Passion Fruit (Purple)

Description

Description/Taste

Purple passionfruit is slightly smaller than yellow passionfruit, averaging 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter, and has a round to oval shape with curved ends. The skin is smooth, waxy, and purple to dark red when young, developing darker hues with a leathery, dimpled, and wrinkled consistency with maturity. Underneath the surface, there is a white and spongy, inedible pith encasing a seed cavity. The flesh, also known as the pulp, consists of small and edible black seeds surrounding by a yellow to orange sack that is aqueous, slippery, and succulent. Purple passionfruit is highly aromatic and has a tropical and floral, sweet-tart flavor with musky undertones reminiscent of guava.

Seasons/Availability

Purple passionfruit is available year-round, with a peak season in the spring through late summer.

Current Facts

Purple passionfruit, botanically classified as Passiflora edulis, is the fruit of a climbing vine belonging to the Passifloraceae family. The sweet-tart, seedy fruits are native to South America and have become widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. There are two main commercial groupings of passionfruit that are globally cultivated, Purple passionfruit and yellow passionfruit, and within these types, there are many different cultivars with varying flavors and appearances. Purple passionfruit is primarily used for fresh consumption as it has a sweeter taste, while yellow varieties are cultivated for industrial juice processing. Passionfruit is known by many names, including Lilikoi in Hawaiian, Granadilla in Spanish, Maracuja in Portuguese, Fakihat Aleatifa in Arabic, Grenadille in French, and Krishna Fal in Hindi. The aromatic fruits are highly favored for their zesty, tropical taste and have become an exotic flavoring popularly incorporated into baked goods, cocktails, and desserts.

Nutritional Value

Purple passionfruit is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation within the body and boost the immune system. The fruits also contain some potassium, phosphorus, iron, and folate. The seeds found within the flesh are an excellent source of fiber, which stimulates and regulates the digestive tract. Beyond the fruits, Purple passionfruit flowers have been used for centuries as a medicinal supplement to reduce symptoms associated with insomnia, asthma, anxiety, and menopause.

Applications

Purple passionfruit is prized for its sweet and tangy, jelly-like pulp, which is best suited for both raw and baked preparations. The fruit can be sliced in half, removed from the rind with a spoon, and consumed straight, out-of-hand. Both the pulp and seeds are edible, and for a less tart flavor, sugar, cream, or chile powder and lime can be added before serving. Purple passionfruit is popularly used as a topping over ice cream, yogurt, cakes, and fruit salads, or it can add tropical undertones into ceviche, soups, sauces, syrups, jams, and jellies. The flesh can also be strained through a cheesecloth to remove the seeds, and the juice can be blended into smoothies, fruit punches, soft drinks, and cocktails, or mixed into cheesecakes, cookies, shaved ice, mochi, malasadas, and frostings. In addition to the fruits, passionfruit flowers and leaves are edible and can be used fresh as garnishes or dried for teas. Purple passionfruit pairs well with fruits such as banana, orange, watermelon, coconut, and mango, honey, dark chocolate, and almonds. Purple passionfruit should be stored at room temperature until fully ripe. Mature fruits will be wrinkled, developing thin, brittle skin, and will appear darker in color. Once ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.