Passion fruit or passion fruit(“peshen fruit” or passion fruit in English) is a delicious tropical fruit that 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 many 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. 
Peeling this exotic fruit is simple - cut it lengthwise and in half (as in the photo), and eat the pulp with a spoon.
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 the locals exactly how they eat this fruit. There are varieties so sour that they are used in cocktails instead of lemon (for example, passion fruit azedo in Brazil). In Indonesia, there are two types of passion fruit: the white variety is eaten plain, and the juice of the yellow fruit is used to make a thick syrup with a lot of sugar added.
Beneficial properties of passion fruit:
In addition to the fact that passion fruit is a truly delicious exotic fruit, it is also healthy.
Motherland exotic fruit passion fruit - Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Since ancient times, the plant has taken root well in Thailand. Passion fruit is translated from Thai as “fruit of passion”; other names for these fruits are granadilla purpurea and passionflower. Today the plant is grown in many tropical countries. The passion fruit tree is a cluster of vines that grow up to 12-20 meters in a year. As the tree grows, it acquires tendrils, with the help of which it wraps around everything around itself. The liana blooms with beautiful, large flowers with purple, lilac or white petals on the outside. There are many strong long stamens in the middle.
Passion fruits are round or oval in shape, similar in appearance to large plums, the peel is yellow or deep purple. The fruit grows up to 30 cm in length and 12 cm in width, depending on the variety. The skin is very dense and protects the inside of the fruit from damage. The pulp itself is orange, very aromatic, iron-like consistency, with many purple or brown seeds. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour. Green passion fruit is smooth, ripe and wrinkled.
About 500 species of passion fruit grow in nature, but only two are suitable for food:
- passionflower edulis, small fruits with dark purple skin, with sweet and aromatic pulp;
- passionflower edulis flavicapra, large fruits with yellow skin, pulp with pronounced citrus sourness.
Benefits and harms
100 g of fruit contains only 68 kcal. Fruits contain vitamins A, C, E, K and group B, linoleic acid, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, selenium, iron, copper and zinc.
The leaves of the plant, which contain large quantities of antioxidants, biologically active acids and serotonin, are also useful. The peel of the fruit is highly valued.
passion fruit consists of 80% water and is very beneficial for the human body. The flavonoids contained in the fruits help strengthen the walls of the brain and slow down the aging of cells, protect against cancer. Excess cholesterol, toxins and waste are removed from the body with the help of sterols. Serotonin restores and improves performance nervous system. The seeds have hypnotic and sedative properties, passion fruit juice is a very good tonic, helps with constipation, has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora and improves metabolism. A decoction prepared from the leaves of the tree helps with pain caused by rheumatism and gout, and lowers the temperature. An infusion of seeds and leaves relieves the condition female body during menopause.
Passion fruit has a beneficial effect on the liver, kidneys and genitourinary system, especially in infectious diseases. Fruits normalize arterial pressure, relieve severe symptoms of migraine and asthma, help preserve vision. If you regularly eat passion fruit, you can improve your health; it is especially recommended to eat the fruit for middle-aged and elderly people, whose bodies are most susceptible to various diseases.
The pulp of the fruit is widely used in cosmetology. The products work well to tighten pores, reduce wrinkles and even out skin color, saturate it with vitamins and tone it. The pulp is added to shampoos and hair conditioners, which strengthen the roots, improve hair growth, and help with hair loss.
Hair Mask
Mix 100 g of passion fruit pulp with 3 tbsp. spoons of heavy cream, add 1 tbsp. spoons of olive and burdock oil. Mix the mixture thoroughly and apply to your head and hair, cover with a plastic cap. Wash off the mask after 30 minutes warm water and shampoo. The mask is stored for 7 days in the refrigerator, applied every other day. After a month of using this product, your hair will become thicker, stronger, healthier and shiny.
Skin mask
Combine 50 g of fruit with a tablespoon of sour cream, you can use cream. Add a few drops of peach oil and a teaspoon of honey to the mixture, mix thoroughly and apply to cleansed facial skin, rinse with warm water after 30 minutes.
Passion fruit oil is useful for various problems of the body:
- has a stimulating effect on cells, due to which they are renewed;
- restores the lipid layer of the skin, making it more elastic and smooth;
- soothes irritated skin, helps get rid of redness and swelling;
- controls the formation of subcutaneous fat;
- nourishes dry skin well and eliminates flaking;
- has healing properties and is effective for eczema and psoriasis.
Passion fruit has no special contraindications and there is no harm from it, but you should remember that you cannot consume it in large quantities, especially if the body is prone to allergies. It is better to eat 100 g of passion fruit per day. If you have an active business activity or a trip, it is better to avoid eating the fruits, because they are a good sleeping pill.
