Passion FruitPosted 10 years ago under Uncategorized

Passion fruit is an exotic treat with a number of health benefits. It is high in important antioxidants like vitamins C and A as well as B vitamins, which help lower blood pressure and lower risk of heart disease. They are also extremely alkaline. (1)

Taxonomy

Passionfruit grows on the Passiflora edulis plant.

Kingdom (Plantae) > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Rosids > Order (Malpighiales) > Family (Passifloraceae) > Genus (Passiflora) –> Species (Passiflora edulis)

Description

The passion fruit grows on a climbing vine that can develop 15 to 20 feet of vine per year. The leaves are glossy deep green evergreen leaves that are lobed and grow to 3 to 8 inches long. Each node grows a single flower with white petals. The fruit is round and can grown up to 3 inches in diameter. Depending on the variety, it can range in color from light yellow to dark purple on the rind. The inside contains a pulpy juice that is orange in color and contains a couple hundred small seeds. The flavor can range from tart to sweet and tart. (2)

Distribution

The passion fruit is native to South America but grows in subtropical environments around the world in places such as Australia, California, and Hawaii. It does not do well with intense summer heat or with frost in winter. It requires at least 35 inches of rainfall each year and slightly acidic, sandy loamy soil. (3)

Nutritional Information

Passion fruit is a good source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. It is high in B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. (4) It is also rich in antioxidants. These nutrients help boost the immune system and can fight cancer. They also help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. (5)

Commercial Cultivation

Passion fruit is usually grown from seed but can be grown from cuttings or graftings. Harvesting occurs when they fruit changes in color to deep purple, or yellow if of the yellow variety, and falls off the tree. (6)

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Passion fruits are subject to a number of tropical pests and diseases. The purple variety is more susceptible to nematodes than the yellow variety. Passion fruit grown in California is susceptible to viruses and Fusarium in addition to the nematodes as well as snails. (7)

Sources:

(1) http://www.naturalnews.com/042859_alkaline_foods_healthy_diet_pH_balance.html
(2) http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/passionfruit.html
(3) http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/passionfruit.html
(4) http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/passion-fruit.html
(5) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/passion-fruit.html
(6) http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/passionfruit.html
(7) http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/passionfruit.html