Cape Gooseberry is native to Brazil but became naturalized in the highlands of Peru and Chile and thus became identified with the region. Botanists speculate that the cultivation and use of Cape Gooseberry may predate that of the Incan, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations. Cape gooseberry is a sweet fruit with an ornate husk. Cape Gooseberry is used as a novel garnish for deserts in some high-end restaurants as well as a base for a myriad of jams, chutneys, and smoothies worldwide. In addition to its culinary applications, Cape Gooseberry is also used medicinally throughout Europe to treat kidney / bladder stones, fluid retention, gout and urinary tract disorders.