Passion fruit is a tropical fruit known for its unique flavour and aromatic qualities. So, how to eat passion fruit properly? In this article, let’s learn about how to enjoy this fruit.
An introduction to this unique fruit
Passion fruit is a fascinating fruit that allows you to savour its sweet-tart flavours with just a bit of effort. Originating from South America and known for its wrinkly purple or yellow rinds encasing a fibrous interior filled with edible seeds and juicy juice sacs, passion fruit adds a unique pop of tropical flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes. Its tangy, slightly acidic taste profile makes it a perfect complement for everything from yoghurt and lemon bars to savoury stir-fries and ceviches.
This article will explore the best ways to unlock passion fruit’s signature blend of sweet and sour notes. From picking a ripe fruit to extracting its juice, you’ll learn practical techniques for enjoying this trendy superfruit in its whole and prepared forms. By the end, you’ll be a passion fruit pro, ready to dazzle your tastebuds and meals with this exciting ingredient.
Choosing ripe passion fruit
When selecting passion fruit, aim for fruits that feel heavy and slightly soft to the touch. Their wrinkled skin should be deep purple, yellow, or orange, with no signs of mould or rotten spots. Unripe fruits will be more complex and greener, while overripe specimens will be collapsed or mushy. Give fruits a gentle squeeze to ensure some give without squirting juice.
Ripe passion fruit will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long-term storage, remove the fruit from the fridge a day before using it to bring it to room temperature. Never refrigerate cut or halved passion fruit, which causes its flesh to discolour and juice to thicken.
Cutting open passion fruit
Once you’ve chosen ripe passion fruit, cutting it open to access its delicious pulp and seeds within is easy with just a few steps:
- Wash and dry the fruit well to remove any residual dirt or debris
- Slice the passion fruit in half horizontally through its equator using a sharp knife
- Scoop out the edible pulp and seeds using a spoon
- Discard the rind and enjoy the pulp raw or in recipes
Enjoying raw passion fruit pulp
Nothing highlights a passion fruit’s natural tartness better than enjoying its pulp raw. Scoop out flesh and seeds from halved fruit with a spoon and savour its fresh tropical flavour straight or use in:
- Yoghurt, oatmeal, and other breakfast items
- Salads and slaws for a hit of bright acidity
- Ceviche or seafood dishes where its acid cuts through richness
- Cocktails and mocktails for a flavorful, thirst-quenching twist
Extracting passion fruit juice
If you prefer a concentrated passion fruit essence without seeds, extract juice by:
- Halving ripe fruit crosswise and scooping pulp and seeds into a bowl lined with a fine mesh strainer
- Using a spoon, mash and strain pulp through a strainer into a liquid measuring cup below
- Discard any pulp and seeds left in a filter while reserving bright yellow or purple strained juice
- Use juice within 3-4 days or freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies, cocktails, and more.
Extracted passion fruit juice adds intense flavour to:
- Vinaigrettes and dressings for crisp salads
- Marinades for seafood, meat or tofu
- Butter or cream to spike its sweetness
- Lemon bars, tarts or curd for a tropical twist
Alternatively, if you prefer a more juice-like experience, you can strain the pulp through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the juice from the seeds. The resulting juice can be used in various recipes or enjoyed independently.
Remember to wash the passion fruit thoroughly before cutting it to remove any dirt or residue from the skin. Enjoy the unique and tropical flavours of passion fruit! Above is one of many ways to eat passion fruit. This method will help you get a delicious food or drink.