Glossary L
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Lilikoi or Liliko'i is the Hawaiian word for "Passion Fruit ", an exotic tropical fruit which is one of Hawaii's favorite island treats. Passion fruit has a slight tart and citrus taste.
Both the juice/pulp and seed is edible, but the fruit must be mature, as toxins exist in the immature fruits. While the seeds are edible, it is the fruit that is mostly used. The pulp is normally pressed through a strainer and then bottled as a concentrate. It is normally use in combination with water or other juices, along with fine crushed ice and vodka or tequila to make a delicious frozen cocktail drinks.
In Hawaii, it is said that the seeds of the purple passion fruit that were brought from Australia, were first planted in 1880 and the vine came to be popular in home gardens and the yellow passion fruit is thought to be native to the Amazon region of Brazil. Lilikoi is named after the special place on the island of Maui where it was first planted in 1880. Likewise, originally from South America, it is also said that the passion fruit spread to Australia where in 1923, Mr. E. N. Reasoner brought the seeds to Hawaii.
Both varieties of passion fruit yield a delicious orange colored juice and edible seeds. Passion fruit is farmed not only in Hawaii, but also in many countries. It is used in a reduced form to make jams, syrups, marinades, canned drinks, concentrates, and butter. It can be sweetened to for a variety of uses, such as marmalade, syrup which can be used on ice cream and pancakes.
Passion fruit jellies, mustards, butters, syrups, dressings and teriyaki sauce as well as skin care and aromatherapy products are made on the island of Kaua’i in Hawaii.
Delicious foods that incorporate passion fruit is found from the local supermarkets in Hawaii.
Liliko'i is pronounced "lee-lee-koh-ee".
Scientific: Passiflora edulis Sims
Flower Color: White, purple, yellow
Fruit Color: Yellow and Purple varieties