Passion fruit or passion fruit("peshen fruit" or passion fruit in English) - delicious tropical fruit, which is quite often found on the shelves of markets and shops in Asia.
Nowadays passion fruit is grown in tropical and subtropical climates almost everywhere (in America, Asia, Australia, Oceania and even in the relatively cool climate of England). Homeland of Stratus flower (scientific name of passion fruit from the Latin Passiflora edulis) - South America, where the familiar name "passion fruit" comes from. This is what this fruit is called in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Why "passion fruit"?
The name comes from mara kuya (can mean "food in a bowl") in the Tupi Indian language. The Tupi language was widely spoken in Brazil, but is now considered a dead language. The Tupi language did not have a written language and was essentially a collection of dialects, so it is difficult to say unequivocally what the name of the fruit originally sounded like: passion fruit or maracuja, or maracuja.
In English speaking countries passion fruit is called passion fruit(fruit of passion), which has more to do with the flowers of these plants than with the fruit itself. In the 16th century, a strange flower that came to Europe became a visual religious symbol of the passion of Christ and the crucifixion itself. For which it received the scientific name Passiflora or Passion flower (“passion flower”).
What does passion fruit look like:
The passion fruit plant is an evergreen vine (vine) that grows in much the same way as grapes. But we, of course, are more interested in the most delicious thing - passion fruit. Is it round or oval shape With juicy pulp and lots of seeds inside. The color of passion fruit can range from yellow to dark purple, depending on the variety and maturity. However, so does the taste of passion fruit, which varies from sour to sweet. 
How to eat passion fruit:
Many varieties of passion fruit are sweet and do not require any sweetener. But, if you come across a sour variety, you can add sugar or honey to taste. In the Philippines, they like to sprinkle passion fruit pulp with chili pepper, and in Thailand - with salt or pepper and salt. Surprised? I highly recommend trying the salted passion fruit with pepper - it’s very tasty. 
Clean this exotic fruit It’s simple - cut it lengthwise and in half (as in the photo), and use a spoon to eat the pulp.
In many countries, passion fruit is eaten fresh. Juices, jams, and preserves are also made from this fruit of passion. Passion fruit is often added to yoghurts, smoothies, and ice cream. 
If you want to try delicious passion fruit, ask local residents, exactly how they eat this fruit. There are so many sour varieties that they are used in cocktails instead of lemon (for example, passion fruit azedo in Brazil). There are two types of passion fruit in Indonesia: white variety eaten just like that, and the juice of yellow fruits is used for cooking thick syrup with addition large quantity Sahara.
Beneficial properties of passion fruit:
In addition to the fact that passion fruit is a truly delicious exotic fruit, it is also healthy.
One called the fruit of passion - Passion flower. But this name does not express anything erotic - we are talking about the passion of Christ. Brazil is considered the birthplace of passionflower. When the Italian Jesuit monk F. Ferrari arrived on the shores of this mysterious country in the 17th century, he was shown an amazing flower. The shocked Ferrari described its beauty to his compatriots, using the famous biblical story of the suffering of Christ: “The elongated outer part of the fruit looks like a crown of thorns; petals white emphasize the innocence of the Savior; many nectaries resemble torn clothes; the column rising from the center of the flower resembles the pillar to which the Lord was tied; the ovary on this column symbolizes a sponge soaked in vinegar; five marginal threads - five wounds, and three stigmas - three nails; the stems of the vine are like hostages... There is only no cross, because soft natures are not able to imagine the full depth of Christ’s pain..." After such a description, the name " passionflower».
The scientific name for this exotic plant- passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L). Having spread widely throughout the tropical zone of the planet, it received many other names: passion fruit, passionfruit, edible passionflower, granadilla. Exotic to our compatriots fruit better known as passion fruit.
passion fruit - spanish name the passionflower family, which has more than a hundred species. The most common type that we buy is passionflower “yellow granadilla”.
Botanical description of passion fruit
Passion fruit is evergreen vine, growing up to ten meters in length. The dark green, deeply three-lobed leaves of the plant are alternate. Their length reaches twenty centimeters. The edges of the leaves are finely toothed.
