Passiflora quadrangularis is related to passion fruit, but much larger and less acidic, with a more subtle flavor. It grows on a vine from which the enormous fruit (the size of a medium-sized papaya) grows and is endemic to the American tropics.
When the Spaniards arrived in the conquest, they called it granadilla or parcha, given its similarity to passion fruit and other fruits of the genus passiflora, but today its name differs by country, my favorite name being the one used in Bolivia: watermelon passion. It has a high vitamin C content, and the pulp, as well as its seeds, consumed in excess, can cause drowsiness due to a compound called passiflorin.
In countries such as Brazil it is used in traditional medicine to calm the nerves and help with insomnia. In Panama it is mostly used to prepare a refreshing chicha with water and sometimes with milk.
Recipe
At El Trapiche we make chicha de granadilla with orange, a delicious and refreshing drink:
Ingredients:
Juice of 20 oranges
1-2 granadillas (the whole fruit with its seeds is used, but it is chopped into cubes for better handling)
Water to taste 2 lb. sugar (or to taste).
Procedure:
Blend the orange juice with the granadillas. Strain to separate large pieces of seeds and mix with enough water and sugar. Enjoy chilled.
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