Passion Fruit - Delightful and Nutritious
Passion Fruit is a robust, fast-growing vine native to the subtropical regions of South America which is now cultivated in many subtropical and tropical regions the world over. The lush Passion Fruit vine yields round to oval purple or yellow fruits that reveal a pleasant surprise. Locked in the smooth, hard, waxy rind are tiny sacs filled with orange pulpy juice and tiny edible seeds ready to be scooped out and enjoyed. The pulp has a pleasant sweet-tart taste which makes it a favorite ingredient in exotic beverages and blends. More than its unique and delicious flavor, the Passion Fruit has amazing nutritional gifts to offer as well.
Read on to find out about this exotic fruit ...
General Information
Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) is known by many different names, the most common of which are lilikoi, granadilla, maracuja, and chinola. Passion Fruit vines grow an average of 15 to 20 feet in a single year and have an average life span of 5 to 7 years.
With hundreds of varieties of Passion Fruit, the purple and yellow ones are the most popular and widely cultivated. Flowers of the Passion Fruit vine are attractive and self-pollinating while its fruits are round to oval and measure about 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Although yellow Passion Fruits are generally larger than the purple ones, the purple varieties are known for their richer flavor and aroma, as well as a higher proportion of juicy pulp.1 The Passion Fruit has a thick outer skin similar to that of the mangosteen, and just like the mangosteen's rind, it has been found to possess medicinal properties.2
Nutrients and Benefits
The Passion Fruit offers health benefitting compounds as numerous as the pulpy seeds contained within the fruit.
Passion Fruit is a rich source of dietary fiber which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It is a good source of Vit C, Vit A and flavonoid antioxidants such as ß-carotene and cryptoxanthin-ß which contribute to good eye and skin health. Passion Fruit also contains the B vitamins, riboflavin and niacin as well as iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.
Medicinal alkaloids like harman may also be derived from Passion Fruit.3 These alkaloids have a calming effect on the body and may help reduce restlessness and sleeplessness. Studies indicate that bioflavonoids contained in Passion Fruit may help improve respiratory health.
Product Specifications/Applications
NP Nutra offers a delicious Passion Fruit Juice Powder which is ideal for a variety of functional foods and beverages including juices, smoothies, sauces, ice cream, sorbet, jams, cakes, bars and cookies. Its unique aroma also makes it a pleasant addition to cosmetics, soaps and decorative items like candles and votives.
Contact us for a free sample and further product information.
Reference:
1 http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/passion-fruit.html
2 https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/passion-fruit.html
3 https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/passion-fruit.html
