Botanical Name:
Passiflora ligularis quadrangularis (Passifloraceae)
General Description/History:
See ‘Varieties’ below.
Giant Granadilla is a strong thick vine with soft light green leaves between 10-20cm long and 8-15cm wide. The flower is 8-12cm in diameter with petals which are red internally and pink or white externally, three green basal bracts, with full fleshy sepals of green colour on the outside and white, pink or purple inside.
Sweet Granadilla is somewhat similar to the passionfruit. The vine is a strong grower, woody at the base with climbing tendrils. The leaves, sometimes lobed, are predominantly heart-shaped and between 8-20cm long. Flowers, usually 2 to a node, impart a sweet musty odour. Petals and sepals are greenish white, and the corona is white with zones of red-purple.
Select firm fruit without any soft spots or blemishes.
Desserts, fruit salad and decoration in punches.
Granadilla grows best in a sunny position sheltered from cold winds, and free from frosts. Vines grow well at higher altitudes in tropical climates, and can be grown in well-protected locations in cooler temperate areas.
Growth is satisfactory in a wide range of soils, however they should be free draining as waterlogging leads to root rot disease. Vines should start bearing within one or two years from planting. Vines are trained onto wire trellises.
The granadilla is a fruit native to Central and South America and was brought into cultivation during the 18th century. It can be found growing throughout the tropics.
Availability:
Growing Areas:
QLD - Tropical North
Nutritional Value:
An excellent source of dietary fibre and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. 81kJ/100g.
Storage/Handling:
7-10°C and 90-98% relative humidity.
Consumer Storage: Store in the refrigerator for a short time.
