Region of Origin
Commodity:
Passion Fruit
Description & Origin
Passion fruit are round fruits that grow on subtropical vines. Their size can vary from that of a golf ball up to a softball. Their thick, waxy skin is most commonly deep purple in color, but yellow varieties – sometimes referred to as maracuja – are also sporadically available. The purple varieties are typically preferred for their richer flavor and milder acidity. Many purple types are actually ...
Other Names
Lilikoi (Hawaii)
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Passion fruit is a great source of nutrients and vitamins from both the pulp and the seeds in the pulp. The seeds are rich in fiber is very apparent as well as antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamin C, and vitamin A. In traditional medicine, passion fruit has been used to address osteoarthritis, hypertension, and anxiety. The plants have long been noted for their calming properties.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Passion fruit are commonly eaten fresh as a snack, but the pulp is very versatile in the kitchen. Passion fruit pulp can be added into smoothies or juices for a bright tang. The pulp is excellent when incorporated in custard-based tarts, pies, or cakes. The pulp can be added to baked goods, turned into sorbet, used as a topping on yogurt, or any number of applications. It can even be used to make a bracing vinaigrette or marinade.
Flavor Pairings
Banana, Kiwi, Coconut, Mango, Cilantro, Ginger, Almond, Cashew, Vanilla, Chocolate, Peach, Yogurt, Pineapple
How to Prepare
Passion fruit is ripe and at its sweetest when the fruit is very wrinkled and shriveled. To prepare ripe passion fruit, either slice the fruit in half or press a thumb into the fruit until the peel cracks and can be pried open. Once the two halves have been separated, the pulp can be scooped out and eaten fresh. If desired, place the pulp of the passion fruit in a mesh sieve over a bowl and push the pulp through to de-seed.
How to Store in the Kitchen
If passion fruit is smooth and unripe, it can be stored at room temperature, uncovered, and out of direct sunlight to speed ripening. Once fully ripe and wrinkled, refrigerate in a bag. The pulp of passion fruit can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
The outer rind of passion fruit is inedible, but can be composted.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
39-41°F (Purple Passion fruit only)
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
40-54°F (Cool Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING:
Yes – While purple passion fruit are much less susceptible to chilling injury than yellow passion fruit, they can still display signs of CI when stored below 39°F, including pitting and discoloration.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes - High
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes - Medium
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Do not store with ethylene-sensitive products.
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST:
Yes – Passion fruit becomes sweeter and wrinkles after harvest.
PROFESSIONAL RIPENING RECOMMENDED:
No – Professional ripening is not required.
Quality Assessment
Passion fruit should feel firm with a moderately hard shell. They pulp should be vivid in color and aromatic.
Important Handling Notes
Yellow passion fruit CANNOT be stored in the same way purple passion fruit can be stored. The conditions described here are for PURPLE passion fruit only.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, purple passion fruit may last up to 3-4 weeks.