Application in medicine
Passion fruit has been used for a long time in folk medicine, decoctions and tinctures are made from fruits, flowers, seeds, peels and leaves that help with various health problems:
- headaches and insomnia;
- climacteric disorders;
- chronic alcoholism;
- whooping cough;
- hypertension;
- liver diseases;
- convulsions;
- anxiety states;
- bronchial asthma;
- high blood pressure;
- haemorrhoids;
- muscle spasms;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- inflammation;
- burns.
Passion fruit infusions are used as an antifungal, antiseptic and antispasmodic.
Use in cooking
IN different countries Passion fruit is eaten in different ways:
- on the Hawaiian and Philippine islands the fruits are pierced and the juice is drunk;
- in the Dominican Republic, fresh fruits are eaten with sugar;
- in Sumatra they use fruit juice to make syrup;
- the Vietnamese prepare a popular dessert made from passion fruit and honey;
- in Brazil, the seeds are used to decorate baked goods, and the juice is used to make mousses;
- in Australia, sweet sauces are prepared from the fruits, passion fruit is served with ice cream, cheesecake and the airy pavlova dessert. The juice is used to prepare the refreshing drink Passiona;
- in Mexico, passion fruit is seasoned with lime and red pepper;
- in Peru, sour passion fruit is added to the national seafood appetizer called ceviche;
- in South Africa, passion fruit is added for flavor to yoghurts, carbonated drinks, sweet pastries, prepare multivitamin and tropical juice mixtures.
The fruit is usually eaten raw, cut into two halves and the pulp scooped out with a spoon. Prepared from fruits flavored juice, which becomes even tastier if you mix it with orange. Fruits are used as a filling for baked goods, an addition to cocktails, ice cream, yoghurts and various desserts. Passion fruit is added to salads and sauces, and the pulp is included in liqueurs.
Passion fruit dessert
Ingredients:
- 50 g Philadelphia cheese;
- 250 g condensed milk;
- lemon;
- 1 passion fruit;
- 150 ml heavy cream 30%;
- 20 ml milk;
- 1 quail egg.
Preparation:
- Cut the passion fruit and scoop out the pulp with a spoon, place in a blender bowl, add cheese, milk and egg.
- Wash the lemon and cut it into 2 parts, squeeze the juice of one half into a blender, add condensed milk and beat everything until smooth.
- Place the whipped mixture in a bowl and add the cream, stirring gently from top to bottom using a spoon.
- Divide the mixture into portion forms, grate the zest of the remaining half of the lemon on a fine grater and decorate the dessert. Place the molds in the refrigerator for half an hour. Serve chilled.
Passion fruit punch with rum
Ingredients:
- 150 g passion fruit pulp;
- 300 ml white rum;
- 2 glasses of ice;
- 600 ml lemonade;
- 150 ml orange juice.
Preparation:
- Mix orange juice, rum and passion fruit pulp in a decanter. Cover with film and leave in the refrigerator for an hour.
- Combine the mixture with lemonade and pour into tall glasses with ice.
How to select and store passion fruit
Passion fruit will only be beneficial for the body if you choose it correctly at the market or in the store. You should definitely pay attention to the following factors:
- ripe fruits with a rough skin, elastic. Cracks and spots indicate that the fruit has begun to deteriorate;
- if the fruit is suspiciously light, then its core has dried out and is not worth buying. Even a small fruit should be heavy;
- yellow fruits are not as sweet as purple ones.
The smooth-skinned fruits are unripe, but can be purchased. At home, put them in a paper bag and leave them to ripen for several days. Ripe passion fruit can be stored for 5-7 days in a cool place. Peeled pulp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The pulp is frozen with sugar for the winter, so everything is preserved in it useful material.
Growing passion fruit at home
Passion fruit can be grown at home from seeds or cuttings. The seeds must be fresh; dry ones will not sprout. Buy a well-ripened fruit and extract the seeds, choosing the best ones.
Growing from seeds consists of several stages:
- thoroughly clean the seeds from the pulp and place them on a cloth, rub gently until the juice sacs open;
- Rinse and dry the seeds twice. Do not dry the seeds in the sun, just lightly blot them with a napkin and leave them on a dry cloth;
- prepare the soil: combine compost, sand and garden soil in a 1:1:1 ratio;
- choose a container that is not very deep, fill it with soil and make small furrows in it, the distance between which should be 5 cm;
- plant the seeds in the furrows at a distance of 1 cm from each other, sprinkle with a thin layer of soil;
- water the seeds and place the container in a warm place, periodically moisten the soil;
- When the sprouts sprout and grow to 20 cm, transplant them to a permanent place.
