva bush is also used to protect the soil from erosion. This because of it ´s robust growing and expansion that acts like a coverer of the ground.

Environmental surroundings

The most recommended grounds to cultivate the uchuva are those that possess a granular structure and a sandy – clayey texture, preferable with high contents of organic material and a Ph between 5.5 and 6.8

The uchuva registers a good behavior in the regions that are located between 1800 and 2800 meters above sea level, with high luminosity, average temperatures between 13 and 18 degrees Centigrade, annual precipitation between 1000 and 2000 millimeters and a relative humidity of 70 to 80 percent.

Attributes of the uchuva

It is characterized for being an excellent source of pro vitamin A (3000 I.U. of carotene per 100 grams) and vitamin C. It also possesses some of the complex vitamin B. In addition, it ´s contents of protein (0.3%) and phosphate (55%) are exceptionally high for a fruit. Actually it has an important use with therapeutic objectives, since according to experts it helps to purify the blood, fortifies the optical nerve and alleviates infections of the mouth and pharynx. It is recommend for persons with all kinds of diabetes, it favors persons with prostate problems thanks to it ´s diuretic properties and in addition it is utilized as a natural tranquillizer for it ´s contents of flavonoids.

NATURAL COMPOSITION

PRESENTATION OF THE PRODUCT

Our company offers a big variety of presentations for the uchuva. To suit our customers we have presentations of 12 small baskets of 100 grams each, of different brands: Andes Fruits, Savannah, Rijnstar and Best Choice. Coming soon, our well known brand Selva will be back on the market. For the North American market we offer boxes of 12 or 6 Clamshells of 5oz each, as well as the belt presentation of 12 small baskets. Amongst the most recent alternatives we find the loose uchuva and the clamshells of 225 grams.