Maracujá

Maracujá, also known as passion fruit, is the fruit of several species in the genus Passiflora, most commonly Passiflora edulis. Native to South America, it is now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The fruit is round to oval, with a tough rind that changes color to purple (purple passion fruit) or yellow (yellow passion fruit) when ripe. Inside lies a juicy, aromatic pulp that surrounds numerous edible seeds.

Two widely grown forms are the purple passion fruit and the yellow passion fruit. The purple form typically yields smaller fruits with a strong aroma and sweet-tart pulp; the yellow form produces larger fruits and is favored for juice production in tropical lowland areas. Vines are vigorous climbers trained on trellises or supports. They require warm temperatures, well-drained soils, and regular moisture. Frost can affect yields. Flowers are largely pollinated by bees, though hand pollination may be used in orchards. Fruits mature several months after flowering, and ripe fruit is typically harvested by hand.

The pulp and seeds are eaten fresh or used to make juices, concentrates, desserts, and flavorings. Nutritionally, maracujá is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, with smaller amounts of provitamin A and minerals. In global trade, Brazil is a leading producer, with other important producers including Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico. The fruit is popular in many cuisines and valued for its tangy flavor and fragrant aroma.