Discover the Charm of Chinese Lantern Plant Varieties

Description/Taste

Chinese Lantern plants are straight stalks with large and heart-shaped, flat leaves that are decorated with white flowers and vibrantly colored bulbous seeds in pods. White flowers have five petals that have a slight bent shape, which ranges from between 1 and 2 centimeters in diameter. As the flower ages it will lose its petals and allow the calyx to grow and cover the growing berry. The calyx that is inflated, often referred to as the seedpod of the plant, is green at first it changes to orange, yellow, and red-orange with the onset of maturity. As the pod matures it also becomes thinner and brittle, with a paper-like consistency typically between 4 and 5 centimeters wide. Chinese Lantern berries average 1 to 2 centimeters and are aqueous, which means they contain numerous tiny white seeds. The berries change in color from bright red to an orange creamy hue as they mature and change in flavor from very acidic and sour to slightly sweet, acidic and tangy when they reach maturity. It is vital to know that only ripe berries can be eaten of the Chinese Lantern plant. the leaves, calyx and stems are considered to be inedible.

Seasons/Availability

Chinese Lantern flowers bloom in the first part of fall.

Current Facts

Chinese lanterns, botanically known as Physalis alkekengi, are beautiful, herbaceous perennial that is less than a meters in height. It belongs to Solanaceae which is also known as nightshade. Their Chinese Lantern's name Chinese Lantern was derived from the flowering plant's bright and inflated seed pods. They are reminiscent of Asian lanterns. Although the pods of seeds aren't real blooms, they're frequently described as Chinese Lantern flowers when found on the plant. Apart from the pod's vibrant color the calyxes, which are protected by a protective layer, contain tiny berries that can be used in medical and culinary applications once they are ripe. Chinese lanterns are a well-loved garden plant, however despite their attractive appearance it has an aggressive nature and is able to develop rhizomes in the underground and earn it the designation as an invading species within a few parts in Europe as well as Asia. The plants are typically grown in containers to stop their spread and the seeds are removed, dried and used as a decorative element in floral arrangements. Dry Chinese lanterns keep their vibrant hues and last for a long time without degrading. The seed pods are sometimes cut open, which allows the seeds to expand into various shapes as they dry.

Nutritional Value

Chinese Lantern The berries of Chinese Lantern are a great supply of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that enhances collagen production on the skin, decreases inflammation and also boosts your immune system. The berries also have vitamin A, a nutrient which aids in maintaining the health of organs calcium, which helps strengthen teeth and bones, and lesser amounts of iron and the mineral phosphorus. In the traditional Chinese and Unani treatments, Chinese Lantern berries were utilized in the past to diuretize and were believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Applications

Only ripe berries from Chinese Lantern plants are edible The calyxes, leaves, and berries that are not ripe are considered poisonous which is why they should never be eaten. Chinese Lantern fruit berries change into light cream or orange when they mature. They have a subtle sweet, tangy flavour which can be consumed fresh cooked, dried, or cooked. The berries that are raw can be consumed in a single serving as a snack or they can be added to salads with greens and chopped into relishes. They can also be cut into salsas or blended into smoothies and juices. Chinese Lantern berries can also be chopped and spread over toast, to replace sweet tomatoes in cooking or simmered into sauces for roasting meats. Alongside savory dishes they can also be made into jams, or incorporated into pie fillings or baked into tarts, cakes and Scones. Chinese Lantern berries are delicious with a variety of meats, including turkey, pork poultry, fish cucumbers, avocadoes corn honey, dark chocolate citrus, peaches and herbs like rosemary, basil and parsley. These berries are kept in husks of paper until they are ready for use. They continue to mature. After being husked, the berries will last between 1 and 3 days in a refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

The Japanese are known as the "Obon" or "Bon". Japan, Chinese Lantern flowers are also referred to in Japan as Japanese Lantern flowers, and the bright orange pods symbolize used in bon or Obon. Bon Obon or Obon festival. The mid-summer to early autumn holiday is a celebration of the return of spirits of the ancestors back to earth. In the course of the celebration, each town has its own celebration that include music, dance as well as live music. A lot of Japanese families also place lanterns on their homes to help guide spirits. Graves are cleaned and decorated with gifts for the ancestors. Japanese lantern flowers are an extremely popular gift because the seed pods that are inflated closely resemble lanterns, which is a symbol of harmony and guidance between deceased and living family members. In the lead up to the Bon festival every summer, a market referred to in the form of Hozuki Ichi is held to offer offerings for the coming holiday. From the Edo period the market is held every year for the past ten years, in addition to Japanese Lantern flowers are the most popular item sold at the market. They are offered in a variety of sizes or as individual stalks. Japanese Lantern berries can also be offered for sale and are believed to have more healing properties when consumed during the market.

Geography/History

Chinese Lantern plants originate from temperate regions that span between Southeastern Europe to East Asia and have been thriving wild since the time of the ancients. The robust plant exhibits strong nature, allowing it to spread quickly once it is planted. Throughout their natural surroundings, the plant has spread into wild landscapes and has even extended across Western Europe. Chinese Lantern plants also were brought in North America and Australia, where they are cultivated as a unique cultivar for home gardens. Presently, Chinese Lantern plants are cultivated wild across Asia, Europe, North America as well as Australia. The berries aren't commercially manufactured and are instead harvested from wild or domestic gardening plants.