Banana Passionfruit
PASSIFLORA MOLLISSIMA
10 SEEDS
Banana passionfruit are oblong, measuring up to 5 inches in length. They grow on vines reaching over 20 foot 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. 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. 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.
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.
Passion fruit are more tender, and thrive in frost-free climates. USDA hardiness zones 9-11 are ideal for passion fruit, though some hybrid varieties are more cold-tolerant and will survive an occasional dip below 25 degrees, but will regrow from the roots the following Spring.
Passion Fruit Germination:
1) Rub the outer shell with rough grit sandpaper and soak seeds in water for 48 hours, changing water daily.
2) Use a heated propagator to keep the soil 75-80 degrees F.
3) Plant seeds 1/2 inches deep in moist sterile soil. Never wet.
4) Periodically check them so they don’t dry out. If mold or fungus is spotted, clean effected seeds with a copper based fungicide and rinse them off really well. Then place back in a new sterile potting mix.
5) Patience is required as with any Tropical seeds, germination times can vary from 6 weeks all the way up to 6 months. Some have been known to take up to a year, so don’t toss out what doesn’t germinate as quickly as others. They’re still good, and just need more time & are Well Worth the Wait!
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