Passionfruit
Passionfruit botanically is a berry that originates from South America, native to the Amazon region in Brazil. It is round and has a tough skin that can be purple or gold. The fruit is filled with small black seeds and has a sweet and tangy flavour and is a good source of dietary fibre. Passionfruit is often eaten as is, but can also be used in smoothies, yoghurt, or desserts.
Did you know that this fruit was named by Spanish missionaries after the “Passion of Christ” who thought the plant’s flower resembled religious symbols?
It was first grown commercially in New Zealand in Kerikeri in the 1920s and is now readily in season from February to July.
Store
A whole passionfruit can be stored at room temperature and can keep for up to 2 weeks. They can also be stored in a sealed container in the fridge to keep them from dehydrating and this will keep for up to 1 month in the fridge. Any cut passionfruit should be stored in the fridge.
Cook
Passionfruit is often eaten as is, but can also be used in smoothies, yoghurt, or desserts.
Eat
To enjoy a passionfruit on its own, chop the top off like a boiled egg rather than cutting it in half and you won’t lose the delicious juices.
Our Favourite Recipes
Mango and Passionfruit
Pavlova
Serves 8-10
A delicious dessert. This version features mango and passionfruit, two tropical fruits that pair well together.
Summer Berries and Passionfruit Pavlova
Serves 8-10
This recipe makes the most out of summer berries, paired with passionfruit, to make a classic that much more delicious.