Passion Fruit

Passion Fruit, native to the lands of Brazil, is known by a number of names from region to region. In Ecuador and Brazil, it is known as Maracuya. In Venezuala, passion fruit passes as Parcha, with in Puerto Rico it is called Parchita. No matter where you are, the taste and color of this tropical fruit will surely brighten your day. Passion fruit is often used in juice blends because of its unique aromatic flavor and characteristics.

Passion fruit is grown in many tropical regions, with Ecuador being one of the largest producers in the world. While Brazil in a major grower, they are also a major consumer, requiring the country to import more than it can produce. For this reason, Ecuador became one of the largest exporters of passion fruit. In addition to South American plantations, passion fruit is commercially grown in Australia and Hawaii. Hawaii tends to be the perfect climate for passion fruit since it has an ideal climate for this aromatic fruit. No surprise, Hawaii is the largest per capita consumer of passion fruit today.

Key Nutrients

Passion fruit is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin E, iron and potassium. Passion fruit is also a great source of dietary fiber and is low in both saturated and unsaturated fat.

Health Benefits

Vitamin A – Vitamin A, when converted into retinaldehyde, is a vital compound for healthy eyes. Furthermore, vitamin A is believed to fight against cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Vitamin A strengthens the membranes of the human body such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. It is also essential for the lymphocytes, or white blood cells, that fight infection once in the body.

Vitamin E – Research has shown that vitamin E possesses anti-inflammatory effects that can combat arthritis, rheumatism, asthma, and other inflammatory disorders linked to chronic inflammation. Vitamin E also improves the body’s metabolic function.

Potassium – Potassium is an essential mineral which aids in fluid regulation, protein synthesis and cardiovascular health. High levels of potassium are associated with reduced risk for stroke, improved blood pressure control as well as bone health.

Iron –Iron, found in red blood cells, is an integral part of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells. Iron is an essential component of many enzymes necessary for various chemical reactions in the body.

Season

The peak season for papaya is late Spring to mid-Summer, although you can find this fruit year round.

Nutrition Information

Per ½ cup (118 grams):

Calories (cKal): 114
Protein (grams): 2.6
Total Fat (grams): .83
Carbohydrates (grams): 27.59
Fiber (grams): 12.3

Buying and Storing

When buying passion fruit, make sure the fruit is firm to the touch and free of blemishes. When storing at home, the fruit can last in your refrigerator for up to one week.

Best Way to Add to Diet

Passion fruit makes a great stand-alone breakfast as well as addition to any fruit salad. Add a bit of passion fruit to your favorite sorbet for an out of this world taste.