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.
Comments
Anonymous (not verified)
harankash,
Thu, 2010/02/25 - 04:01elimizde harankash, var bunları size satabilirmiyiz
Anonymous (not verified)
I need to know the latin name
Wed, 2012/04/04 - 10:24I need to know the latin name of the Harankash found in EGypt, pllzzz
Anonymous (not verified)
Ground Cherry
Sat, 2013/05/18 - 13:25A related fruit is Ground Cherry, Physalis pruinosa, a.k.a. Husk Tomato
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.
Trade Winds Fruit.
roula phares (not verified)
inca golden berries
Wed, 2015/10/28 - 07:01I need to know the name of golden berries in arabic language