Are you looking for a new and exotic fruit to add to your diet? Well, have you tried maracuya fruit? Also known as passion fruit, this fruit is sure to add a tropical twist to your taste buds.
What is a Maracuya?
Maracuya fruit is native to South America and can be found in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. It is a small, round fruit that is about the size of a lemon. The outside of the fruit is purple or yellow, and it has a hard, leathery skin. But don’t let its tough exterior fool you, because inside the fruit is where all the magic happens.
What Does it Taste Like?
When you cut open a maracuya fruit, you’ll find a juicy, yellow pulp with small, crunchy seeds. The pulp has a sweet and tangy flavor, making it perfect for desserts, drinks, and even savory dishes.
Why Is Maracuya Also Called Passion Fruit?
The name “passion fruit” actually has an interesting history behind it. The fruit was first discovered in South America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, who named it “granadilla,” which means “little pomegranate” in Spanish, due to its resemblance to the pomegranate fruit.
However, it wasn’t until the 17th century when missionaries in South America started to use the fruit in their teachings. They saw the flower of the passion fruit plant as a symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the five petals and five sepals representing the ten apostles who remained faithful to Jesus during his crucifixion. The threads inside the flower represented the crown of thorns, and the three stigmas were seen as the nails on the cross.
Due to this association with Christ’s passion, the fruit became known as “passion fruit.” The name stuck, and now it’s used worldwide to refer to this delicious and exotic fruit.
Is Maracuya Fruit Good For You?
One of the best things about maracuya fruit is that it’s packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and protect your body against free radicals that can damage your cells.
Maracuya fruit is also known for its calming properties. It contains a natural sedative called harman, which can help relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. So, if you’re feeling stressed out, try sipping on a maracuya juice to help calm your nerves.
Opening a Passion Fruit
Opening a passion fruit can be a bit tricky, but with a little bit of practice, it can be done quickly and easily. Here’s how:
- Choose a ripe passion fruit: A ripe passion fruit will have a slightly wrinkled skin and will be slightly soft to the touch.
- Cut the fruit: Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit in half, lengthwise.
- Scoop out the pulp: Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp and seeds from the inside of the fruit. Be careful not to scrape too hard and break the skin, as the juice can be very acidic and may irritate your skin or eyes.
- Enjoy the pulp: The pulp and seeds can be eaten raw or used in a variety of recipes, such as smoothies, desserts, or marinades.
Some people prefer to strain the pulp through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, but this is entirely optional. The seeds are edible and add a nice crunchy texture to dishes.
Opening a passionfruit may take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious fruit in no time.
How Do You Eat It?
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate maracuya fruit into your diet, there are plenty of options. You can add the pulp to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal for a quick and easy breakfast. Or, try making a refreshing maracuya juice by blending the pulp with water and a little bit of honey. For a savory twist, use maracuya pulp as a marinade for chicken or fish.
10 Maracuya (Passion Fruit) Recipes to Try
Want to bring the flavors of maracuya to your kitchen? Here are 10 passion fruit recipes just begging to be tried:
1. Passion Fruit and Pineapple Sangria
This gorgeous sangria drink is made with white wine, fruit and ginger ale to make a bubbly and refreshing hot weather drink. 2 cups of passion fruit add sweetness and a unique flavor you don’t usually find in beverages (at least not in the US).
2. Mango, Kiwi and Passion Fruit Porridge
Add maracuya to your morning routine by spooning the seeds into your morning porridge! Made with oats and served with other tropical fruits, like mango, this is one breakfast idea we need to try stat.
3. Passion Fruit Juice
If you aren’t able to find passion fruit juice at your local market, you can also make it at home! This easy recipe shows you how to take the pulp of a maracuya fruit and turn it into juice with your blender.
4. Raspberry & Passion Fruit Greek Yogurt Granola
Here’s another delicious way to add maracuya to your morning routine: spoon it onto your favorite yogurt and granola bowl. Between the protein in the yogurt and all the nutrients in the fresh fruit you’ll have yourself the perfect start to the day.
5. Passion Fruit Cake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream
This fluffy layer cake recipe features a delectable passion fruit filling. The whole thing is topped with white chocolate buttercream and then more passion fruit curd.
6. Coconut Mango Passion Fruit Trifle
Talk about the perfect combination of tropical flavors! This simple trifle includes a buttery biscuit base topped with creamy coconut whipped cream and a tropical topping made with fresh maracuya fruit.
7. No Bake Passion Fruit Cheesecake
This soft and creamy passion fruit cheesecake is finished with a homemade maracuya jelly. The end result is a gorgeous dessert that won’t heat up the kitchen.
8. Passion Fruit Pavlova
Want to make a next-level elegant dessert? Check out this pavola! It looks like a fluffy pink cloud topped with cream, maracuya and fresh raspberries. It’s almost too pretty to eat.
9. Passion Fruit Martini
Also called a “Porn Star Martini” this easy passion fruit martini is ready in just 5 minutes! If you are looking for an elegant vodka cocktail to try, this may be the one.
10. Classic Passion Fruit Daiquiri
This beautiful orange-pink cocktail is made with passion fruit juice, fresh maracuya, white rum and citrus. You can garnish this drink with edible flowers as a unique finishing touch.
