Passion Fruit
Varieties
Of the approximately 400 varieties of the passion fruit plant, only about 30 produce edible fruit. These are mainly categorized as Sweet, Purple, and Giant. The types most commonly available in supermarkets are the Sweet and Purple varieties, which are about the size of an egg. The Giant Granadilla, 8 inches (about 20cm) in length, grows in tropical America, India, and southeast Asia. The Sweet Granadilla can be found in Mexican mountain regions and in Hawaii.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Unripe passion fruit is too tart to eat. The riper the fruit, the better the sweet-tart taste. It makes a delicious treat simply scooped out of its skin with a spoon. The seeds are edible, although when using the fruit in recipes it is best to strain them out. The pulp of this fruit, like vanilla extract or grenadine, can be used as a flavoring in baking or for mixing cocktails.
Storing
It keeps in the refrigerator for a week or so, though you can freeze the pulp in an ice cube tray.