Granadilla
Did You Know
Granadilla are known as Granadilla in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru; Granadilla común in Guatemala; Granadilla de China or parcha dulce in Venezuela and Granaditta in Jamaica.
Underneath the rind, the fruit is filled with a mucilaginous, pale white to almost clear pulp that encases many small, flat black seeds. Granadillas are aromatic with a slippery, moist, and smooth texture layered over a crunchy center, and have a bright, sweet, and mildly tart, fruity flavor.
Granadillas, botanically classified as Passiflora ligularis, are a subtropical fruit that grows on climbing vines that can reach over five meters in length and are members of the Passifloraceae family.
Originally discovered throughout Central and South America, Granadillas are known by many names and spellings including Sweet Granadilla, Granadia, Grandilla, Granada China, and as Sugar fruit in local South American markets.
Granadillas are not as well-known across the world as the purple passionfruit, but these petite fruits are increasing in popularity for their sweet flavor and are most commonly consumed fresh out of hand or are blended into fruit drinks and cocktails.
Health Benefits
Granadillas are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, fiber, iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
Granadilla provides the body with essential vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B3, B9, C, E and K. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, is especially effective in building up a strong immune system.
Eating Sweet Granadilla regularly helps the body produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Thanks to the iron, potassium, phosphorus and vitamin B that this fruit contains, the production of these blood cells increases, preventing conditions such as anemia.
The production of red and white blood cells is stimulated thanks to the iron, potassium and B vitamins found in Granadilla. Healthy red blood cells are vital for combating anemia.
When eaten whole, the seeds of the fruit have a fiber content of approximately 1.9 grams. Fiber is crucial for gut health and preventing constipation. For young children, extract the fruit juice from the seeds by setting a strainer over a bowl or cup and pushing the seeds around with a spoon.
*Disclaimer: Please seek professional medical advice for a diet that fits your needs.