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Passiflora edulis, commonly known as passion fruit, is a vine species of passion flower native to southern Brazil and Peru.[1] It is cultivated commercially in tropical and subtropical areas for its sweet, seedy fruit. The fruit is a pepo, a type of berry, round to oval, either yellow or dark purple at maturity, with a soft to firm, juicy interior filled with numerous seeds. The fruit is both eaten and juiced, with the juice often added to other fruit juices to enhance aroma.
Etymology [ edit ] The passion fruit is so called because it is one of the many species of passion flower, the English translation of the Latin genus name, Passiflora.[1] Around 1700, the name was given by missionaries in Brazil as an educational aid while trying to convert the indigenous inhabitants to Christianity; its name was flor das cinco chagas or "flower of the five wounds" to illustrate the crucifixion of Christ, with other plant components also named after an emblem in the Passion of Jesus.[2]
Description [ edit ] Passiflora edulis is a perennial vine; tendrils are borne in leaf axils, and have a red or purple hue when young. There are two main varieties: a purple-fruited type, P. edulis f. edulis, and the yellow-fruited P. edulis f. flavicarpa.[3][4]
Usually the vine produces a single flower 5–7.5 cm wide at each node.[1][5] The flower has 5 oblong, green sepals and 5 white petals.[6] The sepals and petals are 4-6mm in length and form a fringe.[6] The base of the flower is a rich purple with 5 stamens, an ovary, and a branched style.[1] The styles bend backward and the stigmas, which are located on top of the styles, have a very distinct head.[6]
The fruit produced is entirely fleshy (making it botanically a berry), and is spherical to ovoid.[3] The outside color of the berry ranges from dark-purple with fine white specks to light yellow.[1] The fruit is 4–7.5 cm in diameter; purple fruits are smaller, weighing around 35 grams, while yellow fruits are closer to 80 grams.[3] The smooth, leathery rind is 9–13 mm thick, including a thick layer of pith.[1][3] Within the berry, there are typically 250 brown seeds, each 2.4 mm in length.[6] Each seed is surrounded by a membranous sac filled with pulpy juice.[1] The flavor of the juice is slightly acidic and musky.[1] The passion fruit's flavor can be compared to the guava fruit.[1]
Varieties [ edit ] Several distinct varieties of passion fruit with clearly differing exterior appearances exist.[1] The bright yellow flavicarpa variety, also known as yellow or golden passion fruit, can grow up to the size of a grapefruit, has a smooth, glossy, light and airy rind, and has been used as a rootstock for purple passion fruit in Australia.[1] The dark purple edulis variety is smaller than a lemon, though it is less acidic than yellow passion fruit, and has a richer aroma and flavour.
Uses [ edit ] Passion fruit has a variety of uses related to its appealing taste as whole fruit and juice.[1]
Passion fruit jam Home-made passion fruit juice Passion fruit nectar Passion fruit wine Passion fruit oil Passion fruit ice cream Nutrition [ edit ] Raw passion fruit is 73% water, 22% carbohydrates, 2% protein and 0.7% fat (table). In a 100 gram reference amount, raw passion fruit supplies 97 calories and is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of vitamin C (36% DV) and a moderate source (10–19% DV) of riboflavin, niacin, iron and phosphorus (table). No other micronutrients are in significant content.
