Harankash, Physalis الست المستحية - الست المستخبية - حرنكش

A typically Egyptian fruit seems to have its origin from faraway places.

Known as Harankash حرنكش or الست المستحية or الست المستخبية (the shy woman), it is sold by street vendors. It has an orange color, and sweetish taste that has a tangy sour tone.

The scientific name is Physalis peruviana It belongs to the Solanacea family, and is closely related to the tomatoes. Its native land is Central America, Peru and Chile, from which it has been transplanted to parts of Africa, including Egypt.

The fruit is wrapped in a papery husk, giving it its name. It is eaten as a casual fruit in Egypt, and said to be on the menu for diplomatic receptions, as a distinctive Egyptian fruit.

It is also made into a jam, and said to reduce blood glucose level, and hence help those with diabetes. Recent studies say it can reduce cholesterol, and is a rich source of Vitamin C, and helps with anemia

The common name in Egypt is Harankash, with an obscure etymology. However, since it is harsh sounding, it has found its way in poetry, such as Ahmad Fouad Negm's poem "Alaya El Harankash" (عليا الحرنكش) mocking president Mubarak, although there are claims that Negm did not write this poem.

Resources

• Wikipedia article on Physalis peruviana: Cape goosberry.
• Article mentioning it as a health food and jam (in Arabic).
• Article mentioning a scientific study saying it reduces cholesterol.