What Are Golden Berries? (+ Health Benefits and How to Eat)

If you’ve never seen them before, you might be wondering, what are golden berries?

Luckily, I have the answer to these unique, sweet, and colorful fruits.

Golden berries are husk-wrapped, orange berries in the same family as the tomatillo. A bit smaller than cherry tomatoes, they’re sweet and tropical in flavor, tasting like mango and pineapple. The husk they’re wrapped in is called a calyx, and it needs to be removed before consumption.

With their unique flavor profile and variety of health benefits, they’re sure to become a staple in your diet! 

And whether you enjoy them fresh or dried, adding golden berries to your meals is sure to make them even more enjoyable.

So what are you waiting for? Head out to the store and pick up some golden berries today. You won’t regret it! 

Can You Eat Golden Berries?

Golden berries, also known as Incan berries or cape gooseberries, can be eaten raw or dried. They’re small yellow-orange fruits with a tart flavor and crunchy texture. Native to Peru and Bolivia, they’ve been cultivated worldwide for centuries. The flesh inside is slightly sticky with edible seeds.

These little treats are especially popular in South America, but they’re becoming more widely available in other parts of the world.

Small in size, golden berries are typically around 1-2 cm in diameter, with a thin paper-like husk that surrounds the berry itself.

It has a unique bell or lantern shape, and when ripe, it’s easily distinguishable by its bright yellow-orange color. 

What Do Golden Berries Taste Like?

This is the kind of fruit you need to taste for yourself to understand the complexities.

Luckily, there are a couple of easy ways to explain the flavor.

Golden berries taste sour and tart when unripe and increase in sweetness as they ripen. Either way, the seeds add a hint of bitterness. They’re often compared to different fruits depending on their ripeness but are commonly thought to taste like a blend of apricot, mango, pineapple, and lemon.

I think they taste more tropical as they ripen. And I love the nutty crunch you get from the seeds.

And if you get them at just the right time, they burst with natural sweetness and juiciness, making them a great addition to any fruit salad or smoothie.

What are the Health Benefits of Golden Berries?

The health benefits of golden berries include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Just 100 grams of golden berries provides over half your daily vitamin C needs. They also contain high levels of vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium, supporting eyesight, healthy nerve functions, bones, and teeth.

They’re also rich in dietary fiber, which helps support digestive health and weight management. 

Additionally, golden berries have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. 

How Do You Know When Golden Berries are Ripe? 

Golden berries are a unique and delicious fruit that can be enjoyed when harvested at the right time.

But how do you know when these little oranges are ripe for picking? Well, the answer is all in the color! 

Golden berries are ready to harvest when they turn from green to deep orange-yellow. If they’ve gone even further and appear darker red or brownish, they are almost overripe and must be picked as soon as possible.

Enjoy them as a snack on their own or make something special with them, like jam or salsa.

Just remember: keep your eyes peeled for that perfect golden hue!  Happy harvesting! 

How To Eat Golden Berries

If you’ve ever seen golden berries, you know they look too pretty to eat.

But trust me; it will be worth it. These sweet and tart treats are packed with flavor and nutrition!

Plus, eating golden berries is surprisingly easy. Here’s how:

Golden berries can be enjoyed whole and raw, straight from the container. Eat them like cherry tomatoes.

There’s no need to cook these babies. Instead, just pop one or two in your mouth for a delicious snack that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

But if you want something a bit more special (and filling!), why not try making a simple dish with golden berries? 

• For a tasty side dish or salad topping, toss some golden berries with your favorite greens and veggies. Add a light vinaigrette dressing to really bring out their flavor.
• You can also try making a simple golden berry compote or adding them to yogurt, oatmeal, or granola for an extra special treat. Just chop them small, and you’re good to go.
• For something more indulgent, top off some ice cream with a sprinkle of golden berries. You’ll have your own homemade version of the classic sundae in a fruity flash!
• Make a sweet-tart milkshake by blending frozen golden berries with milk and vanilla ice cream. You can also use strawberry ice cream for even more sweetness.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to enjoy golden berries!

So don’t be intimidated by these jewel-like treats; grab a bag and find out why golden berries are so popular.

Your taste buds will thank you!

How To Store Golden Berries

If properly stored, golden berries can last up to 6 months in your pantry or refrigerator without losing their flavor or nutritional benefits.

And dried golden berries will last even longer.

This means that you never have to worry about running out of this delicious fruit anytime soon!

Either way, store them in an airtight container with a secure lid.