Passiflora ligularis or Granadilla, delicious Andean fruit
Passiflora ligularis, known as
granadilla, is a climbing plant of the Passifloraceae family native to the
Andes. It is called "Granadilla" in Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Ecuador, Mexico; "Common granadilla" in Guatemala;
"Granadilla de China" or "parchita amarilla", "parchita"
in Venezuela, "granada de muco" in Mexico, "pachio" in
Bolivia, and "granadita" in Jamaica.
Passiflora is the generic name
that, adopted by Linnaeus in 1753, means "flower of passion" (from
the Latin passio = "passion" and flos = "flower"), it was
granted by Catholic missionaries in 1610, due to the similarity of some parts
of the plant with religious symbols of the Passion of Christ, the whip with
which it was whipped = tendrils, the three nails = styles; stamens and the
radial corolla = the crown of thorns.
Description
It is a vigorous climbing plant
that adheres to the supports through tendrils. The leaves are long and
petiolate, fixed base, whole, broadly ovate, 8-17 cm long, 6-15 cm wide; with
petioles 5-15 cm long. The flowers, with musky aroma, are 7-9 cm in diameter;
calyx oblong, 3-5 cm long; sepals closely lanceolate pale green 3-4 cm long;
pink white petals; filaments of the bluish-purple crown in two series.
The fruit is ovoid, of green
color when it is immature, it turns to green yellow orange with small white
spots when it is mature. The size of the fruit is 6.5 to 8 cm long and 5.1 to 7
cm in diameter; the shell is thin, smooth and brittle, weighs between 110 and
125 grams. The pulp (aril) has a very aromatic and sweet flavor, it is
yellowish white to orange with a mucilaginous texture, it contains numerous
blackish flat seeds, covered with a juicy, crystalline, transparent and
gelatinous texture.
Distribution and habitat
It is found in central Mexico, all
of Central and South America, from Colombia, Venezuela, western Bolivia to
southern Peru. Also in Jamaica and in the mountainous areas of Haiti. Its
natural habitat is subtropical climate zones since it does not resist heat,
between 15 ° and 18 ° C of temperature, 600 to 1000 mm of annual precipitation and
altitude of 1700 to 2600 meters above sea level.
Colombia is the world's leading
producer of this fruit. Other growing countries are Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru
and Bolivia. The main importers are Mexico, the United States, Canada, Belgium,
the Netherlands, France and Spain.
Usefulness and benefits of granadilla
Generally the passion fruit is
consumed raw, for this, the shell is simply broken with the fingers and the
pulp is eaten with a spoon. You can also get a rich drink, straining the pulp
and adding water. The granadilla extract can be used to prepare ice creams,
soufflés, sauces and yogurt. It is known as the "children's fruit"
because it activates the infants' thymus and helps them grow.
The granadilla has natural
nutrients and positive health effects are attributed to it.
1. It is an excellent source of
potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc
and iron. In addition, it contains proteins and healthy carbohydrates.
2. Provide the body with essential
vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, E, K and provitamin A.
3. It can be used as a tranquilizer
or natural sedative, since its consumption is recommended for the stabilization
of nerves and anxiety.
4. It is very effective as a
laxative and digestive stimulant. In addition, it controls the acidity and
helps to heal stomach ulcers. To combat diarrhea and colic and can also be
useful as a treatment against worms (vermifuge).
5. When consumed whole, with seeds,
it has a high fiber content, very beneficial for health.
6. Because it is a natural
relaxant, it is possible that it favors the sleep of people suffering from
insomnia.
7. Due to its excellent properties,
it can help eliminate cholesterol in the blood and prevent anemia.
8. Regulates heart rate and blood
pressure, which reduces the possibility of cardiovascular risks, such as heart
and cerebral infarction
9. It helps in the formation of red
blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood, which are very
important for the organism; prevents iron-deficiency anemia
10. It is very good for the
eyesight, and its consumption is highly recommended in children, since it
activates its growth.
11. It has antioxidant properties,
eliminates free radicals.
12. Has antispasmodic properties,
eliminates seizures and muscle spasms.
13. Relieves catarrhal symptoms and
flu states.
14. In studies carried out in the
"University of California, it was possible to verify in prostate cancer
patients that daily drinking a glass of pomegranate juice for a long time
References
Passiflora
ligularis
Conoce los
10 beneficios de comer una granadilla
SWEET
GRANADILLA, Passiflora ligularis
Los
beneficios de consumir la Granadilla, Jueves, 03 / May / 2012
