Of all the wonderful things bestowed upon us by Nature, passion fruit has to be one of the most delicious, exotic, and health-full. Its lifestyle and restorative quality is enjoyed by many, and passion fruit has certainly captured the attention, aroma, and taste of the world. With its bright color, unique existence, exotic fragrance, and balance of sweet and tangy flavor, it is no surprise that passion fruit has found its way into the hearts (and bellies) of consumers globally. This blog discusses the sights, health benefits, and everyday use of passion fruit as “the fruit of passion."
What is Passion Fruit?
Passion fruit is a round, oval, or elliptical fruit with a hard outer skin that turns purple, red, or yellow when ripe. Once peeled, passion fruit contains a golden pulp, many small black seeds, and is enveloped in a juicy and fragrant flesh.
Passion fruit comes from a climbing plant called Passiflora - a plant native to tropical and subtropical South America, now grown and cultivated in tropical regions around the world, including Brazil, Colombia, Uganda, and Kenya - with potential cultivation in some regions of East Africa, including Somalia.
What's With the Name "Passion" Fruit?
Spanish missionaries were the first toying with the name "passion fruit" as they observed Christian/overtly symbolic meanings in the plant flower. The flower of the plant has five petals, representing the five wounds of Christ. Today, the name is more frequently associated with the tantalizing aroma as well as its delightful taste and calming, soothing features on the body.
Flavors that Excite Your Senses
Passion fruit is a unique fruit. It's sweet and tangy, with a floral scent that makes it very useful as an ingredient in many types of dishes and beverages.
🔸 How is it used?
Eaten straight from the fruit: Cut the passion fruit in half and scoop out the pulp with a spoon.
Juices: It can be blended into fresh, nice-cooling beverages.
Desserts: Used as a topping in yogurts and blended into smoothies, layer cakes, and used as an ingredient in ice creams.
Salads: Offers a nice fruity flavor for green salads and fruit salads.
Cocktails & Mocktails: Passion fruit is a wee favorite in exotic drink recipes.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Passion Fruit
🍊 1. Boost immunity (high levels of vitamin C)
One serving of passion fruit provides a large serving of vitamin C on top of vitamin C providing you with an immunity boost, helps you heal wounds and protects you from infections.
🧠 2. High in Antioxidants
The antioxidants found in passion fruit aid in fighting off free radicals, aids in slowing down the aging process and decreases chronic diseases risks such as cancer and heart disease.
🧘🏽♀️ 3. Encourages Relaxation and Sleep
Passionfruit is high in magnesium, which has a calming effect on the body. Drinking passionfruit juice in the evening can also help to sleep better and feel less anxious!
💩 4. Aids Digestion (High in Fiber)
Passionfruit seeds and pulp are high in dietary fiber. Fiber can improve digestion, prevent constipation, and support gut health.
💓 5. Lowers Blood Pressure
Passionfruit has potassium which relaxes blood vessels, helps directly balance sodium, and helps to regulate blood pressure and support a healthy heart.
How to Store Passion Fruit
Ripe fruit: In the fridge! It stays fresh for about 5-7 days!
Pulp or juice: Freeze it in a clean air-tight container to store it longer.
Passion Fruit as a Business Opportunity
Beyond its health benefits and taste, passionfruit is also becoming a stimulating agricultural business. Countries like Uganda with Kenya as well, are exporting it to European countries, where exotic organic fruits are still sought after.
For Somali farmers and entrepreneurs, this is an uncharted market that could be very profitable for both local and export.
Given the proper investment and guidance, this could be a viable business opportunity.
Concluding Thoughts: A Fruit to Fall in Love With
Passion fruit is not just a fruit. It is a healer, a delicious refreshment, and a livelihood! It can be enjoyed raw, as a fruit juice, or used in desserts - each spoonful embodies the story of health, beauty, and tropical delight.
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