17 Jun Passion Fruit
Tropical fruits in Panama – Passion Fruit
One of my favorite fruits here in Panama is Maracuyá, also known as Passion Fruit. The refreshing taste, slightly sweet and citrusy, makes this fruit unique and flavorful. It is one of those love it or hate it kind of fruits and I for one love it.
Passion fruit is available all year round in Panama and can be found in most grocery stores and occasionally at farmers markets. The most commonly known fruit of the Passiflora vine are the yellow skinned, that are larger and slightly more acidic than its smaller version, the red skinned variety.
Interesting fact
Out of the 500 varieties of Passion Fruit, one is also known as Panama Red. This can be a little confusing because the shell can be purple as well. Even more confusing, it is not related to the rum and/or another widely known product under the same name.
One variety is called Passiflora loefgrenii, also known as Garlic Passion Fruit. The fruit has translucent pulp with a sweet flavor and a strong overtone of garlic.
How to eat Passion Fruit
The fruit has a hard outside shell and the pulp inside is thick and juicy, protecting the seeds within. Please note, the shell is not edible. The best flavor and taste of Maracuyá is when the fruit is well ripe. You can check the color of the skin, that will be darker and with wrinkled surface. Another way to check is the weight of the fruit, the heavier the sweeter, or even smelling the fruit.
Cutting into the shell and scooping out the pulp is easy. Now it’s up to you how to enjoy your Maracuyá. Try adding it into a smoothie to give it an exotic touch. Or how about a passion fruit cheesecake? There are also many fancy cocktails, from a frozen passion fruit margarita to maracuyá mojito. Give it a try and add a new zesty flavor and tropical touch to your favorite dessert or drink.
Insider tip
While visiting Casco Viejo, stop at Tantalo’s rooftop bar and try one of the best Maracuyá Mojito’s. Take advantage of their daily Happy Hour from 5-7pm for the 2-1 special, trust me it’s worth it.
In the Coronado area you should try the baked cheese with maracuyá & green peppercorn sauce, a fantastic appetizers at Terrazas Del Mar, Vista Mar.
Nutritional values of Passion Fruit
Filled with vitamins, minerals and fiber, the pulp of the Passion Fruit is a boost for your immune system. It also helps regulate blood pressure and aids your digestive system. It can even help improve blood circulation, insomnia and asthma. On top of that it is a mood enhancer (not just as a cocktail or on top of cheesecake!).
Be careful if you have a latex allergy
Some people might have an allergic reaction to Passion Fruit. Certain proteins found in latex are similar to the ones in the fruit.
Gardening lovers
If you like gardening you might want to add a passion fruit vine, also called Passiflora edulis to your yard. This fast growing and climbing vine will produce gorgeous flowers quickly. The large flowers will be vibrant and colorful, aromatic and will attract insects and butterflies. Plant them in full sun and have plenty of support for them to climb on and you will see your new plant grow rapidly into maturity within a year. The first fruit can be harvested after 6-8 months. Make sure you have plenty of support for the vine and keep the plant away from other foliage as the vine will take over quickly in search for the best spot in the sun.
Hope you enjoy the blog and share my love for this super tasty fruit of the tropics!