Phytochemicals [ edit ] Several varieties of passion fruit are rich in polyphenol content.[13][14] Yellow varieties of the fruit were found to contain prunasin and other cyanogenic glycosides in the peel and juice.[Note 1][15]
Cultivation [ edit ] Passion fruit is widely grown in tropical and semitropical regions of the world.[1] In the United States, it is cultivated in Florida, Hawaii, and California.[16] They generally have to be protected from frost, although certain cultivars have survived light frosts after heavy pruning of affected areas.[17]
Pollination [ edit ] The flower of the yellow-fruited form of the passion fruit plant is self-sterile, while that of the purple-fruited form is self-compatible.[1] In California, it is reported that pollination of flowers is most effective when done by the carpenter bee.[18][19] There are three types of yellow passion fruit flowers, classified by curvature of style.[1] To help assure the presence of carpenter bees, some gardeners place decaying logs near the vines, which provide shelter for the bees.[20]
Diseases [ edit ] Viruses [ edit ] Passion fruit woodiness virus is one of the most well-known viruses to the passion fruit. It belongs to the Potyvirus group and can attack a plant at any age from nursery to mature plants. Some features include yellow leaves that display distortion in the leaf length and shape. As well as affecting the leaf, this virus influences fruit shape and size. Affected fruits become stone-like and much smaller than normal, with many fruits becoming scabbed and cracked. The virus is spread by sap-sucking insects such as aphids and mites. Woodiness can also spread through vegetation propagation such as infected scions or contaminated tools. There is no chemical control for this virus once the plant is infected, but the use of clean planting material can reduce its dissemination.[21]
One of the most serious viruses pertaining to vegetation is the cucumber mosaic virus. In the passion fruit, this virus appears with yellow mottling on leaves starting at random points on the vine and diminishing in intensity towards the tip. Expanding leaves typically become twisted, curl downward, and develop a "shoestring" appearance as a result of a restriction of the leaf surface. It is mobile and can spread easily through interactions with other plants such as brushing between leaves. This virus is naturally transmitted through aphids and can also be transmitted mechanically through seedlings. Varietal resistance is the primary management tool, and eliminating weeds and infected perennial ornamentals that may harbor the virus is critical. Once the plant has been infected, there is no possible management of control for the virus.[21]
Phytoplasma [ edit ] Overshooting is the term used when Phytoplasma, a specialized bacterium, attacks the phloem of a plant. Phytoplasma infection is characterized by chlorotic small leaves, shortening of internodes, excessive lateral shoots and abnormal flowers. Although there have been reports of this disease within the passion fruit plant,[22] many infected plants are affected without visible signs of disease. Although Phytoplasma can be spread through grafting, it can be inhibited by periodic inspection of plant nurseries and areas that have had past infections.[22] Overshooting responds to treatment with tetracycline, a common broad-spectrum antibiotic.[citation needed]
Bacteria [ edit ] Bacterial leaf spot, which causes vein clearing, forms bright yellow colonies causing infection and leaf wilt and, eventually, deterioration of fruit pulp, especially of young fruits. Under favorable conditions for the bacteria, infection occurs through natural openings or wounds from other pathogens that affect leaf inter-cellular spaces. Fertilizers or a copper chloride and mancozeb mixture can control the intensity of the disease, but are not a cure.[23]
If you want to learn more, please visit our website HZL BIO. The bacterial grease-spot of the passion fruit is caused by Pseudomonas syringae.[24] It appears with olive-green to brown greasy-looking spots or brown, sunken circular lesions. On a later stage, a hard crust can cover the lesions showing a chlorotic halo. Affecting mainly the stomata, the grease-spot thrives in high temperatures and high relative humidity. To avoid infection, measures that may be adopted include planting seeds from healthy plants and using existing healthy areas. Fungicide controls can aid in preventing further infection.[24]
Fungal diseases [ edit ] Collar rot disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium solani. It is characterized by necrotic lesions at the collar region, browning of the stem at soil level, and dark discoloration of the stem. The rotting stem interferes with food and water transport within the plant, leading to withering of the plant until death. Infection occurs mostly through contaminated soil and infected plants which cause the plants to survive for only a few weeks. There are no chemical controls. Management includes planting seedlings in unaffected areas and using clean tools.[23]
The fungus called fusarium wilt commonly occurs in adult plants and is caused by Fusarium oxysporum. The pathogen has ability to survive for long periods, penetrating roots, invading the xylem and preventing the transport of water and nutrients to other organs of the plant. Once infected, this disease causes leaves to yellow and browning of the vascular system until it wilts and dies. It occurs in any type of soil infecting all plants. Management of crops include planting clean seedlings, uprooting and burning infected plants, and using sterilized tools.[25]
The anthracnose, a canker caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes, is a pathogen of the passion fruit creating dark and sunken lesions of the trunk.[26] By attacking mature passion fruit trees, these lesions cause intense defoliation and fruit rot. Many leaves die due to the foliar lesions and the skin of fruits becomes papery. Under warm and humid conditions, this disease can worsen, causing red and orange spores eventually killing the plant. Infection is carried out through the residues of the passion flower, infected seeds, seedlings, and cuttings. Managing this disease involves a combination of using pathogen-free seedlings, eliminating infected areas, and improving ventilation and light conditions. Copper-based fungicides on injured areas can prevent the spread of disease.[26]
In culture [ edit ] Passion fruit flower is the national flower of Paraguay.[27] In 2006, singer-songwriter Paula Fuga released the popular song "Lilikoi", the Hawaiian language word for passion fruit; the song is featured on an album also named after the fruit.[28] Hip-hop artist Drake released the hit song "Passionfruit" in 2017.
