Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is a type of tropical plant cultivated for its edible fruit. It belongs to the Passifloera genus. It is commonly cultivated for its fleshy, sweet, and slightly acidic fruit. The fruit is commonly consumed fresh or used to prepare various types of preserves such as ice creams, sorbets, juices, jellies, and many more. It is a rich source of minerals and vitamins as well as various important compounds such as dietary fiber. The fruit is also low in calories. It has sedative and soothing effects and is recommended in a diet for those suffering from anxiety or insomnia.
The plant belongs to the Pasifloraceous family and commonly occurs in a variety of species. It is a perennial climbing plant that creates a slightly angular stem of a cylindrical shape. The stem is usually dark green and smooth. It also has a tendency to form rolled-up tendrils that reach up to 40 cm in length. The plant produces dark green, alternate leaves that have sewed edges. The leaves reach up to 16 cm in length and have three marked lobes. Passion fruit flowers are singular and solitary. They turn into ovoid or globose fruits that are varied depending on the species. Their colors vary from dark brown to yellow or purple. The fruit pulp is usually yellow or slightly greenish and juicy. It covers dozens of small, black grain-like seeds.
It is cultivated in tropical regions of the world. The name passion fruit was given to the plant by the Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century as they believed that the flower symbolizes Christ’s Passion. The fruit is commonly eaten raw or used to prepare various fruit salads and other desserts. It is commonly used in cocktails and other fruity beverages. It is also quite an important fruit for confectionery. The fruits’ skin in its dehydrated form is used as a nutritional food for animals.
The passion fruit is low in calories and is an excellent source of dietary fiber which improves the overall condition of the digestive track. The fruit also contains various vitamins and minerals. It is cultivated extensively in California and the tropical areas of South America. It is also an important crop for various tropical countries of Africa and Asia. The world’s largest producers of passion fruits are Kenya, Ecuador, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa.
Global passion fruit production
Passion fruit is native to South America, but it is now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Brazil is by far the largest producer of passion fruit, followed by China and India.
Passion fruit is a small, round, or oval fruit with a thick, leathery skin. The flesh of the fruit is juicy and full of seeds. Passion fruit has a tart, acidic flavor that is often used in desserts or as a flavoring for other foods.
The seeds of passion fruit are edible and contain high levels of fiber. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C. Passion fruit is a popular ingredient in many tropical drinks and desserts. It can also be used as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, and other desserts. Passion fruit is also a popular flavor for candy, gum, and other sweets.
Global production of passion fruit is forecast to reach 2.6 million metric tons in 2019/20, up slightly from the previous season’s estimate of 2.5 million metric tons. This slight uptick is driven by higher expected production in Brazil, which accounts for nearly 60 percent of global output. Brazilian production is forecast at 1.6 million metric tons in 2019/20, up from 1.5 million the previous season. Other major passion fruit-producing countries include Ecuador, Peru, Thailand, and Nigeria. Together, these five countries account for more than 90 percent of global production.