Passion fruit blooms with single flowers, the diameter of which is about three centimeters. Each flower contains five petals, five stamens and five sepals.
Passion fruits can be oblong or spherical in shape. Their skin color varies from dark purple to yellow. Fruit ripening after pollination lasts about 80 days. Ripe passion fruit has a sweet and sour aromatic taste.
Beneficial properties of passion fruit
Passion fruit contains many useful substances. The pulp consists of 40% juice. The share of carbohydrates is 20%, protein - 3%, minerals- 4.2%, organic acids - 4%, fats - 0.7%. Passion fruit contains a lot of phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, sulfur, copper, manganese, iodine, fluorine and zinc. The exotic fruit is also rich in vitamins C, B1-3, 5-6, 9, H, K, A.
Passion fruit improves the functioning of the digestive system and serves as a mild laxative. Its fruits remove uric acid from the body, serve as a good antipyretic, and a medicine that copes well with liver and urinary tract diseases. Passion fruit juice has a relaxing effect and helps improve sleep.
Passion fruit contains alpha hydroxy acids that improve skin elasticity, hydration and tone. Therefore, passion fruit can be seen among the list of components of many cosmetics. In addition to these properties, the fruit also has antioxidant properties.
Thai doctors recommend eating passion fruit regularly for people who have problems with cardiovascular system, overweight, liver and urinary tract. It has been noted that passion fruit has a laxative, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. The seeds of the fruit are prescribed as a sleeping pill.
Passion fruit serves as the basis for the production of sedative medications.
Is it harmful to eat passion fruit?
Eating passion fruit in large quantities can cause allergies. Don't get carried away with bones - they are a strong natural sleeping pill.
How to eat passion fruit
In Thailand, passion fruit pulp is mainly eat spoon raw. In order to get to the pulp, you need to carefully cut the peel of the fruit in a circle (make a deep cut, not cut in half). Then quickly (to prevent the juice from spilling) separate the halves. The pulp is eaten along with the seeds.
Passion fruit pulp is used in cooking. It is great for making pies, salads and cocktails.
How to store passion fruit
Passion fruit is a short-lived product. When stored in the refrigerator, the exotic fruit does not spoil within five days. Frozen passion fruit will retain its taste properties for several months. However, after defrosting, the pulp will look pathetic...
Other uses of passion fruit
The passion fruit is obtained by cold pressing special oil used in cosmetology:
- in medicinal creams for psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis;
- in sunscreen formulations;
- in anti-inflammatory recipes;
- in moisturizers;
- as a soothing massage oil;
- in care products for “problem” skin (dry, flaky, with an altered lipid barrier).
If you decide to enjoy an exotic fruit and don’t know how to eat passion fruit, this information is for you. The fruit can be used in different ways, but the most great pleasure- eat it in fresh.
How to eat sweet fruit correctly
It is not for nothing that this fragrant fruit is called the fruit of passion; its taste will not leave you indifferent. Don't try to take the most attractive-looking fruit. Choose purple fruits with mint and withered skin in the store: this is an indicator of ripeness. The softer the fruit, the sweeter the pulp. However, the brown color of the skin indicates that the fruit is overripe - you should not take it.
To eat passion fruit, take a spoon
The selected fruit must be shaken. The more liquid it contains, the tastier it is. Choose the most fragrant fruit. This will ensure that the pulp has a bright taste. Here's how you can enjoy the fruit:
- wash the fruit and place it on a plate;
- cut in half, being careful not to lose a drop of juice;
- Use a teaspoon to scrape out the pulp from each half;
- discard the skin.
The jelly-like pulp must be scraped out until the white layer of the skin is reached. Do not scrub the white layer too hard: it is tasteless and may taste bitter.
What is the best way to eat fruit: with or without seeds?
Inside aromatic pulp The fruit has small seeds. They are quite edible, although they may be slightly bitter. For passion fruit lovers, this is not an obstacle, since the jelly-like mass can be swallowed without chewing.
If small inclusions irritate you, rub the pulp through a sieve. It's easier than fishing out the inedible parts one by one.
