Exploring the potential of an Andean fruit : an interdisciplinary study on the cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) value chain

Abstract

Cape gooseberry is a fruit cultivated in Andean countries. Currently it is available some international markets, besides the domestic Andean market. Colombia is the major producer and export country at the moment. The value chain of cape gooseberry faces several barriers of technological and governance nature. This research is an interdisciplinary study on the Colombian cape gooseberry value chain. It aimed to evaluate quality attributes of the fruit during the supply chain, including the changes in the contents of health-promoting compounds; and also assessed the current situation of the value chain regarding degree of alignment of the actors. Findings show that cape gooseberry is a source of health-promoting compounds and has antioxidant activity properties. Such health promoting compounds in cape gooseberry are subject to thermal degradation or formation but not to the extent that they are no longer present after heating. Vitamin C and β-carotene were relative stable after storage time during post-harvest. The main issue for shelf-life of fresh cape gooseberry is the growth of fungi. The intake assessment conducted based on the current consumption of cape gooseberry, concluded that the contribution of this fruit to the daily recommendation intake of vitamin C and β-carotene in Colombian and Dutch adult population is negligible. Cape gooseberry is indeed a very low consumed fruit because is not well-known in international markets. However, it has potential to improve performance by first facing alignment issues, integrate the value chain and develop strategies to effectively plan the route to follow in order to scale up.