See also [ edit ] Explanatory notes [ edit ] Specific mention of P. edulis f. flavicarpa juice and peel References [ edit ]
Passion Fruit
Granadilla,
The passion fruit is a widely loved and widely eaten fruit that originated in central South America. The English name does not come any aphrodisiacal properties, but the supposed religious symbolism that the plant bears. There are two common types of passion fruit commonly consumed: the more widespread purple-colored fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) and the yellow-colored fruit (Passiflora edulus f. flavicarpa), which tends to be larger.
Origin
The purple passion fruit plant originated in subtropical South America, and is native to an area that stretches from southern Brazil to northern Argentina (Morton). Though the origin of the yellow passion fruit is unclear, it is believed to have also originated in Amazonian Brazil. Though neither variety was well recorded before the arrival of Europeans, the fruits are nonetheless believed to have been a part of the native diet.
According to Davidson, the flower of the Passiflora edulis was known by Spanish missionaries as the Flor de las cinco lagas (flower of the five wounds) because it illustrated the crucifixion of Christ (Davidson). Hence, the name passion fruit was originated.
Since the 19th century, the purple passion fruit has been disseminated throughout the world as has become an important commercial crop in countries as diverse as Australia, Hawaii, South Africa, and Israel. Additionally, the passion fruit vine has also become native and grows in the wild in places such as Hawaii and India. The purple passion fruit has since become a popular fruit in the continental United States as well and is grown in warmer climates such as Florida.
As for the yellow passion fruit, it is less tolerant of the cold and requires tropical growing conditions. It has gained relative interest in Australia as a commercial crop and has been embraced much more enthusiastically in Venezuela and Hawaii (Morton).
Botanical
The passion fruit vine can grow in a variety of soil environments. The vine itself is strong, woody, and can climb up to 15 ft long. It has three-lobed, glossy green leaves and unusual-looking singular flowers that are colored purple and white (Morton). Depending on the species, the flowers bloom at various times of the day. In general, the yellow passion fruit vine produces more brilliant flowers than the purple variety.
The purple passion fruit is of a round shape and approximately 2-3 inches long. When ripe, the thick, waxy rind grows a wrinkly, deep purple with faint white specks. The orange, juicy pulp inside contains many small, dark seeds. The yellow passion fruit tends to be larger and has brown seeds, but the pulp is less appealing and juicy than the purple.
Culinary Usage
Passion fruit is widely considered one of the most delicious fruits in the world and has a tart, aromatic flavor. They are commonly eaten fresh by simply halving the fruit and scooping out the pulp. It is also a popular additive for drinks and each nation has its own unique variation. In South Africa, it is blended with milk while elsewhere it is a popular flavoring for soft drinks or alcoholic beverages (Morton). The fruit can also be made into syrup, which is frequently used as a topping for ice creams and ices.
The pulp of the Passion fruit is also used for a variety of deserts, from cakes and tarts to the meringue-based Pavlova.
Other Usages
The pulp, leaves, and flowers of the passion fruit has been long used as a sedative by South American Indians and is noted for its calming effect. The fruit can also be used as a digestive aid. In Brazil, the passionflower is also used to make a drink called maracuja grande, which is used to treat throat ailment such as bronchitis and asthma (Taylor).
The seeds can be pressed into oil to be used for both culinary and paint purposes.
Photos
http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/8961/lg_Passion-Fruit.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Passion_fruit_red.jpg
http://www.daleysfruit.com.au/blog/uploaded_images/PassionFruitVine-736977.jpg
Resources
Davidson, Alan. The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Lovera, Jose Rafael. Food Culture in South America. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 2005. Print.
Morton, Julia. "Passion Fruit.” Fruits of Warm Climates. Miami: Florida Flair Books, 1987. Web. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/index.html.
Popenoe, Wilson. Manual Of Tropical And Subtropical Fruits. New York: MacMillan, 1920. Print.
Roberts, Margaret. Edible & Medicinal Flowers. Cape Town: Claremont, 2000. Print.
Ulmer, Torsten, and John Mochrie MacDougal. Passiflora: Passionflowers of the World. Timber, 2004. Print.
Vaughan, J.G. The New Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1997.
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