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Passion fruit
What is the origin of Passion fruit ?
The Passiflora genus is endemic to South America, notably the Amazon region, where many species can still be found growing wild. It's a climbing plant that looks like a vine. The Spaniards discovered the culinary and medicinal applications of it by the Indians of Mexico and South America around the end of the 16th century. They transport the plant's seeds back to Europe, where it will be widely grown and used as a medical herb. Its soothing qualities will also be discovered in North America.
It will serve an important role in medicine until the middle of the twentieth century, when synthetic medications will take its place. Only a few of the more than 475 species of passionflowers known are farmed for their fruits on a significant basis. Several others continue to produce wonderful fruits that are consumed in the area. The most widely grown species is P. edulis, which is grown in all tropical nations. P. edulis var. edulis and P. edulis var. flavicarpa are the two varieties.
The first has little purple fruits and grows in the warm lowlands. The second, which grows in cooler temperatures at high altitudes and produces bigger yellow fruits, likes cooler conditions. Amateur gardeners are very interested in this plant genus. The majority of its blossoms are stunning, and the plant's climbing nature allows it to cover garden arbors with rich greenery.
Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Indonesia are the leading producers of passion fruit. The majority of the fresh fruit is consumed on the spot. The majority of exports are concentrated juices.
The phrase “passion flower,” which refers to the plant, first appeared in print in 1808 in the Journal de botanique. It derives from the contemporary Latin Passiflora, which is made up of the words passio (passion) and flos (flower) (flower). Rather than calling the fruit “passion fruit,” we refer to it as “passion fruit.” The name “grenadilla,” first used in the vernacular in 1598, alludes to the fruit's pomegranate-like appearance.
The two fruits, however, are not from the same botanical species or family, and they did not appear on the same continent. The pomegranate is said to have originated in the Middle East, but the passion fruit is indigenous to South America. The term “maracuja,” which was first used in French in 1975, is derived from a Brazilian Indian word that also refers to the fruit.
This plant's name is a clear reference to Christ's Passion. Religious who saw it for the first time in South America viewed the blossom as a sign of Jesus' last hours on earth. With its spiky points, the crown would resemble a crown of thorns. The nails used in the crucifixion come in three different designs. The wounds would be the three stamens. The apostles would be represented by the five petals and five sepals, with the exception of Judas, who betrayed Christ, and Peter, who denied him. Finally, the vine's tendrils, which allow it to ascend, resemble whips.
What Are The Nutritional and caloric values of Passion fruit ?
Passion fruits are known to provide a variety of health benefits. They're also tasty if they're served without restraint. Let's look at the features of passion fruit, as well as the health advantages and various methods to consume it.
The passion fruit is an exotic fruit produced by the passonaria, a tropical liana with twigs that may reach fifty meters in length. The Passifloraceae family includes Passonaria. There are over 400 species in this large family. Humans can only eat a small percentage of them.
It's worth noting that passonaria may be grown in France, as well as other European nations, but only in greenhouses.
The maracuja; the taxo; and the yellow grenadilla are just a few of the edible passion fruit species.
The flesh of passion fruits is delicious and tender, and the seeds are also edible.
The weight of a fruit varies between 60 and 90 grams.
NOTE : Taxo is a kind of passion fruit with a form and color similar to that of a banana.
Fiber, carotene, vitamins (A, B2, B3, and C), iron (1.6 mg / 100 g), zinc (0.1 mg / 100 g), phosphorus (67.1 mg / 100 g), sodium (28 mg / 100 g), magnesium (26.7 mg / 100 g), and potassium (with a substantial quantity of 348 mg / 100 g of fresh fruit) are all helpful to our health.
The little seeds of the passion fruit, which contain pectin and linoleic acid, are also nutritionally valuable.
Note that the passion fruit's seeds account for around a quarter of the fruit's total weight.
Do not be hesitant to take passion fruit on a daily basis because the health advantages are substantial.
The qualities of this exotic fruit are as follows:
Its potassium content helps to normalize the sodium levels in the body.
It contains a lot of flavonoids. Consuming meals like these on a daily basis can help to prevent you from lung and mouth cancer.
It is an antioxidant that aids the body in combating oxidative stress, which causes cellular aging. It's worth noting that oxidative stress causes severe DNA damage. It has recently been discovered that it has the ability to turn healthy cells into malignant ones.
It aids in the reduction of the risk of high blood pressure.
It lowers the rate of free radicals, which are linked to the development of some malignancies.
It helps muscles, the immune system, and the brain system operate properly, as well as the creation of collagen.
It aids in the maintenance of intestinal transit equilibrium.
Health can only be safeguarded if a healthy lifestyle is followed, which includes regular physical activity, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, eating a diverse and balanced diet, and avoiding causes of stress as much as possible.
