Alchechengi

A fruit native to Peru, the alchechengi looks like a cherry of a delicate yellow or reddish color and is found on the market in the fall. It is pitted and encased in a lightweight balloon-shaped wrapper, which resembles parchment paper.

In Italy, the alchechengi is widespread in gardens mainly as an ornamental plant and the fruits on the market come mainly from Colombia and Peru. Without stone and rich in seeds, the alchechengi have a sour taste and should be eaten only when all traces of green color have disappeared from the skin.

They can be tasted fresh or, more often, covered with chocolate, as they are, or as a garnish in pastry preparations. Furthermore, since they are rich in pectin, they are very suitable for being transformed into jam. When buying, choose those with straw-colored wrappers, characteristic of ripe fruit.