Uchuva, uvilla, aguaymanto, Inca tomato or physalis; these are some of the many names for this exotic superfruit, which is often used as an ornament in baking or haute cuisine, but has much more to offer.
"It's a product originating in the Andes, believed to come originally from Ecuador. We have our production in an area 50 kilometres south of Quito, in the province of Pichincha. The location is 2,000 to 3,200 metres above sea level; altitude gives the physalis a better quality, size, colour and Brix," explains Dennis Brito of TANKAY SOCIAL COMPANY.
Tankay is a social enterprise that aims to promote the production of exportable crops in order to improve the incomes and living conditions of growers in economically-depressed areas of Ecuador.
"We have about 40 hectares and produce all year round; we also process the physalis and sell it dried when the fresh market is not as convenient or is saturated," explains Dennis, adding: "We currently export fresh and processed fruit to Germany, Canada and the United States and we are really confident that large volumes of Ecuadorian physalis could enter the European market."
According to Dennis, the way in which the fruit is marketed must change. "So far, the marketing has focused on selling physalis as an exotic fruit and this has limited its growth; it could easily be sold as mini-tomatoes. This would help, as many people have doubts about buying them due to their appearance, or mistakenly believe them to be just an garnish for cocktails."
"We are collaborating with PRO ECUADOR to promote the culinary and nutritional qualities of physalis so that all cooking schools can become aware of them," concludes Dennis.
TANKAI will attend Fruit Logistica, in Berlin. You can visit them at Hall 23, Stand E 07.