Hidden inside a papery husk and no bigger than my thumbnail, these ground cherry tomatoes have a delicate pineapple flavor. I first tasted them almost ten years ago at the Union Square Greenmarket. I had the chance to introduce this old friend to my kids at the Grand Army Plaza Market in Brooklyn this past weekend. My 6 year old who could care less about tomatoes, popped one from its husk and loved it. They're expensive at $4 a half pint but the taste is so unique and season is so fleeting, it's worth the splurge. You can add them to salads, skewer on toothpicks with bocconcini and fresh basil leaves, or just eat them as-is. And if you're a gardener, seeds are available from Trade Winds Fruit.
These sound delicious! I don't think I have ever seen them before. I will look into getting some of the seeds for next year, though!
Posted by: Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction | 08/17/2009 at 06:25 AM
I've been wondering what these taste like. There were some at Yuno's stand at Union Sq today.
Posted by: maggie | 08/17/2009 at 08:23 AM
We're lucky to get ground cherries as part of our CSA share. I made jam with mine this year - so yummy!
Posted by: De in D.C. | 08/17/2009 at 08:55 AM
Maggie - you should definitely pick up a container to taste. It's a real treat.
Delora - Please post a link in the comments if you have a post with that recipe. Ground cherry tomato jam sounds quite nice!
Posted by: Jennifer Perillo | 08/17/2009 at 04:32 PM
My british chef hubbie calls these "cape gooseberries" they are delicious, especially from the farmers markets here in NYC, although occasionally you find them year round in Chelsea Market at Manhattan Produce.
We love to use them on fruit platters by pulling back the husk but not disconnecting and dipping the gorgeous fruit into dark chocolate - pretty look - fabulous taste with a built in "handle"
Posted by: Lisa Teiger - | 08/21/2009 at 06:41 AM