Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Banana passionfruit are oblong, measuring up to 12 centimeters in length. They grow on vines reaching 6 to 7 meters long with shiny green leaves. Banana passionfruit is fragrant, with the aroma of oranges. The skin of the fruit is thick and leathery, turning from green to bright yellow or orange-yellow as the fruit ripens. Banana passionfruit has an aromatic orange pulp studded with black seeds. The pulp is juicy and sweet, with a tart bite and hints of banana. Although the seeds are edible, they can be somewhat bitter.
Seasons/Availability
Banana passionfruit is available year-round in the tropics, with a peak season in the spring and fall months.
Current Facts
Banana passionfruit are botanically classified under the genus Passiflora. There are multiple cultivars including Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima and Passiflora tarminiana. The plant is a vigorous grower, maturing rapidly from seed in just one year. The plant is known to live for 15 to 20 years. Banana passionfruit is a crop plant in South America and is valued because at full maturity, a single vine can produce 200 to 300 fruits. The fruits are known as Curuba in Colombia and Bolivia, Tacso in Ecuador, Parcha in Venezuela, and Tumbo in Peru. They are called Banana Poka in Hawaii. The attractive, deep pink blossoms of the Bnanana passionfruit plant are also grown for their ornamental qualities, while vines are used in landscaping to cover trellises.
Nutritional Value
Banana passionfruit are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The fruits contain calcium, phosphorus, iron, carbohydrates, and a small amount of protein.
Applications
Banana passionfruit is best eaten out of hand. Slice the fruit lengthwise, and scoop the juicy pulp out of the skin with a spoon. The seeds of the fruit are edible. Banana passionfruit may be used in desserts such as cakes and pies, or in relishes, jams and other preserves. It pairs well with other tropical fruit like pineapples, kiwis, strawberries, mango, papaya, orange and guava in fruit salads. Banana passionfruit pairs well with fatty, creamy foods like cheesecake, cream sauces, duck breast, parfaits, and yogurt. In South America, Banana passionfruit is strained to remove the seeds for a smoother consistency, then used to flavor ice creams, juices and cocktails. In Colombia, it is drunk in milk smoothies, blended with honey or sugar. Store ripe Banana passionfruit in an open paper bag in the refrigerator, where they will last for around a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Banana passionfruit was given its English name in New Zealand, where it was introduced in the 1850s. It is illegal to sell and distribute the Banana passionfruit plant in both New Zealand and Hawaii, as it is considered to be an invasive species. Due to its fast-growing and upright climbing nature, the Banana passionfruit vines over grow and kill native plants, by blocking their access to sunlight. In the fragile ecosystems on the islands of Hawaii and Kauai, Banana passionfruit seeds are spread by birds and wild pigs, and the plant has over taken 520 square kilometers of native forest.
Geography/History
Banana passionfruit are native to the tropical and subtropical Andean regions of South America, including Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, and eastern Colombia. Banana passionfruit were introduced to the United States in 1920, when the Department of Agriculture received seeds from Ecuador and Colombia. They are not commonly grown in the United States today but are found in most tropical regions of the world, including in the Mediterranean, Africa, Australia and India.
Recently Shared
People have shared Banana Passionfruit using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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Rionegro Antioquia
La Vaquita Market
Antioquia, Colombia5J25+CF Rionegro, Antioquia 034-444-2010 About 106 days ago, 10/06/21 Sharer's comments : Todos los días en la mañana Camilo se encarga de organizar las frutas 
Carulla
Carulla Oviedo Medellin
Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaCarrera 43a # 6 Sur 145 Medellin Antioquia 034-604-5164 https://www.carulla.com/ About 693 days ago, 2/27/20 Sharer's comments : Banana passionfruit are native to South America.. 
Supermercado Boom
Boom!
Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaAbout 695 days ago, 2/25/20 Sharer's comments : Banana passionfruit! |
