A basket of Gu Niang Guo (Ground Cherry)

Gu niang guo (姑娘果), also known as ground cherry, cape gooseberry, or goldenberry, is a small golden fruit wrapped in a delicate, papery husk that looks like a tiny lantern. Peel it open and you’ll find a glossy berry with a bright sweet-tart flavor, tropical and slightly tomato-like. In Yunnan, it’s often eaten straight as a simple snack to pair with tea, and it also shows up in jams, desserts, and drinks for its fragrant, refreshing bite.