How to use fruit raw, and more
Best to eat exotic fruit fresh. If you're not interested in eating it with a spoon, make it into juice. The fruit will fit perfectly into fruit salads, it can be eaten with yogurt or added to ice cream.
The fruit is suitable for preparing dressing. Rub the fruit through a sieve. Mix the pulp freed from seeds with olive oil, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Season a green salad with this mixture.
Fresh passion fruit fits perfectly into chilled alcoholic cocktails
If fate has blessed you with an abundance of such exotic things, make jam or preserves from the fruit. A sauce with the addition of aromatic fruits will give meat or fish an unusual taste.
Eating tropical fruits immerses you in fairy tale an abundance of aromas and tastes. Passion fruit is one of these exotic dishes. It is versatile and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked.
The once exotic word “passion fruit” now sounds familiar and familiar - the name of this fruit can now be seen in yoghurts, juices, ice cream and even tea. And this is no coincidence - in Food Industry Passion fruit is valued primarily for flavored juice, although in its usual form this fruit is very tasty and valuable. You rarely see it in Russian stores, but if you are lucky, be sure to buy it! Passion fruit - the beneficial properties of this delicacy are simply unique. In addition, you can try to grow passion fruit at home - and although you are unlikely to get piquant fruits, you will be able to admire the greenery and luxurious flowers of this amazing plant.
A little history of the “fruit of passion”
Passion fruit belongs to the passionflower family - plants that a few centuries ago received the sad name “flower of passions and suffering” - passion flower.
When in the 17th century the Italian monk Ferrari set foot on the fertile Brazilian soil - the birthplace of passion fruit, he was amazed by the amazing beauty of the flowers. The unusual shape and color reminded the priest of the torment of Christ: a flower crown with wavy bright threads is a bloody crown of thorns, five large stamens are the wounds of the Savior, and snow-white petals are innocence... Returning home, the eloquent monk described the passionflower in his diaries, and according to legend, he himself The Vatican has approved the passion fruit flower as a symbol of the church.
However, decades later, this sad fruit story was forgotten, and passion fruit began to be called the “fruit of passion” for its rich taste, bright aroma and spectacular appearance. And in the countries of Latin America and Southeast Asia, edible passionflower has long been considered an excellent ...
Rescue from insomnia and an invigorating effect in one
For everyone who has come to love this fruit for unusual taste And exotic aroma, it is important to know the benefits of passion fruit. The tropical fruit is a storehouse of useful substances: these include the most important vitamins B, A, E and C, elements such as iron, calcium, potassium and others.
Ripe passion fruit contains up to 50% juice, and this provides a mild diuretic and laxative effect. Feel free to include the pulp or juice of the “fruit of passion” in your daily diet - this will improve the functioning of your lazy intestines and kidneys.
Thanks to its rich complex of useful substances, passion fruit has earned fame natural antibiotic– in home countries South America, Indonesia and Hawaii, it has always been successfully used as an antipyretic and antimicrobial agent.
But passion fruit is not the only thing that has become famous for this - the beneficial properties of the Brazilian fruit are fraught with another surprise. This plant has a double effect - passion fruit juice perfectly tones, relieves fatigue and gives fresh strength, but the seeds, on the contrary, soothe and provide a powerful sleeping effect. Don’t forget about these features of delicious passionflower: before a party, a glass of passion fruit juice will be just right, and after a hard day at work, it won’t hurt to eat a spoon or two of the pulp along with the seeds.
However, passion fruit also has dangerous properties, so you need to be careful with this exotic guest. Passion fruit is a strong allergen, so if you are prone to allergic rashes, try passion fruit first in small quantities– and stock up on antihistamines just in case.
Passion fruit in cosmetology
An overseas fruit with a bright taste is also a real salvation for women’s skin. Wrinkles, unclean complexion, wide pores, loss of elasticity, missing blush - for all these problems, homemade passion fruit masks will be an excellent solution.
The simplest recipe that will return fresh color and radiance to your skin after a hard day:
Mix the pulp of half a ripe passion fruit with heavy cream and apply in an even layer to your face. Rinse off with cool water after 15-20 minutes.
