Manuj Awasthi, V.K. Tripathi, Shiwanand Pandey and Riddhima Tripathi
Abstract
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), commonly known as golden berry, rasbhari, or Inca berry, is an underutilized fruit crop belonging to the family Solanaceae and native to the Andean regions of South America. The crop has gained global attention due to its exceptional nutritional value, medicinal properties, adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, and increasing commercial potential. The fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols, carotenoids, and bioactive compounds that contribute to human health and disease prevention. Agronomically, cape gooseberry demonstrates tolerance to marginal soils and varying climatic conditions, making it a promising crop for sustainable agriculture and livelihood enhancement. Commercially, the fruit has a growing demand in fresh and processed forms, including jams, juices, dehydrated products, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparations. Despite its potential, the crop remains underexploited due to limited research, poor awareness, lack of organized production systems, and postharvest challenges. This review highlights the agronomic characteristics, nutritional composition, health benefits, postharvest management, processing opportunities, and commercial significance of cape gooseberry while identifying future research priorities for enhancing its cultivation and utilization.