The Kitembilla also known as the Ceylon Gooseberry is native to Ceylon.
It was introduced into the United States by Dr. David Fairchild. Also popular in Cuba, seeds were sent from there to the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association in 1920. Plants were distributed widely throughout the Hawaiian Islands and use of the fruits was officially encouraged. Recipes developed in Hawaii in the 1920s, include juice, spiced jelly, kitembilla-papaya jam, kitembilla-guava jelly, and kitembilla-apple butter.
The fruit virtually disappeared until we found a few plants 2 years ago. The jelly has a great distinctive berry like flavor.
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