Note that the presence of pectin in the passion fruit helps you attain fullness faster. It can help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite.
Passion fruit has a delicious flavor that may be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
plain, with a spoon; as a coulis, with yogurt, cottage cheese, or fresh fruit salad for a multivitamin snack; incorporated into a cake batter or frozen dish; spread over a fruit pie; in juice.
It's worth noting that the passion fruit may be given to youngsters as young as two years old.
Nutritional and caloric values of Passion fruit
For 100 g of Passion fruit :
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
---|---|
Energy | 406 kJ (97 kcal) |
Carbohydrates | 22.4 g |
Sugars | 11.2 g |
Dietary fiber | 10.4 g |
Fat | 0.7 g |
Protein | 2.2 g |
Vitamins | Quantity %DV |
Vitamin A | 8% 64 μg |
Riboflavin (B2) | 11% 0.13 mg |
Niacin (B3) | 10% 1.5 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 8% 0.1 mg |
Folate (B9) | 4% 14 μg |
Choline | 2% 7.6 mg |
Vitamin C | 36% 30 mg |
Vitamin K | 1% 0.7 μg |
Minerals | Quantity %DV |
Calcium | 1% 12 mg |
Iron | 12% 1.6 mg |
Magnesium | 8% 29 mg |
Phosphorus | 10% 68 mg |
Potassium | 7% 348 mg |
Sodium | 2% 28 mg |
Zinc | 1% 0.1 mg |
Other constituents | Quantity |
Water | 72.9 g |
Why should you eat Passion fruit ?
The grenadilla, or passion fruit, is a little tropical berry about the size of an egg. Its aromatic flesh includes a large number of little black seeds that are high in nutritional fiber. It helps you to make nutritious, colorful, unusual, and tasty foods in the kitchen.
Passion fruit characteristics
Antioxidant strength; low in calories; good source of vitamin C and iron; unique tangy flavor
The nutritional profile of passion fruit is unique. It is one of the more caloric fruits, with 101 kcal per 100g. However, considering the little amounts ingested most of the time, this calorie content should be seen in context. Passionfruit has a carbohydrate content of little over 10% and a dietary fiber content of about 7%, which is excellent.
It's a good source of iron and antioxidant vitamin C from a micronutrient standpoint. This combination is particularly intriguing since the presence of vitamin C in passion fruit enhances the absorption of iron, which is also found in the fruit.
A high diet of vegetables and fruits has been proven in several epidemiological studies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, some malignancies, and a variety of chronic disorders. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may contribute to this protection.
The consequences of particular ingestion of passion fruit have received little clinical attention. However, using specific supplements produced from the fruit's peel or juice has given promising outcomes. The most promising applications are listed below.
Asthma
A small trial of 43 patients revealed that taking a supplement prepared from passion fruit peel extracts on a daily basis reduced asthma symptoms (decreased prevalence of spitting, coughing, and shortness of breath). To establish the success of this therapy, more research has to be done on a larger number of people.
Arterial hypertension
According to studies, a supplement containing passion fruit peel extract can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure while causing no negative effects. The supplement contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, which are the active chemicals in passion fruit.
Health of the joints and bones
Another form of supplement, derived from the peel of the passion fruit, is reported to enhance physical function and reduce pain and stiffness in people suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the passion fruit peel are thought to be responsible for the claimed benefits. More research into the efficacy and safety of such a supplement, however, will be required before recommendations can be made.
Cancer
In vitro, researchers discovered that a blend of antioxidants derived from passion fruit juice can inhibit the development of cancer cells while increasing the activity of an enzyme that promotes the death of these cells.
Antioxidant power
Passion fruit includes a variety of antioxidants, which are substances that assist the body neutralize free radicals and thereby prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease, certain malignancies, and other chronic illnesses.
Anthocyanins, notably cyanidin, are the primary antioxidants found in passion fruit. These pigment-containing chemicals give food a distinct hue. They are thought to be helpful in the prevention of cancer (for example, reducing the formation of tumors and decreasing the growth of cancer cells). However, these qualities have not been directly examined in people.
The skin of the passion fruit and the meat immediately underneath it are claimed to be high in lycopene, an antioxidant from the carotenoid family. To acquire a significant amount of lycopene, just scrape the flesh with a spoon, working your way up to the skin. Lycopene, unlike other carotenoids, cannot be converted into vitamin A in the body.
However, its antioxidant activity would be helpful to health, particularly in terms of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. Lycopene is best absorbed in the body when combined with a fat source, such as nuts or cheese. Until recently, lycopene extracted exclusively from passion fruit had received little attention. Lycopene is mostly found in tomatoes and tomato derivatives.
