Its enveloping aromas have made it the protagonist of many recipes and its evocative name goes beyond the fragrant pulp. We are talking about passion fruit, also known as passion fruit. It is a very popular product of nature, rich in valuable nutritional properties, antioxidants, and vitamins. You have probably also met him at the table and asked yourself: “But how the hell do you eat?”. Here are some tips to make it part of your diet and make the most of it in the kitchen.
What is Passion Fruit
Also known in Italy as maracuja, passion fruit is the expression of a plant of the Passifloraceae family. Its origins go back to South American lands, although some varieties manage to survive in sub-tropical climates. For this reason, passion fruit is grown all over the world, from Asia to Europe, including North America.
Its fame is linked not so much to the pulp and its seeds, as to the intense perfume. This aroma is frequently used in the production of juices, ice creams, and other gastronomic preparations. There are two main varieties of passion fruit: Passiflora edulis and Passiflora edulis variant flavicarpa. The main difference is in the size and color of the peel: one is red, the other is yellow. The outer layer is hard, while the inside is soft and juicy.
Passion fruit or passion fruit: properties
Passion fruit is a good source of nutrients. In a single fruit, you can give your body 2 grams of fiber, 9 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C, 8 percent of the daily requirement of provitamin A, 2 percent of the daily requirement of iron and potassium. All for just 17 calories. Plus, it contains more polyphenols and cardboardoids than bananas, mangoes, papayas, and pineapples. It doesn’t seem like much, it’s true, but remember that the values refer to a single, very tasty fruit!
Passion fruit or passion fruit: benefits
Its nutritional profile makes passion fruit a vehicle of benefits for our bodies. Antioxidants help you fight aging, as do polyphenols, which in addition have a very precious power: the anti-inflammatory one, capable of reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as those related to the cardiovascular system.
Don’t forget the amazing benefits of vitamin C. Your immune system needs it. It also allows the body to absorb iron. Beta-carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A, which is extremely precious for sight and to lower the risk of developing breast, prostate, colon, and stomach cancer.
A peculiarity of the passion fruit is the precious piceatannol content. This molecule, which is part of the polyphenol category, can improve insulin sensitivity in overweight men, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Finally, there are the fibers. Two grams in a single fruit is truly a treasure not to be wasted. This nutritional element helps you keep your intestines healthy and fight constipation, aids digestion, and lowers the glycemic index. Diets high in fiber lower the risk of heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity.
Passion fruit juice: contraindications
Passion fruit is a delight within the reach of many, but not everyone. The main obstacle for some people is the allergy factor. In a small number of people the passion fruit, being an exotic fruit, causes annoying rejection reactions. The reason lies in the proteins contained in the passion fruit.
The purple peel of the passion fruit may also contain chemicals called cyanogenic glycosides. These can combine with enzymes to form cyanide, which is potentially poisonous when taken in large quantities. Fortunately, the peel is not considered edible and is usually discarded.
What does passion fruit taste like and how is it eaten?
One of the most frequently asked questions related to passion fruit is: how do you eat passion fruit? To savor the juicy pulp of this tropical product, you have to cut it in half to access the precious contents. The seeds are edible, to be eaten with a teaspoon together with the pulp. It is also true that their bitter taste pushes many consumers to avoid them.
You may be wondering: but then what does passion fruit taste like? Once the seeds are discarded, the passion fruit reveals a very sweet pulp, but also a little acidulous.
The recipes for consuming passion fruit
If you have decided to enrich your diet with passion fruit, we will now explain how to consume it from aperitif to dessert. Start by making a passion fruit Batida. Summer is the ideal time to consume this fragrant cocktail.
For a sweet and sour snack, try the passion fruit with cheese donuts or a ricotta puff pastry. For a really intense second, add passion fruit to an egg with asparagus.
Finally, the dessert. You can use the pulp reduced in a jam to prepare a tart or to create a passion fruit delight.
