Colombia is home to the largest variety of curuba. Also know as the banana passion fruit it is loaded with antioxidants especially proanthocyanidins and catechin. It contains vitamin A and vitamin C as well as high amounts of phosphorous, niacin, calcium and iron.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Bogotá area they found the yellow to red fruit growing wild. Though today it is grown commercially. However it does not seem to grow below 4,000 feet above sea-level. Outside of South American countries it can be purchased as a frozen pulp.
The taste of the raw fruit is a little tart. Consequently Colombians put the pulp into a blender along with a little milk, water and sugar. Then they strain the mixture to remove the seeds. The concoction is called sorbete de curuba. And of course someone came up with an alcoholic drink by mixing the fruit with Colombia’s aguardiente. But one can also find it in meringues, cakes, fruit salads and yogurt.
The curuba fruit grows on our property. Well, actually the plant is on our neighbors side of the fence. But because of the way the sun comes across our lawn most of the fruit is on our side.