Passion fruit

Passion fruit belong to Passiflora L. which has a wide genetic base. While some species are undomesticated, others are cultivated as ornamental plants, for nourishment and for medical purpose.

The edible commercial species of passion fruit originated on the edges of South America rainforest in the Amazon region of Brazil and possibly in Paraguay and northern Argentina.

Introduced to the Caribbean more than 100 years ago, passion fruit is now becoming commercially important in some Caribbean countries such as Dominica, Martinique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Suriname.

Commercial production of passion fruits is currently increasing due to industrialization of the processed passion fruit products.

Large number of volatiles have been found in the various extracts of purple and yellow passion fruit; nearly 300 components have been identified as passion fruit volatiles.

Among these compounds, ester (aliphatic, aromatic, and terpenoid), are the most abundant class of volatiles followed by C13 norterpenoids and monoterpenoids.
Passion fruit 

Vitamins in passion fruit

Passion fruit mainly enjoyed for its juice. It grows on vines in the South American tropics.

Ripe fruits are yellow or purple with hard shiny skin that wrinkles as it ripens. The sweet and tart, pulpy flesh is sharply aromatic and laden with crunchy, edible seeds.

Key vitamin in passion fruit include vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin).

Yellow and purple passion fruit are good sources of pro-vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin and ascorbic acid. Vitamin C in passion passion fruit is between 20 to 30 mg while 1,272 IU of vitamin A per 100 g of fresh fruit.

The fruit provides 1.5 mg of vitamin B12 per 100 g.

Lots of vitamin C and some vitamin A means better immunity and possible cancer protection. Passion fruit pulp is a good source of vitamin A. Research at the University of Florida support the fruit juice as a cancer fighting substance.

With some B vitamins and magnesium, passion fruit contribute to healthy skin, nerves and muscles.
Vitamins in passion fruit