Pomegranate, maracuja, passion fruit, passionflower... Several names designate this semi-woody climbing vine on which the famous fruit of the pa is grown.
Grenadilla's medium green, shiny, evergreen foliage is made up of leaves measuring between 10 and 20 cm long. The flowers of the grenadilla are globular in shape and measure approximately 5 cm in diameter. To grow well, grenadilla needs heat. It is imperative to place it in the sun and sheltered from cold winds. To meet all its needs, the soil in which the pomegranates grows must be rich, humus-rich, fresh, light, and well-drained. Its outdoor cultivation in France is limited to the milder regions. Its cultivation in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru is limited. It can measure up to 12 m high and 10 m wide. It has yellow skin which turns purple when ripe, and an orange and translucent pulp, dotted with black seeds. Grenadilla fruits have a delicious and exotic taste. Their flavor is both sweet and tangy. Maracuja or passion fruit can be enjoyed fresh, in a fruit salad, in juice, jelly, jam, and even in sorbet or mousse. Water it regularly and copiously throughout the summer and even more in the event of prolonged periods of drought. Pomegranate can be targeted by pests such as mealybugs, red spiders, or even whiteflies, especially if it grows in a greenhouse. It is all the more necessary if you grow your pomegranates in a pot. The granadilla does not like stagnant humidity, so water it in small quantities in the winter. It can be difficult to tell if pomegranates are RIPE or not, so check the label before you buy them. For more information on grenadilla fruits, visit grenadillafruit.co.uk or visit www.granadilla.com.