Growing using cuttings is a very simple method and in most cases gives good results. Planting stages:
- choose a cutting; you only need to cut young shoots that have at least 3 buds. Cut the cuttings obliquely, above the lower bud;
- prepare a mixture of fertile soil and fine sand in a ratio of 1 to 3, mix thoroughly;
- select a deep container and fill it with soil, immediately plant the cutting after cutting and create a moist environment for it. To do this, you can build a small greenhouse from a box-shaped frame covered with a polymer film;
- Place the finished greenhouse in a sunny place with high humidity. After 2 weeks, the cuttings will take root;
- transplant the cuttings with roots to a permanent place.
Care
Passion fruit is a rather capricious plant and requires careful care, which consists of regular watering, fertilizing and installing support for fast-growing vine branches.
Watering is very important, because passion fruit naturally lives in a humid climate. The plant needs to be watered frequently and thoroughly. The soil should not dry out. If the room where passion fruit grows does not have very high humidity, watering should be done once a week.
Passion fruit loves fertilizers very much, so you need to feed it often and generously. Fertilizers begin to be applied in spring, summer, and at the beginning of autumn, fertilizing is carried out once. For passion fruit, slow-acting organic matter with a low nitrogen content and chicken manure in granules are suitable.
Passion fruit is a liana-shaped plant, so it needs strong support. As soon as tendrils begin to appear on the vine, carefully tie them with a thin rope and tie them to a support. Place the side branches opposite the main stem.
Pruning is mandatory; it should be done once every 2 years, in the spring before flowering begins. When pruning, dry, weak and old shoots are removed. Old branches cannot be cut off at the base; you need to leave a few buds, because new shoots can grow from them.
Passion fruit is a beautiful plant that will delight you with evergreen leaves and sweet aromatic fruits. Be sure to include fruits in your diet, and your body will be very grateful to you.
What does passion fruit look like?
People who have never seen a passion fruit may imagine a large plum that is yellow or dark purple in color. This exotic fruit grows on a vine and its length ranges from 6 to 12 cm. passion fruit, which is not quite ripe, has a smooth skin, and its ripe fruit has a wrinkled surface. The peel of the fruit is quite dense; it reliably preserves the pulp from mechanical damage.
Composition of passion fruit
100 g of passion fruit contains:
Water – 78 g
Proteins – 2.4 g
Fat – 0.4 g
Carbohydrates – 13.4 g
Dietary fiber (fiber) –1.5 g
Vitamins:
Vitamin A (beta-carotene) – 0.24 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 0.02 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.1 mg
Niacin (vitamin B3 or vitamin PP) – 2.5 mg
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – 0.2 mg
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – 0.4 mg
Folic acid (vitamin B9) – 14 mcg
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 24 mg
Vitamin E (tocopherol) – 0.4 mg
Biotin (vitamin H) – 5 mcg
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) – 10 mcg
Macronutrients:
Potassium - 340 mg
Calcium - 17 mg
Magnesium - 9 mg
Sodium - 28 mg
Sulfur – 19 mcg
Chlorine – 37 mg
Phosphorus - 57 mg
Microelements:
Iron – 1.3 mg
Iodine – 1.3 mcg
Manganese – 120 mcg
Copper – 120 mcg
Zinc – 0.25 mg
Fluoride – 20 mcg
Beneficial properties of passion fruit
Passion fruit contains almost no fat; protein and carbohydrates predominate, which allows those who care about their weight to use this fruit in their diet. The calorie content of 100 g of tropical delicacy is only 65-70 kcal. But the benefits of passion fruit are not only in using dietary nutrition, it has many valuable properties.
For the intestines- Passion fruit helps improve intestinal function and has a mild laxative effect. In addition, these fruits stimulate the excretion of uric acid from the body and act as a natural antipyretic.
Passion fruit is recommended for people suffering from diseases of the urinary tract and liver, as well as for low blood pressure. The juice of this fruit has a calming effect and helps improve sleep. For skin
Passion fruits contain significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, are rich in fiber and substances with antioxidant activity. Nutritionists recommend consuming passion fruit for diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, urinary tract and for weight loss.
Passion fruit also has antimicrobial, antipyretic and laxative effects, and also reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, improves the functioning of digestive system and promotes the removal of uric acid and other metabolic products from the body.
passion fruit has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and urinary tract.
The soluble fiber that the fruit contains reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Insoluble fiber normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and is used to prevent various diseases of the digestive system. Passion fruit has an anti-inflammatory effect, protects the body from viral infections, and regulates the functioning of the nervous system. Passion fruit juice has a calming effect and improves sleep.
Passion fruit juice has a tonic effect, has a calming effect on the body, helps you sleep and suppresses the growth of cancer cells, and is also widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetology.
Passion fruit seeds are edible, but have a sleeping pill effect.
The fruit contains passionflower glucoside, which provides its calming effect on the body. Passion flowers are used to produce sedative medications.
What does passion fruit taste like?
