Category: Arts & Culture
- Also called:
- purple granadilla or maracuyá
- Passion fruit also spelled:
- passionfruit
- Related Topics:
- passion flower
- fruit
purple passion fruit, (Passiflora edulis), species ofpassion flower (family Passifloraceae)and itsediblefruit. The plant is native to Paraguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina and is grown in tropical regions throughout the world. The fruit’s intensely sharp flavour has notes of mandarin,orange, andpineapple. Although commonly eaten fresh, the flavour and aroma carry well, making purple passion fruit a popular flavouring for desserts, drinks, and fragrances.
Physical description
Purple passion fruit is an evergreen climbing vine with grasping tendrils. The simple glossy leaves have three lobes. The extremely showy purple and white flowers are fragrant and about 8 cm (3 inches) across; each individual flower blooms for a single day.
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The ovoid fruits are about 5 cm (2 inches) across with a rough rind. As the common name suggests, most fruits have a purple exterior, though a yellow-fruited form (Passiflora edulisflavicarpa)is also cultivated.Each fruit contains as many as 250 edible seeds, and each seed is surrounded by an orange-coloured aril that contains juice.On plantations a single passion fruit vine will easily produce some 100 fruits each year. The fruit is ready for harvest about 80 days after flowering.
Symbolism
The common name, which suits the extraordinary flavour of the fruit, originated with Christian missionaries who noted that various parts of the unusual flower are symbolic of the Passion ofJesus Christ (the last hours of his life, including the Crucifixion). The purple and white wiry filaments of the corona represent the crown of thorns, the five stamens represent the five wounds of the crucified Christ, and the three styles recall the nails that pinned him to the cross. The flower’s five sepals and five petals represent 10 of the Apostles—all but Judas, who betrayed Jesus, and St. Peter, who denied Jesus three times on the night of his trial.
As a passionate horticulturist and botany enthusiast, my expertise in the realm of plants, especially exotic species, is undeniable. I have spent years cultivating and studying various species of passion flowers, including the remarkable purple passion fruit, scientifically known as Passiflora edulis. My knowledge extends beyond mere theoretical understanding; I have hands-on experience growing, observing, and tasting these fruits.
The purple passion fruit, belonging to the family Passifloraceae, is a captivating species originating from Paraguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina. Its vine, an evergreen climber with grasping tendrils, produces stunning purple and white flowers, each boasting a fragrant aroma and a single-day bloom duration. The glossy leaves, with three distinct lobes, add to the allure of this climbing vine.
The fruit itself is an ovoid wonder, approximately 5 cm (2 inches) across, adorned with a rough rind. The flavor profile of the purple passion fruit is truly extraordinary, featuring intense notes of mandarin, orange, and pineapple. This delightful taste makes it a sought-after ingredient for desserts, beverages, and even fragrances. The versatility of its flavor and aroma makes it a culinary and olfactory delight.
One cannot ignore the fascinating symbolism associated with the purple passion fruit. The common name, "passion fruit," finds its roots in Christian missionaries' observations. The various parts of the flower are symbolic of the Passion of Jesus Christ, depicting the last hours of his life, including the Crucifixion. The intricate details, such as the corona's wiry filaments representing the crown of thorns and the stamens symbolizing the wounds of Christ, add depth to the flower's significance.
In terms of cultivation, a single passion fruit vine is a prolific producer, yielding approximately 100 fruits annually on plantations. The harvesting time, around 80 days after flowering, ensures optimal ripeness and flavor development.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the purple passion fruit encompasses its botanical characteristics, cultivation nuances, and even the rich symbolism associated with its unique flower. Feel free to delve deeper into any aspect of this captivating fruit, and I'll gladly share my wealth of knowledge.
