Cape gooseberry, noun phrase

Origin:
EnglishShow more Etymology dubious: either Cape + English gooseberry; or English cape cloak, referring to the papery sheath round the berry.
The fruit of the naturalized plant Physalis peruviana of the Solanaceae, a smooth, yellow berry enclosed in a papery sheath; the plant itself; Appel-der-liefde. Also attributive.
1821 E.S. Pigot Journal. 75Kate came in with her Apron full of Cape Gooseberries.
1870 C. Hamilton Life & Sport in S.-E. Afr. 67We made a hearty supper of venison and Cape gooseberry-pudding.
1890 A. Martin Home Life 231Very good home-made jams can be obtained from the Cape gooseberry — a kind of small tomato, enclosed in a loose, crackling bag much too large for it.
1891 H.J. Duckitt Hilda’s ‘Where Is It?’ 123Jam (Separi or Cape Gooseberry). One pound of ‘gooseberries’ to three-quarters of a pound of sugar.
1907 T.R. Sim Forests & Forest Flora 44A copious growth of Ferns, Solanums, Physalis (Cape Gooseberry)..had taken possession.
1917 R. Marloth Dict. of Common Names of Plants 33Gooseberry, Cape, Physalis peruviana. The plant is not a gooseberry nor a native of the Cape.
c1936 S. & E. Afr. Yr Bk & Guide 298Special attention has been given..to the manufacture of preserves from the Cape Gooseberry, which has already established a demand in the European markets.
1941 Bantu World 25 Jan. 8She..tells you how to make jam from mulberries, Cape gooseberries, tomatoes and other fruits.
1950 H. Gerber Cape Cookery 133Gooseberry Pancakes...Pour hot stewed Cape Gooseberries over the pancake mound just before serving.
1979 Heard & Faull Our Best Trad. Recipes 104Actually the Cape gooseberry is not advertising the Cape Province. The ‘cape’ derives from the shawl or cape which cocoons the fruit.
1990 Style May 18Splash out on the theatrical choux-pastry swan filled with sweet Cape gooseberries and custard.
1994 L. Davidson in D. McCormack Perm Bk of ‘Test the Team’ 60The name of the fruit the Cape gooseberry has nothing to do with the Cape of Good Hope.
1994 L. Davidson in D. McCormack Perm Bk of ‘Test the Team’ 167The plant was introduced into South Africa from South America via Holland before 1800. ‘Cape’ refers to the papery covering round the berry.
The fruit of the naturalized plant Physalis peruviana of the Solanaceae, a smooth, yellow berry enclosed in a papery sheath; the plant itself; Appel-der-liefde. Also attributive.
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