---

Poha berries
available now

The scarce poha berry has popped up recently in a few markets. These fresh berries are imported, however, and in limited supply.

Poha, or cape gooseberry, is native to Brazil. The fruit made its way to Australia in the early 1800s and to Hawaii soon after. Fresh local berries are difficult to find, unless you have them in your back yard. It used to be available seasonally, but weather patterns and difficult growing conditions have drastically limited supply.

The berries resemble yellow cherry tomatoes and are encased in a bell-shaped, straw-like husk similar to tomatillos, which are a distant relative. The mature fruit is golden yellow and can be eaten raw. Watch out for green, immature fruit, which can be poisonous to some. Inside, the berry houses many small, yellowish seeds.

The berry has a unique, tart flavor that is excellent in jams. It makes great candied fruit and is dried, like raisins, in South America.

Fresh poha -- called Golden Berries, from Columbia, can be found at a few Foodland markets at $5.99 for a 3.5-ounce basket.