MARACUYÁ
Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa
The maracuyá, or passion fruit, is a tropical fruit with a perfect balance between sweet and acid flavors. Tart and sweet, this tropical delight can be enjoyed fresh or used in sauces, drinks, desserts, jellies, and cakes. How to tell if a passion fruit is ripe? Just look at the skin; the more wrinkled it is, the sweeter and juicier the pulp.
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12%
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food contributes to the daily diet. 2000 calories a day is used for general nutritional advice.
HOW TO EAT
HOW TO STORE
- 7 - 10ºc
Source: postharvest.ucdavis.edu/Commodity_Resources/Fact_Sheets/
RESEARCH AREAS
Research into the health benefits of this fruit is currently being carried out in the following areas:
THE MARACUYÁ IS…
A HIGH NATURAL SOURCE OF VITAMIN C
One serving (100gr) of passion fruit provides 30% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps support the immune system; it also helps with wound healing, the production of collagen, and it increases the amount of iron that the body can absorb from plants. Passion fruit is also rich in antioxidants (flavonoids), which help our bodies fight toxins and free radicals.
A GOOD NATURAL SOURCE OF VITAMIN A
One serving (100gr) of passion fruit provides 19% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Besides helping you see in the dark, vitamin A stimulates the production of white blood cells, supports bone density, and regulates cell growth.
A NATURAL SOURCE OF FOLATE
One serving (100gr) of passion fruit provides 2% of the recommended daily intake of folate. Both folate and folic acid are a type of B vitamin; folate occurs naturally in food, while folic acid is the synthetic form. It is important for all women to take folic acid, especially those who are pregnant as it helps prevent birth defects.
A NATURAL SOURCE OF POTASSIUM
One serving (100gr) of passion fruit provides 9% of the recommended daily intake of potassium. Potassium is essential for nerve and muscle activity, it also helps waste move out of the cells and lets nutrients in. A diet rich in potassium helps lower blood pressure and may offset some of sodium’s negative effects.
INTERESTING INFO
In Spanish, the passion fruit is also known as maracujá de Brasil, parcha, parchita and maracuyá. It is believed that the fruit acquired its name, “passion fruit,” from Spanish missionaries during colonial times, who thought parts of the plant’s flower resembled religious symbols. Maracuyá is believed to have originated in Brazil and Paraguay. In Colombia, it is grown mostly in the northern part of the Valle del Cauca, between Roldanillo, La Unión, and Toro. In Costa Rica, it is used to produce a wine called Parchita Seco. Maracuyá is revered for its health benefits, including the treatment of constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, and menstrual disorders.
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