Wednesday, December 18

    Giant granadilla facts

    Giant granadilla is widely known for its fruits that are large and weigh up to 9 lb (4 kg). When it is matured, it turns into medium yellow to light yellow. The hand pollination is essential for the best fruiting. The fruit is consumed fresh and used in drinks. Unripe fruits are consumed as a vegetable. The vine is perennial and exotic which survives for a short time in 1°C or 35°F. Giant granadilla is also called Giant tumbo or Badea. There are various names for Giant granadilla in various countries which differs from one to another. It is called Barbadine in Trinidad.

    Name Giant granadilla
    Scientific Name Passiflora quadrangularis
    Native Neotropics
    Common/English Name Square-stemmede passion flower, Giant granadilla, Granadilla
    Name in Other Languages Chinese: da guo xi fan lian;
    French: barbadine;
    Mangarevan: para patina;
    Maori (Cook Islands): kūkuma;
    Niuean: palasini;
    Palauan: kudamono;
    Samoan: pasio;
    Spanish: badea;
    Tahitian: para pautini;
    Tongan: pāsione;
    Tongarevan (written): pārapōtini;
    Tongarevan (spoken): pālapōtini
    Plant Growth Habit erbaceous vine, glabrous, woody at base
    Growing Climate Mild temperature
    Soil Well-drained
    Plant Size Length: 10-15 m
    Lifespan Perennial, 5-7 years
    Stem Quadrangular
    Stipules Ovate to lanceolate, 2-4 cm
    Leaf Broad to ovate or oblong to ovate; Width: 3 ¼- 6 inch (8.25-15 cm); Length: 4-8 inch (10-20 cm); smooth; bright green
    Flower Campanulate, Diameter: 7-10 cm; white tinged with pink or purple; filamentous
    Fruit shape & size Oblong, Length: 20-30 cm; Width: 10-20 cm
    Fruit weight 4 kg (9 lb)
    Fruit color Greenish to white to pale or deep yellow
    Flesh color White or pink; Thick: 1-1 1/2 inch (2.5-4 cm)
    Fruit peel Thin and delicate
    Flavor/aroma Mellow, sub-acidic
    Fruit Taste Mild sweet
    Seed Numerous, flattened to oval, Length: 7-10 mm; purplish to brown
    Major Nutritions Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 70.8 mg (78.67%)
    Iron, Fe 0.8 mg (10.00%)
    Phosphorus, P 17.1 mg (2.44%)
    Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.378 mg (2.36%)
    Calcium, Ca 13.8 mg (1.38%)
    Health Benefits
    • Skin health
    • Absorbs minerals
    • Chances of gout
    • Free radicals
    • Prevent colds
    • Immunity
    • Treats cancer
    • Treats stroke
    • Performance
    Traditional uses
    • The fruit is used as stomachic and antiscorbutic.
    • Flesh provides relief from nervous headache, diarrhea, asthma, dysentery etc.
    • The leaf decoction treats skin disorder.
    • The leaf poultice is useful for liver complaints.
    • The fruit provides relief from stomachic and scurvy.
    • The leaf extract treats intestinal problems.
    • It is used to aid congestive heart failure.
    • The juice extracted from fruit is used as eyewash for sore eyes.
    Precautions
    • Consultancy of doctor is essential before eating this fruit.
    • Some side effects are vomiting, nausea, rapid heartbeat and drowsiness.
    • Pregnant women should avoid Giant granadilla.
    • The flower might raise the effect of herbals and drugs that enhance sleepiness.
    How to Eat
    • Fruit is eaten fresh or added to drinks.
    • The leaves are used to make tea.
    • Fruits are added to ice-cream and drinks.
    • It is consumed as a dessert.
    • The flesh is also used to make jelly and the fruits are used to make wines.
    • The roots are a perfect substitute for yams.
    • The pulp is used to make sherbet.
    Other Facts
    • It is a type of squash fruit which has a mild melony essence.
    • It has got various names.
    • It has various names in the U.S. only.