Goldenberry (Uchuva)

Yes. Goldenberries are small, round, firm, and slippery – qualities that greatly increase choking risk. To minimize the risk, cook goldenberries until soft and smash, or blend into a sauce before serving. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Allergies to goldenberries are not common, although allergies to its cousins the winter cherry and the angular winter cherry have been reported.^{1 2} What is more common is a harmless rash around the mouth while baby eats or diaper rash as a result of the acid in the food. Rashes after contact with acidic foods are typically just skin reactions to the acidity in the food and are rarely an actual allergic reaction. Talk to your baby’s doctor about applying a thin layer of barrier cream or ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face before meals and to the diaper area to help prevent contact rashes.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes. Goldenberries are packed with antioxidants and offer key nutrients such as vitamin C to support the immune system and iron absorption, fiber for regular digestion, vitamin A for visual health, and a bit of iron for healthy red blood cells. Just make sure they are fully ripe. Green or underripe goldenberries can be toxic, so look for berries that are fully yellow or orange in color.^{3 4}

Note that goldenberry jams and juices are best reserved until closer to the second birthday, as they often have added sugar or other sweeteners.

★Tip: Store goldenberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they keep for a week or two, or in the freezer where they keep for much longer. Storing goldenberries in their husk can help improve the shelf life.

Yes. Goldenberries are rich in fiber and fluid which help support healthy gut bacteria, bulk up poop, and hydrate the intestines to support healthy digestion and bowel movements. Goldenberries also contain seeds that may be visible in baby’s poop, which is nothing to worry about. Many seeds are naturally resistant to digestive breakdown in most individuals, regardless of age. To minimize digestive discomfort, introduce high-fiber foods like goldenberries gradually and regularly in baby’s diet as tolerated; a little gas or a few diaper blow-outs are just a sign that baby’s system is adjusting to the food.⁵ Remember that pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby. If you have concerns about baby’s pooping and digestive function, talk to your pediatric healthcare provider.

This fruit is believed to originate in South America, and today it thrives in temperate and tropical areas worldwide. Because of this widespread popularity, the goldenberry is known by a wide variety of names: aguaymanto, cape gooseberry, harankash, ground cherry, poha, topotopo, and uchuva—the name from the fruit’s native region. Like its cousin the tomatillo, goldenberries grow and ripen in a papery husk that must be removed before the golden-hued fruit is eaten. Depending on the specific type, their flavor profile varies, with some more tangy and others slightly sweeter. Goldenberry’s sour notes intensify when the fruit is dried, but when fresh, the fruit is common in batidos and smoothies, as well as in desserts, jams, and salads.