FRUIT OF THE PASSION

Passion fruit

The Passion fruit Also known as Passion Fruit, it is a plant called climber belonging to the passionflower family, native to Central and South America specifically, it is considered typical of the Amazons of Brazil, Amazon of Peru, Paraguay, Colombia and also of northern Argentina.

Belonging to the genus of Passiflora, the Passion fruit It has a yellow or purple fruit, it is also known by different names in other regions of the world and American countries, for example in Venezuela it is known as parchita, in Puerto Rico parcha, in the Dominican Republic it is called chinola.

Passion fruit history

During the nineteenth century the different gastronomic varieties were successful in the South Pacific Islands, Australia and Hawaii. The Passion fruit Given the favorable climatic conditions, it was able to adapt quickly in these regions of the country, even so in Hawaii, marketing did not have a real boost until the mid-20th century.

The production of Passion fruit As well as its commercial success and the ornamental value of the flowers at this time attracted attention and prompted countries such as Uganda and Kenya to try to cultivate it in 1950, almost at the same time this plantation was introduced commercially to South Africa.

It is not known with certainty if it was because of these varieties or because of the cultivations of the Passion fruit in the Australian region, which led to its introduction into India through Sri Lanka, where it is cultivated today mainly domestically.

The cultivation of the Passion fruit It has spread across numerous islands in the Caribbean, Polynesia, Israel, and the Malay Archipelago.

The passionflower or Passion fruit It is a round fruit that measures between 4 and 10 cm in diameter, with a slightly acid taste, of a fibrous consistency, very juicy and with aroma, it is covered with a thick, waxy, delicate peel which is not edible.

Inside the pulp of the Passion fruit it has numerous seeds of small sizes. Its color presents great differences between the varieties that exist. The most common that occurs in the countries of origin is yellow, it is obtained from the f variety. flavicarpapero P. edulis.

For its greater visual appeal the Passion fruit it tends to be exported to North American and European markets. The fruit of the F. edulis P. edulis, is purple, red or intense orange, this variety is known in Colombia as gulupa.

Why is it called passion fruit?

The adoption of its name dates back several years ago, and thanks to the Spanish colonizers and their arrival, the world was able to know the Passion fruit, fruit that originally comes from America. Its name is due to the flower of the plant where these fruits are given, which was named ‘passionflower’.

It was they who gave it the name by which today the Passion fruit in various countries. They obtained characteristics in the flower that they related to the passion of Jesus Christ, so that comparison of the elements present in it was associated with the crucifixion of Jesus, leading them to give this name to the plant.

If we detail the plant of Passion fruit, we can see and understand the logic that led them to this relationship, since it has a pentaradial shape that has a specific relationship according to theology.

Use and benefits of passion fruit

When it reaches the point of maturity, the fruit is detached and collected directly from the ground, for fresh consumption or to be processed, the bark of the Passion fruit it must not present damage of any kind.

Great care must be taken not to consume it prior to its maturity, since the Passion fruit It presents cyanogens that are plant toxins composed of amino acids and that are produced as secondary metabolites in plants as a defense function. They are also consumed raw without the need to remove the seeds.

It can be eaten directly from the fruit once opened and used in fruit salads in contemporary cuisine, it is highly appreciated for salads with green leaves because its slightly acid flavor offers us a surprising combination.

The flower of the Passion fruit It is also used for salads, which are perfectly edible and tasty, even so, depending on its variety, it can have a slightly sedative effect.

The juice obtained from the fruit of Passion fruit When the pulp is pressed or when it is processed, it is often too thick to be ingested directly, so it is common to combine it with other fruits, water, and sometimes it is also combined with milk or yogurt.

The Passion fruit It is also used for the manufacture of jams using the pulp, so it is advisable not to discard the seeds in this case, since their pectin content intervenes in gelling.

In Venezuela they prepare the shells of Passion fruit which are previously boiled and mixed with the fruit juice, thus creating a thick drink called carato de passion fruit in that country.

The use of the Passion fruit since it is composed of phosphorus, iron, carbon, which contains a good amount of protein and has many healthy benefits that help lower blood pressure.

It serves as a natural relaxant helping to relax the body against stress and insomnia, eliminates respiratory problems, asthma and cough products, Passion fruit it also helps reduce muscle and headaches, intervenes in digestion, and helps with constipation.

It is ideal to include it in the diet since it also helps to lose weight, in addition to being a source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2.

It has an energy value of 78 calories, It is also a source with a high content of carotenoids, essential for metabolism and the proper functioning of our body.

In 100 ml of juice we will obtain the following chemical components.

COMPONENTS	100 ml OF JUICE
Protein	0.67 g
Calories	53.0 cal
Grease	0.05 g
Fiber	0.17 g
Vitamin C	5.8 mg
Ash	0.49 g
Niacin	2.24 mg
Match	24.60 mg
(Ascorbic acid)	20.0 mg
Vitamin A	2410.0 mg
Calcium	3.8 mg
Carbohydrates	13.72 g
Iron	0.36 mg

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