The Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a popular treat worldwide. The fruit has over 500 different species that serve all kinds of purposes across the world. This sweet fruit is often associated with breakfast and dessert but the passion fruit is more than just a sweet treat, it also has a lot of health benefits.
Season and where it grows
The passion fruit grows usually grows in tropical environments, as long as they are warm most of the year. The fruit is mostly grown in South American countries like Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, but many tropical regions can grow passion fruit.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
The passion fruit, while being wildly popular for desserts, is full of nutrients. The passion fruit has significant portions of vitamin C, riboflavin, and dietary fiber, amongst other nutrients. The passion fruit can help boost immunity, maintain eye health, aid digestion, and fiber in the fruit can even lower blood pressure and improve circulation!
Medicinal Uses for the Passion Fruit
The passion fruit can be a helpful medicine in many different ways. The fruit itself provides several benefits ranging from aiding digestion and reducing inflammation to maintaining healthy skin and hair. The fruit, vine, and flower all contain the alkaline, harman, which acts as a natural sedative and can fight insomnia. The fruit and other parts of the plant are best used for their antioxidants and their juicy, sweet taste!
Products from the Passion Fruit
Passion fruit oil is taken from the seeds and often is used to help reduce wrinkles and keep skin looking healthy. The seeds also prevent hemorrhoids and relieve constipation. When used in tea, passion fruit can help to reduce insomnia. The pulp is sometimes used as a type of stimulant.
Culinary Use
The passion fruit is a popular dessert item, usually used as a topping on ice cream and cakes. Many South American countries use the passion fruit for its sweet juice and countries like South Africa and Sri Lanka use the juice to flavor popular beverages. In Australia and Peru the fruit is often used for desserts like cheesecake, and in Peru it is used in dishes like ceviche as well. In places like the Philippines the whole fruit is sold in markets but many varieties are best enjoyed when juiced.