A passion fruit mask will also help your hair: it is no coincidence that Brazilian women are famous for their thick and shiny curls. The recipe is:
Take the pulp of the whole fruit, a tablespoon and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Whisk vitamin mixture blender, apply to damp hair and wrap with film. Leave for half an hour and wash off with regular shampoo.
Passion fruit in cooking
Juicy and aromatic passion fruit is an important component in the national cuisine of South America, Asia and tropical islands. In our country, passion fruit is just beginning to gain popularity, and above all in desserts. Fruit salads, cocktails, and passion fruit ice cream will be the ideal component of any romantic dinner, especially considering the passionate reputation of the Brazilian “delicacy.”
And for those who are ready to cook a full-fledged exotic dish, we can suggest chocolate dessert from apples and passion fruit.
You will need: 4 small red apples, 2 passion fruits, 40 grams of plums. butter, 4 tbsp. spoons of sugar, 3 fresh yolks, 2 tbsp. spoons, almond flakes, 20 grams of grated chocolate.
Cut the apples into small cubes, melt the butter with one spoon of sugar. Fry apples on it until full readiness. Cut the passion fruit in half.
Sauce: beat the yolks with sugar in a water bath until it thickens.
Place the apples in the molds, top with passion fruit pulp, and pour in the sauce. Sprinkle with almonds and cook in the oven at 200 degrees for 5-7 minutes. Finishing touch– grated chocolate.
How to grow passion fruit on a windowsill
If you want to know how passion fruit blooms, the photos will show the luxurious blue-white flowers unusual shape. However, it is quite possible to grow such beauty on your native Russian windowsill, provided that you find an approach to an overseas plant.
So, passion fruit - growing at home is possible in two ways: cuttings and seeds. Cuttings can sometimes remain on the purchased fruit; the seeds can be pulled out of the pulp and dried, or you can purchase your favorite variety of passionflower seeds in the store.
Dried “seeds” can be kept for 3-4 days in a wet cloth, and then planted in a regular pot and calmly wait for the first sprouts. When your passion fruit produces 4-5 sprouts, you can transplant it into a larger pot. Passionflower is a classic liana; it grows very quickly, up to 10-15 centimeters per month, so it is important to provide it with good support. These can be metal or plastic grates or even stretched ropes for the passion fruit to cling to and crawl up.
Growing passion fruit does not like shade or too bright light; ideal windows for it are eastern and western. It is better to spray and water every other day. With proper care, in 2-3 months the tropical liana will entangle the entire window, and in a year or two it will begin to bloom.
How to choose the right passion fruit
Like many other fruits, passion fruit has many varieties, and each has its own characteristics. If you ask any search engine what passion fruit looks like, the photo will show round fruits different sizes and shades: yellow, greenish, purple, smooth and wrinkled, but with the same orange-yellow flesh and many seeds.
Traditionally, yellow fruits are larger and contain more pulp, but purple ones are juicier and sweeter, especially if they are covered with large wrinkles. Passion fruit peel is poisonous, but there are also edible varieties, the peel of which is put into jelly and used to make candied fruits. However, in Russian realities it is impossible to figure out which variety is in front of you, so it is better not to risk it.
One of the most popular questions is how to eat passion fruit? Usually the fruits are cut in half and the pulp is eaten with a spoon, but if you have purchased a large and juicy fruit, you can use the islanders’ recipe - pierce the passion fruit, insert a straw and drink the juice.
You can store passion fruit in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but there is some danger here - sugar accumulates in such fruits, so they are not recommended for diabetics. So don’t take care of the ripe passion fruit that lands on your table! Add it to salads, arrange romantic dinner with fruit cocktails, make vitamin masks for hair and face - after all, it is simply impossible to resist the legendary fruit of passion.
Passion fruit is an exotic Brazilian fruit, widely known throughout the world. Passion fruit, passionflower, purple granadilla - the fruit has many names. Remain unchanged unique taste, alluring smell, sweet juice, and, of course, the benefits of passion fruit. Indeed, it would be very difficult to find a person who has not tried yogurt or aromatic tea with the addition of an exotic beauty.
Like everything unknown, passion fruit has its own secrets, wrapped in uniquely beautiful flowers.
