Passion Fruit - Useful Properties, Composition, Application, Vitamins

The ratio of BJU in the product

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Description of passion fruit

Passion fruit is native to the subtropical wilderness of South America, most likely Paraguay. Currently, passionflower is grown in most countries in Central and South America, as well as in New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and South Africa.

There are more than 400 varieties of passion fruit, which differ in size, shape, color and taste of the fruit, most of which are edible.

Passion fruit is an unusually beautiful climbing plant that, like grapes, releases tendrils during the growth period and wraps around everything that comes in its path. Passionflower blooms with greenish-white fragrant flowers. The average life span of a plant is 5-7 years.

Passion fruit has a smooth waxy surface and an oval shape with a diameter of 4 to 8 centimeters (like a lemon). The average weight is about 35-50 g.

Now there are two main types of passionflower cultivated - with purple and yellow fruits. Yellow fruits are usually larger than purple ones and grow to the size of a grapefruit. However, the pulp of the purple fruit is juicier and sweeter and has a richer aroma and flavor. Inside the fruit are membrane sacs containing a fleshy juice with numerous small pitted seeds.

Passion fruit composition

The beneficial properties of passion fruit are due to its chemical composition. So, 100 g of fruit contains:

• 78 g of water;
• 2.4 g of proteins;
• 0.4 g fat;
• 13.4 g carbohydrates;
• 1.5 grams of fiber.

In addition, the fruits are rich in vitamins, among which the most are ascorbic acid and vitamin PP (24 and 2.5 mg, respectively, in 100 g of fruits). Passion fruit also contains other vitamins, namely vitamins A, B1, B6, B5, B2, E, H and K.

Passion fruit can be attributed to a number of fruits containing a large amount of potassium, which plays an important role in the work of the cardiovascular system (340 mg per 100 g of fruit). Passion fruit also contains other macronutrients, namely: calcium, sodium, sulfur, chlorine, phosphorus and magnesium.

Of the trace elements contained in the fruits of passionflower, most of all are iron and zinc (1.3 and 0.25 mg, respectively, in 100 g), as well as iodine, manganese, copper, fluorine and some others are found in small amounts.

100 g of passionfruit contains on average about 68 kcal.

Useful properties of passion fruit

Due to the balanced mineral composition and high potassium content, nutritionists recommend eating passionfruit for diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system and urinary tract. Also, due to its low calorie content and high nutritional value, they advise using this fruit for weight loss.

Passion fruit has antipyretic, antimicrobial and laxative properties. Other beneficial properties of passion fruit include the ability to improve the functioning of the digestive system, lower blood cholesterol levels and remove toxins, uric acid and other metabolic products from the body.

Passion fruit pulp is a source of dietary fiber, the content of which in some varieties reaches 27%. Fiber ensures the elimination of cholesterol from the body, as well as protection of the mucous membrane of the large intestine.

The large amount of vitamin C contained in passion fruit helps to strengthen the immune system against influenza and other infectious diseases. Vitamin A and flavonoids are essential for maintaining good vision and adequate nutrition for the mucous membranes and skin.

Passion fruit juice has soothing properties, helps relieve fatigue and improves sleep quality. Some studies claim that passion fruit juice inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Fruit seeds are an important source of protein.

Passion fruit oil

Passion fruit aromatic oil contains oleic (up to 20%), linoleic (up to 80%), stearic (up to 5%) and palmitic (up to 15%) acids, as well as saponins, amino acids, citric and ascorbic acids, pectin, alkaloids, starch, etc. potassium.

Passion fruit oil, when applied to the skin, leaves a thin film that prevents moisture loss on the one hand and allows the skin to breathe on the other. The antioxidant vitamins contained in the oil prevent premature skin aging and protect it from the negative effects of external factors. Other beneficial properties of passion fruit oil include:

• Stimulating local blood circulation;
• Restoration of the protective lipid layer and skin elasticity;
• Beneficial effect on inflamed and irritated skin.

Passion fruit oil is used in cosmetology for the manufacture of:

• Massage oils;
• Moisturizing and regenerating creams;
• Creams, gels, masks for aging, dry, oily and problem skin;
• Shower gels;
• Oils and creams for skin care after sunburn;
• Shampoos and conditioners for all hair types;
• Oils for split ends;
• Healing creams for eczema, peeling and psoriasis.

The use of passion fruit

In the Caribbean, all parts of passion fruit are widely used for medicinal purposes:

1. Leaves containing alkaloids are used to gradually lower blood pressure;

2. Flowers are used as a sedative and antispasmodic;

3. The fruits are used as a concomitant therapy in the treatment of nervous disorders, bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms of menopause.

Only ripe passionfruit is eaten. They are usually eaten raw by cutting them in half and eating the flesh with a spoon. After storage for several days in a warm place, the content of saccharides in the fruit increases.

Different countries have developed different culinary traditions of using passion fruit:

• In Brazil, mousses and juices are prepared from the pulp of fruits, and it is customary to decorate baked goods with seeds;
• In the Philippines and Hawaii, passionfruit is usually not cut, but pierced, after which the pulp, like from a coconut, is drunk through a straw;
• In Latin America, fruits are traditionally eaten with lime and red pepper;
• Passion fruit syrup in the Dominican Republic is usually served with fruit ice, and fruits are eaten with sugar;
• Dessert of the fruit of the plant with honey is a popular dish in Vietnam;
• In Australia, passionfruit is traditionally made into sweet sauces and eaten with desserts for breakfast.

How to choose and preserve passion fruit

Passion fruit should be chosen well-ripe and heavy for its size. Fruits with slightly wrinkled skins tend to be sweeter and tastier, and minor cuts and spots do not affect their quality.

Store fruits in a cool, dark place, usually no more than one week. In order to preserve passionflower longer, it is most often sprinkled with a little sugar and frozen.

Contraindications

The use of passionfruit is not recommended for people with a tendency to allergic reactions, as well as in case of individual intolerance to this fruit.

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