Passionfruit

Passionfruit/Kōhia

Availability

New Zealand passionfruit are available from February to July.

Storage and Handling

Store at room temperature. Handle all fresh produce with care and wash before eating.

History

Passionfruit are native to the Amazon region in Brazil. They were named by Spanish missionaries after the “Passion of Christ” who thought the plant’s flower resembled religious symbols. It was first grown commercially in New Zealand in Kerikeri in the 1920s.

Facts

Botanically, passionfruit are a berry
Passionfruit are a good source of dietary fibre
In South Africa passionfruit is called “granadilla”

Growing Facts

Passionfruit grow on climbing vines that sprout tendrils that cling to any support
Passionfruit vines generally live only 5-7 years
Purple passionfruit grow in subtropical regions and are grown commercially in New Zealand
Yellow passionfruit grow well in tropical regions, they do grow in New Zealand but are not suitable to be grown commercially

Nutrition Information

2 passionfruit = 36g

	Average Quantity per serving	% Daily Intake per serve	Average Quantity per 100 g
Energy (kJ/Cal)	109/26	1%	302/72
Protein (g)	1.0	2%	2.8
Fat, total (g)	0.2	0%	0.5
- saturated (g)	0.0	0%	0.0
Available carbohydrate (g)	2.7	1%	7.4
- sugars (g)	2.7	3%	7.4
Dietary Fibre (g)	5.0	17%	13.9
Sodium (mg)	10	0%	28
Vitamin C (mg)	7.2	18% RDI*	20.0
Vitamin E (mg)	1.1	11% RDI *	3.0