Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of tropical flavor? The exotic and mouth-watering Maracuya can do the trick!
This fruit is a true sensation for the senses, with its tangy and sweet taste, vibrant orange color, and juicy pulp.
How do you indulge properly in this tropical delicacy?We have it all right here. Let’s help you add some spice to your fruit game and take your taste buds on a wild ride!
What is maracuya?
Maracuya is a round or oval-shaped fruit that has a tough outer shell and a soft, juicy interior filled with seeds and pulp. Also known as passion fruit, it is native to South America but is now widely cultivated in other regions with similar climates.
Maracuya, also known as passion fruit, is a tropical fruit commonly grown in South America. It usually has a purple or yellow shell depending on the variety.
In the shell, it has a soft pulp that contains seeds. The pulp is tangy and sweet. It is used to make juices, and desserts and is also used as traditional medicine in some areas.
Maracuya’s history in the United States
The fruit is widely thought to have been introduced to the United States around the late 1800s or early 1900s. Its introduction is attributed to a few different sources, including American missionaries who brought back seeds from South America and Hawaiian settlers who planted the fruit in the early 1900s.
Various agricultural explorers and botanists who traveled to South America may have also brought back specimens for study and cultivation. Today, passion fruit is grown in several regions of the United States, including Hawaii, Florida, and California.
How to eat maracuya
Here are some steps to eat maracuya:
- Place the fruit on a chopping board and cut it half lengthwise with a knife.
- Scoop out the pulp with a spoon. You can choose to remove the seeds and eat the pulp only.
- Discard the outer shell or you can use it to make compost.
You can eat the maracuya pulp and seeds on their own, or you can use them to make a variety of recipes like:
- Desserts: Use maracuya pulp in desserts like cheesecake, mousse, or sorbet.
- Salad dressing: Mix maracuya pulp with olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings to make a tangy salad dressing.
- Cocktails: Use maracuya juice as a mixer in cocktails, such as a passion fruit margarita or a passion fruit mojito.
The flavor is a unique combination of sweet and tangy, with a tropical aroma that is both refreshing and exotic.
What is maracuya in English?
Maracuya is the Spanish name for passion fruit, a tropical fruit with a hard outer shell and a soft, juicy pulp filled with numerous small seeds.
Maracuya benefits
Maracuya has several benefits. They include:
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- It has vitamins A and C which help protect your body cells from damage by unstable molecules (free radicals). One medium-sized maracuya (about 18 grams) contains approximately 4% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A and 30% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
- Improves digestion which helps avoid constipation. It is also rich in dietary fiber which promotes overall gut health. On average, one medium-sized maracuya (about 18 grams) contains approximately 2 grams of dietary fiber.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation brought about by chronic diseases or consuming certain foods.
- Contains potassium which promotes heart health. On average, one medium-sized maracuya (about 18 grams) contains approximately 100 milligrams of potassium. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure which reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Helps to boost immunity because it contains vitamin C.
A maracuya is considered perfectly safe to eat and has no side effects unless you have an allergy or dietary restriction.
Maracuya juice
Maracuya or passion fruit juice is a popular and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for cocktails and other drinks.
It is made by blending the pulp, then adding water and sugar to taste.
Maracuya vs passion fruit
Maracuya and passion fruit are the same fruit: the common passion fruit. The only difference is the regions where the names are used.
In Spanish-speaking countries, it is commonly referred to as maracuya, while in English-speaking countries, it is usually called passion fruit.
The scientific name of the fruit is Passiflora edulis.
Related: Granadilla Passion Fruit
What country calls passion fruit maracuya?
Mainly South American Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. However, the name may vary slightly depending on the specific dialect or region. In Brazil, another South American country, passion fruit is called “maracuja.”
Where to buy maracuya in United States
You can buy maracuya or passion fruit in most major grocery stores, especially those that specialize in international or tropical fruits. Some grocery store chains that may carry maracuya include:
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Wegmans
- Publix
- H-E-B
- Sprouts Farmers Market
You may also be able to find maracuya in Latino supermarkets or grocery stores such as Bravo Supermarkets, Sedano’s, or Compare Foods; and Asian markets or grocery stores such as H Mart, 99 Ranch Market, or Seafood.
If you’re having trouble finding it locally, you can also try looking for online retailers that specialize in tropical or exotic fruits. Some online retailers that sell maracuya include:
- Miami Fruit: Specializes in exotic fruits and offers fresh maracuya and maracuya pulp for shipping within the US.
- Melissa’s Produce: Offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including fresh maracuya, which can be shipped to most locations in the US.
- Amazon: You can find fresh maracuya and maracuya pulp on Amazon, available through various third-party sellers.
- Tropical Fruit Box: They offer a subscription service for monthly deliveries of exotic fruits, including maracuya, within the US.
- Etsy: You can find a variety of maracuya products, including fresh fruit and pulp, from various international and domestic sellers.
What is the retail price of maracuya in United States?
The retail price can vary from season, region, or availability. The price can vary from $1 to $3 per fruit and $4 to $8 per pound. Pre-packaged maracuya juice can range in price from $4 to $10 per bottle or carton. Local grocery stores or markets sell by weight in grams. They also stay up to date with current market prices.