Passion fruit

With an intense acid flavor, passion fruit or passion fruit is abundant in water (between 72 and 86%). Its minimal fats are concentrated in its seeds, and its proteins are scarce. Regarding carbohydrates, they are more notable and include important percentages of soluble vegetable fiber in the form of pectins, and insoluble, in the membranes and seeds. But the greatest treasure of the passion fruit is found in its vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. His vitamin C (30 mg/100 g) is close to that of lemon and orange and also stands out in beta-carotene, in vitamin B3 (1.5 mg), which is double or triple that in most fresh fruits and in vitamin B2. Among the minerals, it stands out in potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and trace elements such as zinc, copper or selenium.

The granadilla, maracuyá or passion fruit – so called because the flower is reminiscent of the thorns that Christ carried in his martyrdom – has a strong and thick rind that protects an endless number of dark and crunchy seeds wrapped in a juicy and gelatinous pulp. , aromatic and refreshing, whose color varies from various shades of pink and yellow to almost white. The variety found on the market comes from Brazil and has a tangy flavor that gives body to many exotic fruit juices.

A fruit to discover

Passion fruit is an interesting fruit for everyone, but especially for children, those of growing age, pregnant women, the elderly, people under stress or high physical demands, and smokers.

· The vitamin C, that predominates in the passion fruit intervenes in the collagen formation, bones, teeth and red blood cells, favors the absorption of iron, strengthens the immune system and exerts an antioxidant action.
· The yellow varieties of passion fruit also stand out in beta-carotene or provitamin A, that helps keep in good condition of sight, skin, hair, mucous membranes, bones and the immune system.

· The niacin or vitamin B3 (1.5 mg), intervenes in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, blood circulation, growth and respiration.
· The riboflavin or vitamin B2 (0.1 mg) is important for the skin, mucosa and cornea.

· He iron (1.6 mg) can represent up to 9% of the recommended daily amount and, in addition, when accompanied by vitamin C, it is better assimilated.
The passion fruit also contributes magnesium (29mg) and match, involved in various growth processes and in the correct secretion of breast milk.

juicy and aromatic

Good tasters say that passion fruit has hints of peach, apricot, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, all well mixed into a tremendously aromatic set, with more than two hundred volatile substances, and a bittersweet palate, with the fresh sting of citric acid, and the touch of green fruit that malic acid gives it. The texture is silky before chewing, and then crunchy when meeting the seeds. And immediately you notice the sharp acid notes on the sides of the tongue…

Versatile like lemon

Passion fruit is usually consumed as fresh fruit, in the form of syrup for desserts, or as juice. Being acidic like lemon, the following lemon pairings go well: fish and seafood dressings, soups, stir-fries, boiled vegetables, lentils and tofu, if used as is. Added to any vinaigrette, it provides the same acidity but with an incredible aroma and flavor.

how do you eat it

Only the pulp is eaten. A piece is taken and cut with a knife, turning it around, but without going through its interior. Then the pulp is sucked directly from the shell, or it is extracted with a spoon.