Gulupa
Passiflora pinnatistipula Cav.
The
Gulupa, also known as purple passion fruit, is the most widely
commercially grown of all passionfruit.
Gulupas
are native to Southern Peru and Bolivia and the Andes, from Venezuela
to Chile. It still grows wild in Peru and Bolivia, where it is
also more widely cultivated.
Gulupas
are tropical fruits and are grown between 2500 and 3800 meters
altitude and are available year-round.
The
fruit is filled with aromatic sacs containing an orange-colored,
pulpy juice and many small, hard, black, pitted seeds. The flavor
is appealing, musky, guava-like, sweet/tart to tart. The Gulupas
are preferred for consuming fresh, since its pulp is less acid,
richer in aroma and flavor, and has a higher proportion of juice
compared to the yellow passionfruit.
To
eat Gulupas just cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp
with a spoon, it can be eaten on its own or with cream and sugar.
Popular in fruit salads, beverages or added to yogurt, seeds and
all. The seeded pulp can be made into jelly or jam when combined
with pineapple or tomato.
