Passion fruit
Packing a punch
The passion fruit is the fruit of the Passiflora vine, a climbing plant from Brazil. It is egg-shaped, its skin is smooth – even a little wrinkled – and its colour varies between yellow, coral and brown depending on the variety. Its pulp contains small brown, crunchy seeds. Its velvety flesh is very fragrant and refreshing; it is both sweet and tart. It can be enjoyed on its own, but is also excellent in desserts and cocktails.
The passion fruit contains vitamin C and vitamin B3 (niacin), whose concentration (2 mg) is exceptionally high for a fresh fruit. In particular, this vitamin promotes proper brain function, regulates cholesterol by lowering blood lipid levels and prevents atherosclerosis by preserving artery tissue integrity. It is also a source of magnesium (30 mg, or almost as much as in a banana) and iron (0.8 mg, or as much as in a kiwi fruit).