Rich in dietary fiber
The skin and seeds of the passion fruit contain insoluble fiber. These, among other things, might aid in the prevention of constipation by increasing the volume of feces. In general, a fiber-rich diet is connected with a decreased risk of colon cancer and would help satisfy hunger by generating a sense of fullness sooner.
Adding passion fruit seeds to a high cholesterol diet improves numerous blood parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides) and specific intestinal processes in animals, according to research. However, further research is needed to determine whether passion fruit seeds have the same effects in people.
How can you choose the finest Passion fruit and properly store it?
When passion fruit is in season, don't pass up the opportunity to add it into your regular diet. Nothing could be easier than incorporating it into juices, smoothies, and other fruit-based sweets. The remainder of the year, passion fruit juice with no added sugar is a fantastic way to enjoy it.
The fruit should smell good and feel weighty in your palm. Her skin should be puckered and somewhat saggy under pressure. Fruits with a firm, smooth, and glossy skin that appears to be quite fresh are, in reality, immature, not very flavorful, and somewhat acidic. The fruit will be purple or yellow depending on the cultivar.
Be wary of commercial juices.
The juice is frequently served in a combination with juice from other fruits. Check the label carefully to ensure that it is 100 percent natural juice and not a drink containing sugar and other artificial components.
In order to maximize conservation,
Refrigerator: If the fruit's skin is not wrinkled, let it ripen at room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Place the meat in a freezer bag or freeze the entire fruit. Make a coulis or juice and freeze it in an ice cube tray.
How to Prepare Passion fruit ?
Passion fruit is popular in cuisine because of its vibrant color as well as its tart and distinct flavor. It enables the creation of meals that are as healthful as they are tasty, and it adds an element of individuality that undoubtedly makes a difference.
A delectable natural fruit
To sample passion fruit, split it in half and eat it simple with a teaspoon; if you don't want to eat the seeds, simply strain the flesh through a sieve.
Cooking with Passion Fruit Flesh
** Creamed: combine the passion fruit coulis, eggs, and milk to produce a delicious dessert cream.
** To produce a jelly, sorbet, granita, mousse, or coulis, puree the meat. The latter will be used to flavor pancakes, cakes, and other pastries, as well as a salad of exotic fruits such as pineapple, papaya, and mango.
** As with pomegranate seeds, sprinkle the little seeds of passion fruit on a fish or salad.
** Sauce for dessert: combine the meat with orange juice, dried apricots, and honey. Cooking time is 10 minutes. Blend in a blender with water until smooth and cold.
** Pavlova, a cooked meringue dessert, is popular in Australia. This is chilled and topped with whipped cream (which can be substituted with yogurt or tofu beaten with honey) and fresh fruit, particularly passion fruit.
** Unripe fruit can be cooked and served like a vegetable.
What is the best way to use passion fruit juice?
** A thick, starch-rich liquid is produced by pressing the meat in a cheesecloth (cheesecloth). It can be diluted with water or other fruit juices. Alternatively, like in South Africa, mix it with yogurt or milk and thicken with agar-agar.
** 15 minutes before the conclusion of cooking, marinate game or other meat in juice or cover the meat with passion fruit jam;
** Reduce the liquid by half before adding garlic, fresh ginger, red pepper, hot peppers, chives (or the greens of 1 or 2 scallions), cumin, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to make a spicy sauce.
Contraindications and allergies to Passion fruit
Consuming passion fruit has just a few side effects. It does, however, belong to the latex fruit family, which can cause oral allergy in susceptible people. In this instance, we must be cautious and seek the advice of an allergy specialist if we have any doubts.
Latex intolerance
Allergies to latex have been linked to allergies to particular foods, such as passion fruit. From hives to anaphylactic responses, the reactions are varied. Due to the possible severity of the responses, caution should be used when these items are consumed by those who are allergic to latex or pollen. They should see an allergist to figure out what's causing their sensitivities to various meals and what measures they should take. Avocado, banana, chestnut, kiwi, apricot, and papaya are among foods that might cause a latex allergy.
Is All fruits of passionflower edible?
Is the passionflower fruit safe to eat?
It has nothing to do with the passion fruit or the maracuda, both of which are members of the same family. Because of the presence of hydrocyanic acid, passionflower fruits have a bad flavor and should be ingested when mature and in moderation.
Is it possible to consume the passionflower fruit?
Passionflower in general, not only the type you describe, yields a bad fruit that tastes worse as latitude (north) increases!
It, like other portions of the plant, contains hydrocyanic acid (hydrogen cyanide) in its juvenile condition, which vanishes in the ripe fruits. After all, it's well-contained in apple seeds, peach pits, and cassava.
Excessive consumption is the only thing that might be harmful, but where does the excess begin…?
I'd just taste and stop there if I were in your shoes, and I'd always use ripe fruit.