At the stage of full maturity, passion fruit is juicy and sweet, it consists of 40% juice. There are many opinions about what passion fruit tastes like. To some it resembles kiwi, to others it resembles ripe sea buckthorn. Most often, the taste of the yellow-orange pulp resembles a mixture of flavors and aromas of strawberries, plums, apricots, peach, and gooseberries. This fantastic mixture leaves no one indifferent. To experience this bouquet, you need to purchase a ripe, heavy fruit with a wrinkled skin.
The thick skin of the passion fruit is not edible and should be thrown away after consumption. In the homeland of this exotic plant, it is customary to eat the pulp with a spoon, choosing it from half the fruit. To do this correctly, with the least loss of valuable juice, you need to cut the passion fruit peel in a circle, trying to make a cut so as not to cut the fruit in half. After this, the halves are separated with a quick movement, trying not to lose a drop of refreshing juice. Passion fruit seeds are edible and are eaten along with the pulp.
The pulp of this fruit is widely used in cooking in the countries where it is traditionally grown. It is added to salads, mousses, pie fillings, and sauces. In Brazil, edible passion fruit seeds are used to decorate confectionery products. It is believed that after eating a cake or pastry with such decoration, a person becomes calmer. The tonic juice of this fruit is drunk undiluted and added to cocktails and other drinks.
Growing passion fruit at home
If desired, passion fruit can be grown at home; in a short time it will cover a large space with its shoots and begin to bloom with amazingly beautiful flowers. Of course, its shoots will not reach ten meters in length, similar to passion fruit vines in the tropics of Brazil, however, this plant will decorate the interior with bright greenery, unusual flowers of amazing beauty and, perhaps, bear fruit.
There are two types of reproduction:
Semyanny,
Using cuttings.
For cuttings, you need to have an adult fruiting passion fruit plant on hand. The easiest way to get your own specimen is by seed propagation. Planting material can be purchased at a specialty store, where the seeds are most likely sold under the trade name "passionflower" or extracted from ripe fruit on one's own. Washed and dried seeds must be disinfected by washing them in a weak solution of soda or potassium permanganate.
The components of the soil for growing are also calcined for an hour in the oven or for 15-20 minutes in microwave oven to prevent the tropical sissy from becoming infected with fungal diseases to which she has no immunity.
Soil composition:
Humus – 1 part;
Coarse river sand - 1 part,
Sod land - 2 parts.
The seeds are placed in nutritious soil, lightly sprinkled with soil, spilled on the soil and covered with film until seedlings emerge. They will have to wait quite a long time - at least a month. All this time, the soil is ventilated, slightly opening the film, and kept moist. It is necessary that the container stands in a bright place at a temperature not lower than room temperature.
Caring for passion fruit after germination:
Place the plant only in a bright, draft-free place. If the plant is on a windowsill, it is not recommended to open either the window or the window.
Watering only as needed, after the top layer of soil has dried out.
Fertilizing - every 15 days with complex fertilizer; fertilizers for tomatoes are excellent; foliar spraying with stimulants such as Epin and Zircon is recommended in accordance with the instructions.
Support for passion fruit is extremely necessary, since in a few months this plant can completely cover a window opening with its shoots. It should be taken into account that this vine is practically unable to grow if its shoots are directed downwards or tied with twine. The best option is a strong support in the form of a trellis or a special lattice.
Transplantation is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves immediately into the pot in which the plant will spend its life. If you do not replant the passion fruit at this point, it will be technically more difficult to do so later due to the abundant vegetative mass of shoots.
Pollination is carried out manually using a soft brush. Best time for this operation - the first half of the day, the air humidity must be at least 65%, otherwise the pollen loses its ability to pollinate.
With careful implementation of all technological operations The first fruits will please you after the first year of growing passion fruit. But, even if this does not happen, exotic flowers and abundant greenery will become the pride of the gardener.
Contraindications to the use of passion fruit
This fruit should be consumed with extreme caution by those who have experience in dealing with any allergic manifestations. It is extremely rare, but individual intolerance to exotic fruits still occurs. Passion fruit should not be used to feed young children. Even if a child is not prone to allergies, the baby’s immature gastrointestinal tract can react in the most extraordinary way.
Persons suffering from diabetes mellitus, you should know that when passion fruit is stored for a long time in a cool place, the amount of sugar in them increases significantly. Particular attention should be paid to thorough cleaning of fruits purchased in the retail chain, since to preserve the fruits during long-term transportation they are treated with wax and antibacterial agents. It is advisable that these drugs do not enter the body during food.
The use of passion fruit will bring many benefits to consumers of exotic fruits. Its rich composition normalizes many body functions, has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, nails, and hair, and growing this plant at home will bring many pleasant experiences.
Useful tips, educational articles for summer residents and gardeners. Planting, care, harvesting. Of course, there is a lot of information about flowers, berries, and mushrooms. On the site pages