How does passion fruit grow?
Many centuries ago, monk Ferrari arrived from Italy in sunny Brazil. It was he who gave the name “fruit of passion”, but not at all for the inflaming properties of the fruit. The strange flower reminded the monk of the torment and pain of Jesus. Thin flower petals symbolized the bloody crown of thorns, strong stamens were like the nails of a crucifix, and the most delicate white petals expressed innocence.
Over time, the religious legend was forgotten, passion fruit spread throughout the world and, thanks to bright taste, attractive aroma and spectacular appearance, retained its passionate name. By the way, in many countries, passionflower is used as a powerful aphrodisiac.
Today, passion fruit is cultivated in tropical countries and delights residents with the most beautiful flowers and delicious fruits. The tree itself is a cluster of vines that grow up to 10-12 meters per year. During the growth period, the plant grows small tendrils and carefully wraps itself around everything. Over time, numerous fragrant flowers form on the branches, from which fruits appear after 3 months.
Passion fruit season in Thailand
One of the developed areas of passion fruit is Thailand, where it is considered the most aromatic fruit. Immediately after the end of the rainy season, the growing period begins, which lasts from December to April. At this time, ripe passion fruit appears on the shelves of markets and supermarkets. This is a rare fruit for Thailand, but tourists will be able to enjoy it. The price of granadilla varies depending on the time of year.
What does passion fruit look like?
Externally passion fruit looks like a large yellow or deep purple color and reaches 12 cm in length and 3 cm in width.
The dense peel of passion fruit protects the contents of the fruit from damage and is also a kind of indicator of ripeness. An unripe fruit has a perfectly smooth skin, while a ripe fruit is completely covered with small wrinkles.
Depending on the variety, the weight of passion fruit varies between 35-50 grams. Most of it is jelly-like orange pulp With small bones. Yellow large fruits contain more pulp, but purple ones are much sweeter and juicier.
Other members of the Passionflower family are very similar to passion fruit. For example, an oblong banana granadilla grows 12 cm in length and 4 cm in width. The shape of the fruit can resemble an elongated light yellow or cucumber with velvety dark green skin. Inside the peel contains bright orange pulp in the form of numerous small droplets with seeds.
And the giant granadilla, living up to its name, has a truly impressive size. The fruit grows up to 30 cm in length and up to 12 cm in width and resembles a small melon. Unlike passion fruit, the yellow or green skin of the giant granadilla is thinner. But, like most edible varieties of passionflower, the large fruit contains aromatic, sweet and sour pulp with brown or purple seeds.
Composition and calorie content
Passionflower is distinguished not only by its bright appearance. Its rich composition itself answers the question of whether the fruit has beneficial properties.
The rich content of vitamins, mineral complexes, beta-carotene, antioxidants, flavonoids and fiber help cope with many ailments and maintain health. 100 grams contain:
- 2.4 g protein,
- 0.4 g fat,
- 13.4 g carbohydrates,
- 78 g water,
- 1.5 g dietary fiber.
At the same time, passion fruit has low calorie content. Only 68 kcal per 100 grams of fresh pulp. This feature makes the fruit attractive to people who are losing weight or watching their figure.
Diabetics need to watch not only what is in their foods. Due to the high carbohydrate content, it is necessary to limit the consumption of passionflower so as not to cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels.
Vitamins
Passion fruit contains numerous vitamins, some of which provide up to 25% of the daily value.
- Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens vision, improves skin condition and stimulates the immune system.
- Vitamins B1 regulates the functioning of the nervous system and is involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Vitamin B2 is part of enzymes, an active participant in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, giving the skin firmness and elasticity.
- Vitamin PP improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous activity, and is part of the enzymes involved in cellular gas exchange.
- Vitamin B5 regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes the synthesis of enzymes involved in fat and amino acid metabolism.
- Vitamin B6 is involved in hematopoiesis and protein metabolism, improves immunity, and activates mental activity.
- Vitamin E – protects blood vessels from damage, strengthens the immune system, activates physical and mental activity
- Biotin makes skin and hair healthy.
- Vitamin K synthesizes substances involved in blood clotting.
