Passionfruit
Inventory, 7 lbs : 0
Description/Taste
Amazingly intense and totally heavenly, the dusty purple-brown passion fruit is either round or the shape and size of a blunted egg. If it looks wrinkled, it's a good sign it's fully ripe. A cardboardy rind encases liquidy teardrop-shaped bits of mustard-yellow pulp that some say resemble a tablespoon of fish eggs just about to hatch. An edible tiny dark crisp seed is buried in each juicy capsule. It's better to just enjoy this little seedy morsel as getting rid of it is a nuisance. Possessing a tropical-paradise fragrance apt to stir passion in anyone, its wonderful freshness never dissipates. Offering a distinctive sweet-sour flavor, some describe it as a blend of lemon, jasmine, and honey. Others say jasmine, banana, and lime. Whatever, the taste is so rich and powerful, it's almost as difficult to forget as it is to describe!
Seasons/Availability
Look for this intense fruit early spring through summer. Supplies may be available from Florida and California late summer and into the new year.
Current Facts
Passion fruit has recently made considerable progress in popularity in American restaurants and Europe, but is far from a household word in the United States. Being one of the most divine fruits on the planet, recent figures give worldwide production at roughly eight and one-half million pounds. Most commonly purplish-brown, other varieties make their appearance varying from gold to orange to reddish. The purple fruit variety averages one to two inches in diameter; the yellow-gold variety is larger, measuring two to three inches in diameter.
Nutritional Value
A good source of vitamin C, one passion fruit has about 15 calories. Eaten with the seeds, this fruit provides an excellent source of fiber. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.
Applications
The very best way to enjoy this fruit is to slice it in half while holding it over a bowl to catch its juice. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, seeds and all. The crunchy edible seeds add a pleasing texture. If the seeds are not appreciated, sieve the pulp to extract the juice. One passion fruit provides about one tablespoon of intensely flavored pulp. One or two small fruits is just enough to give a dish a hint of the tropics. Adding its delightful exotic scent and succulent flavor, passion fruit works best as an excellent flavoring. Used the same as citrus fruits, it adds life to vinaigrettes, sauces, syrups, and sorbets. Fruit salads and preserves are especially receptive to its special flavor contribution. Delectable passion fruit is delicious spooned over mousses, Bavarian creams, rice pudding, custards, ice cream, or souffles. A perfect punch ingredient, its tangy fragrant juice enhances cocktails and perks up ice tea. Blend passion fruit with kiwi fruit, bananas, and grapes as these four get along especially well together. To ripen, keep at room temperature until deeply wrinkled. To store, refrigerate ripe fruit for up to ten days. To freeze, place whole fruits in a plastic bag. Defrost before opening the fruit. The pulp may be frozen in individual containers for later use. The freshness of this fruit is always present, whether it is frozen, juiced, or blended with other foods.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Assuming this fruit acquired its name due to the sensual passion it arouses, the name is actually in reference to the Passion of Christ. The remarkable and complex gorgeous flowers are the origin of its passionate name. The different parts of the beautiful bloom represent the Apostles, crown of thorns, crucifixion nails, and the wounds. One of the most popular fruits in Brazil, the small black seeds flavor their favorite desserts and beverages. This glorious fruit is a traditional topping for Pavlova.
Geography/History
Native to Brazil, passion fruit has adjusted to environments around the world. The purple fruit thrives in temperate climates, while the yellow varieties flourish in tropical and subtropical areas. Introduced into Florida over ninety years ago, passion fruit still grows there and in California. However, neither state produces it on a commercial scale. It is in New Zealand, Australia, Central America, South America, New Guinea, South Africa, Kenya, India, Tawain, and Hawaii where fruit fanciers devour the Passiflora species in substantial amounts. In Hawaii, this beloved fruit is called lilikoi. In Florida, it is often sold by its Portuguese name, maracuja.