Ground Cherry Tomatoes

A few months ago, I went to the Wentworth Gardens in Dover, NH.  I was looking for a cherry tomato to grow in a container.  The only thing I found was one marked 'ground cherry.' They fall to the ground about a week before they ripen. Keeping them at room temperature for a week will ripen them. They are encased in a husk which is unusual.

They can be used in sweet and savory recipes.

"Small orange fruit similar in size and shape to a cherry tomato; 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.
Small shrub similar to the common tomato can be grown as an annual or perennial.

Plants are usually small, only 1-3ft in height. They enjoy full sun, fairly warm (but not hot) temperatures, and protection from frost. In areas where frost or freezes occur, plants are easily grown as annuals.
Provide lots of water throughout the growing year, except towards fruit ripening time."

Source:   http://www.localharvest.org/husk-tomato-ground-cherry-C19815