If you are thinking about using cherry alternatives, carefully consider ground cherry vs. cherry because they are not the same.
Find out more differences between the two cherries and why they are sometimes mistaken as the same.
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Ground Cherry vs. Cherry: Similarities
Did you know there are over 400 species of cherries, with thousands of varieties growing worldwide?
However, not all cherries are the same, particularly ground cherry and cherry, but they share some similarities.
They share sweet flavors with slight differences in sharpness. Ground cherry is sharper, while regular tart cherry variety can also be intense.
Nonetheless, ground and regular cherries can increase the flavor of salads, jams, and desserts, including pies.
Ground Cherry vs. Cherry: Differences
Ground cherry gets its name from its cherry-like shape and the fact that it is picked from the ground when ripened.
Here is how you can differentiate between the two cherries.
1. Family, Plant Type, and Growth
Ground cherry belongs to the Solanaceae (Nightshade) variety, and cherry belongs to Rosaceae (Rose).
In fact, ground cherry qualifies as a berry, but regular cherry is a drupe or a stone fruit.
Ground cherry grows as a bushy annual and lies close to the ground.
However, regular cherry grows in a tall tree as a perennial.
2. Fruit appearance
One way you can tell between the two is through their shell appearance.
Ground cherry is covered in a papery husk, but cherries grow inside a stone-like hard pit that requires effort to break.
Similarly, cherries are redder and sometimes appear black and yellow.
On the other hand, ground cherry usually comes in yellow or orange shade.
3. Slightly Different Flavor
Ground cherries (Physalis) taste like a combination of sweet and tart with flavors ranging from various fruits, including pineapple.
However, cherries can be sweet and tart based on their variety. Prunus avium is sweet, while Prunus cerasus is acidic or sour.
4. Growing Environment and Care
Ground cherry is a tropical fruit that grows in warm climates and temperate regions when provided with full sun.
However, cherries require a period of cold temperature, usually winter, to produce fruit in spring.
5. Culinary Applications
While both can be eaten fresh, most cherries are added to meals or used as preserves.
Ground cherry suits green salads, tart jams, fruit spreads, salsas, and chutneys.
On the other hand, cherry makes perfect for pies, fruit jams, desserts, ice creams, and juices.
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Remember, ground cherries can adapt to a broader range of environments.
They are less likely to get diseases than regular cherries due to their natural immunity to most bacteria and fungi.
However, sweet cherries are more versatile and offer multiple edible uses, making them a favorite among kids and adults.
