PHYSICAL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, FLAVOR CONSUMPTION
 

Physalis contains a high amount of vitamin A, C, phosphor and iron, flavonoids, alkaloids, and fitoesteróides, some recently discovered by scientists.
Of unique flavor, lightly acidic and sweet, there’s no comparison with any other fruit. It produces a delicious juice of unique taste. Very much appreciated by great chefs in worldwide cuisine, it is used in sweets, ice cream, jams, chocolate and as an appetizer.
 Brazilian consumers are using the highly sophisticated fruit, which is produced and imported from Columbia at a price of R$ 100,00 (+/- $30,00) per kilo.

 

 
 CURIOSITY
 

A pioneer in high scale production, Colombia supplies the North American and European market, charging up to US$ 16,00 a kilo.
 Today, Physalis (Uchuva) represents 45% of the fruits exported from Colombia, coming in after bananas.
 
 MEDICAL PROPERTIES
 

Physalis purifies the blood, decreases the albumin of the kidneys, fortifies the optical nerves, cleans the cataracts, alleviates throat problems and controls amebiasis. It is a coadjutant in the treatment of prostate carcinoma and high cholesterol.
Native peoples of the Colombian, Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon and northern Brazil utilize its leaves, fruits and roots to fight the following diseases:
Diabetes, chronic rheumatism, skin, bladder, kidneys and liver diseases.

 

Recent scientific studies have revealed strong activity in the immune system, fighting some types of cancer, as well as the flu, herpes, polio and HIV viruses.

 

More recently, scientists of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Ceará discovered a substance called “PHYSALINA” that works in the human immunologic system avoiding the rejection of transplant organs. The FioCruz and its scientists are requesting the patent of this discovery.
 
SOURCES
- University of Los Andes and the Department of Projects of Colombia.
- Department of Agriculture of Colombia.
- Book: Medical Plants in Brazil- native and exotic.
    Authors: Harri Lorenzi and Francisco José de Abreu Matos
- Institute of Botanic studies Inc. http://www.plantarum.com.br

 

 

 

The first experimental plantation in Brazil was founded in 1999 in the camp “Estação Experimental Santa Luzia.”

 

 
 AGRONOMIC ASPECTS
 

 

Estação Experimental Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Experimental Station) was founded in 1999 and is the pioneer in Brazil in the cultivation of this fruit, improving it genetically by a selection process.

 

During this period, there have been many experiments done on the cultivation of the fruit. These experiences have showed excellent results in diversity of soil and spacing.

 

We believe that it is due to an excellent alternative of agriculture to the independent Brazilian rural producer and that we can transform Brazil from an importer to an exporter in a short amount of time.

 

Estação Experimental Santa Luzia provides latest-generation seeds along with a whole handbook on the cultivation of the fruit and the fruit itself lyophilized into powder form for human consumption and the production of cosmetics.
(See our virtual store.)

 

Our vocation: To prospect, research and conduct experiments on cultivation and make way to new alternatives of horticulture to the independent Brazilian rural producer.