- Folic acid helps synthesize hemoglobin and strengthens blood vessels.
- Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant, stimulates the immune system, strengthens blood vessels and bone tissue, regulates cholesterol levels, and participates in the synthesis of hormones.
Minerals
Passion fruit contains mineral complexes, which, together with vitamins, protect health. When eating fruit, the body replenishes reserves of macro- and microelements that are not independently synthesized.
- Calcium is part of bone and cartilage tissue and provides nerve conduction to muscles.
- Potassium strengthens the heart and promotes proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Magnesium regulates phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
- Sodium is involved in water metabolism and transports cellular substances.
- Phosphorus is part of ATP, bone and nerve tissue, and promotes the contraction of muscle fibers.
- Sulfur is a beauty mineral, improves body tone, nourishes skin cells, hair and nails.
- Chlorine activates the enzyme amylase and promotes digestion, and is part of the blood plasma.
- Iron is one of the most important components of hemoglobin and carries out gas exchange in cells.
- Iodine is part of thyroid hormones.
- Manganese helps vitamins and minerals to be absorbed, participates in the synthesis of insulin, as well as in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
- Zinc promotes the synthesis of most hormones and enzymes and ensures muscle function.
- Fluoride is part of tooth enamel, protecting teeth from caries.
- Copper, together with vitamin C, is involved in the process of hematopoiesis, strengthens vision, and promotes the beauty of skin and hair.
How to eat passion fruit
It is impossible to describe the taste of passion fruit in one word. It resembles a combination of your favorite fruits and berries. The freshness of kiwi, the sourness of sea buckthorn, airy sweetness and, the juiciness of gooseberries, the tartness of plums and the tenderness of strawberries give a rich sweet and sour taste. Such a vibrant composition explains why granadilla is a gourmet favorite.
The fruit must be peeled before use. The peel is considered poisonous, but chefs have learned to use some varieties in the preparation of desserts. However, you should not take risks and experiment with exotic foods on your own.
For safety during transportation, passionflower is treated chemicals, so it must be washed thoroughly.
The peel is carefully cut in a circle so as not to split the fruit in half. This is done to save more fresh juice. From each half, eat the remaining core with a small spoon. Passion fruit seeds are eaten along with the jelly-like aromatic pulp.
How to choose passion fruit
To please yourself with exotic delicacies, you need to understand how to choose it correctly. Ripe fruit covered with a slightly wrinkled, rough shell without damage. Smooth passion fruit is sour in taste, but becomes sweeter as it ripens.
Can you eat passion fruit seeds?
The Brazilian guest has a contradictory effect. The pulp itself invigorates and tones, and the seeds have a hypnotic effect. The soft, miniature seeds are used in cooking for decoration. confectionery, desserts and cocktails. In addition to beauty, they are a source of Omega acids and vitamins.
What is made from passion fruit?
The fruit is often used in cooking variety of dishes– desserts, salads, pastries, casseroles and sauces. Unique taste makes it a worthy component of any kitchen. Passion fruit goes well with dairy products and seaweed, therefore it is often used in cocktails, smoothies and juices.
How to store passion fruit
In the homeland of the fruit, it is stored in a cool place to maximize its shelf life. Peeled passion fruit can be refrigerated for up to five days. And if you freeze the pulp along with sugar, all the important substances and benefits will be preserved for a long time.
What are the benefits of passion fruit?
The tropical fruit of passion can rightfully be called the fruit of health. Fresh passion fruit regulates nervous activity, strengthens the heart, normalizes arterial pressure, activates the liver. The juice has a mild diuretic and laxative effect on the body. A alimentary fiber stimulate the digestive system and promote the elimination of waste and toxins.
An increased amount of antioxidants that protect not only from viruses and bacteria, but also from oncological diseases, allow us to safely say that passion fruit and benefits are inextricably linked.
Also, passionflower has medicinal properties. The fruit reduces the development of inflammatory processes, reduces the risk of asthma attacks, and helps cope with severe headaches without medications.
The benefits of passion fruit for women are invaluable. During menstruation, it relieves the condition and eliminates cramps. In adulthood, regular use Fruit will help cope with severe signs of menopause.
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