Flamenco Passionfruit
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Flamenco passionfruit varies in size, depending on growing conditions, and showcases a round, oval, to slightly pyriform shape with blunt, curved ends. The fruit’s surface is smooth, taut, and firm with a faint sheen, and when ripe, the skin remains plump and wrinkle-free. Flamenco passionfruit features variegated shades of green, purple, crimson, and dark purple, almost black hues. Minor scratches, raised markings, and pale speckles may also cover the surface. These brown markings only affect the exterior and do not impact the edible portion of the fruit. As Flamenco passionfruit ripens, the skin may begin to soften and wrinkle due to dehydration and moisture loss. Underneath the surface, the fruit encases a cavity filled with golden yellow-orange arils. These arils are slippery, gelatinous, and juicy, enveloping small, black, and crunchy seeds. When opened, juice often escapes from the fruit and pools in the center of the arils when held in halves. Select ripe fruits in markets that feel heavy for their size and have stems that appear green and fresh. If they are brown or shriveled, it may be a sign of age. Flamenco passionfruit has a succulent, tender, slightly crunchy, and juicy consistency when ripe. The arils are aromatic and have a sweet, fruity, and tropical taste combined with tangy, bright, and refreshing acidity.
Seasons/Availability
Flamenco passionfruit is available in Australia from summer through winter, typically between December and August.
Current Facts
Flamenco passionfruit, botanically classified as Passiflora edulis, is an Australian variety belonging to the Passifloraceae family. The purple-fruited cultivar is a relatively new variety developed through breeders in Australia in the 21st century as an improved passionfruit for commercial and home production. Flamenco passionfruit develops on climbing vines reaching 2 to 5 meters in length, and the vines seasonally produce large crops of sweet, tropical fruits. Growers value the cultivar for its vigorous nature, cold hardiness, and productivity. The variety is a grafted type known for its ability to produce fruits in the same year it is planted. Flamenco passionfruit falls from the vines when ripe for easy harvest and is sold as a specialty commercial type in markets for fresh eating.
Nutritional Value
Flamenco passionfruit has not been extensively studied for its nutritional properties. Purple types of passionfruit, in general, are a source of potassium to balance fluid levels within the body while replenishing electrolytes and fiber to regulate the digestive tract. Passionfruit also provides vitamins A and C to strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy organs, calcium and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, and other nutrients, including folate and magnesium.
Applications
Flamenco passionfruit has a rich, sweet, and tangy taste suited for fresh preparations. The gelatinous arils are popularly eaten out of hand, and the fruits can be broken open by hand. Once opened, the arils are sucked from the shells or eaten with a spoon. Flamenco passionfruit can also be added to smoothies, shakes, and fruit juices or sprinkled with sugar or lime as a flavor enhancement or fresh snack. In Australia, Flamenco passionfruit is consumed in any recipe calling for purple passionfruit. The variety is poured over yogurt or ice cream as a bright topping or mixed into acai bowls. The fruit is also simmered into syrups, jams, and jellies or blended into salad dressings. In addition to fresh flavorings, Flamenco passionfruit is sometimes incorporated into batters and fillings for cakes, pies, bars, and crumbles or used to enhance puddings and custards. The variety pairs well with chocolate, vanilla, and fruits, including pineapple, coconut, citrus, and mangoes. Whole, unopened Flamenco passionfruit can be kept for a few days at room temperature in cooler regions and in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few weeks in warmer areas. The pulp can also be frozen for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Passionfruit Australia Inc. is an industry collective comprised of experts involved in passionfruit cultivation, breeding, and commercial marketing of the fruits. The original association was established in the 1980s by growers in New South Wales and was called the Australia Passionfruit Industry Association. Over time, more passionfruit breeders and growers joined across Australia, restructuring the program to be representative of the entire country. The main objectives of Passionfruit Australia are to effectively disseminate information throughout the industry and to assist breeders in developing improved varieties to fight against diseases, low yields, and other cultivation hardships. The group also helps to promote newer varieties, including Flamenco, to growers and industry professionals through magazines, research articles, and strategic marketing. In addition to variety promotion, the PF22000 National Passionfruit Breeding Program is the newest breeding project operated in partnership with the Australian Government, Hort Innovation, and Passionfruit Australia. This project will span over five years to develop new hybrid varieties, and scientists are hopeful new cultivars will be released to reinvigorate the passionfruit industry in Australia.
Geography/History
Flamenco passionfruit are thought to be native to Australia and were developed in New South Wales. Much of the variety’s origins are unknown, but a few sources trace the creation of Flamenco passionfruit to fruit breeder David Peasley, owner of Peasley Horticultural Services. David Peasley established his consulting and breeding services in 1995 and has experience in passionfruit, bananas, mangoes, and avocados. Flamenco passionfruit is said to be a hybrid variety and is one of the varieties sold under the Plant Breeding Payment Scheme, along with Pearl, Gem, and Tango, other cultivars also bred by David Peasley. The exact release date of Flamenco passionfruit is unknown, but some sources in 2024 note that it has been present in the industry for over ten years. Flamenco passionfruit is cultivated as a home garden and commercial variety and thrives in tropical to subtropical regions. The climbing vines wind around fences, walls, and arches and are sometimes used as a property barrier. Flamenco passionfruit plants are also sown for their seasonal blooms, producing ornamental, showy purple and white flowers. When in season, Flamenco passionfruit is sold through select markets and retailers throughout Australia. Passionfruit is commercially produced in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
