HomeGlossary › Ground Cherry

What Is Ground Cherry? | Première Peau

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS  /  fruity · sweet · fresh
Ground Cherry
Ground Cherry perfume ingredient
CategoryFRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS
Subcategoryfruity · sweet · fresh
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalPhysalis pubescens (syn. Physalis pruinosa)
AppearanceYellow to amber liquid (extract)
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesNorth America, South America
PyramidHeart

Ground cherry is a sweet, tangy fruit encased in a papery husk, often used in gourmet cooking and perfumery.

  1. Scent
  2. The Full Story
  3. Fun Fact
  4. Extraction & Chemistry
  5. In Perfumery
  6. See Also

Scent

The scent of ground cherry smells sweet and fruity, like a blend between a cherry and a pineapple with a hint of tartness. The first impression is bright and lively. As the fragrance develops, it reveals deeper, more complex layers of sweetness that can remind one of honey or caramelized sugar, balanced by a fresh, green undertone that adds a refreshing zing.

Scent Evolution

In comparison to other fruit notes, ground cherry has a unique twist. While many fruits can be overly sweet or cloying, ground cherry maintains a crispness that makes it both refreshing and structured. This quality allows it to complement floral andwoody notes, enhancing the depth of a fragrance without overpowering it.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

After a few hours

After a few hours

After a few days

After a few days

The Full Story

Ground cherry, known scientifically as Physalis pruinosa, is a unique fruit that belongs to the nightshade family. It is native to tropical regions of South America, but has also found its way into gardens across North America. Ground cherries have a distinctive appearance, encased in a lantern-like husk that protects the small, round fruit within. Historically, indigenous peoples utilized ground cherries for their culinary potential and for their medicinal properties.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, the ground cherry is known for complex aroma and sweet, tangy flavor. Its scent profile can evoke memories of summer nights, ripe fruit, and sun-drenched gardens. This ingredient earned attention among niche perfumers who seek to incorporate fruit notes that are both refreshing and unexpected. The fruit's versatility allows it to enhance fragrances with a sense of sweetness while adding a subtle tartness that balances more floral or woody elements.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Sourcing ground cherries involves careful cultivation, as they require specific growing conditions to thrive. The harvesting process is delicate, as the fruit must be picked at peak ripeness to capture its full aromatic potential. Once harvested, the ground cherries can be used fresh or processed to extract their essential oils, which are then utilized in fragrance formulations. The growing interest in sustainable and locally sourced ingredients has led to a resurgence in the popularity of ground cherries within the luxury fragrance market.

Did You Know?

Ground cherries are sometimes called 'husk tomatoes' due to their resemblance to small tomatoes and their papery husk that encases the fruit.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Ground cherries are sometimes called 'husk tomatoes' due to their resemblance to small tomatoes and their papery husk that encases the fruit.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: No commercial ground cherry essential oil or absolute exists for perfumery. The note is a fantasy accord.

Molecular FormulaComplex mixture (fruit extract)
CAS NumberN/A — natural fruit extract
Botanical NamePhysalis pubescens (syn. Physalis pruinosa)
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
Synonymshusk cherry, strawberry tomato, husk tomato
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
Lasting Power24 hours
AppearanceYellow to amber liquid (extract)
Flash Point> 60 °C
Specific Gravity0.880 to 0.950 @ 25 °C
Refractive Index1.450 to 1.490 @ 20 °C

In Perfumery

Ground cherry is a heart note in perfumery, adding a sweet and fruity character that can uplift a composition. It works alongside floral notes like jasmine or rose and can add a pleasant contrast to deeper, earthier base notes such as sandalwood or patchouli. Perfumers often use ground cherry to create fragrances that evoke warmth and nostalgia, used in summer and spring scents.

See Also

Premiere Peau Perfumery Glossary. Explore all 75 ingredient entries