HIGHLIGHTED HERB: 
PASSION FRUIT
Written By: Cassie Jobin

Everyone has heard of passion fruit, an exotic tropical vine fruit from the Amazon Rainforest. However, one might be shocked to know, these showy flowering fruits can be easily found throughout the fields and fencerows of the Ozarks. Also known as "Passionvine" or "Maypop" the plants begin to grow in May then fade away in the winter, and live about 6 years total.

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"And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine.."

-1 Kings 4:25

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It’s flowers are large and elegant while the petals are more tendril like, coming in a variety of colors. The fruit is oval shaped, small like a kiwi, and tastes sweet. Even the leaves are extremely valuable for medicinal properties. Passion fruit can be eaten while it’s leaves and dried fruit can also be used in teas, or as a topical for skin. The flower itself is also smokable, with a sweet taste like cloves and calm sedating effects following soon after. The vitamin and nutrients of Passion flower and Passion fruit are very high compared to other consumable flowers such as Wisteria, which can be risky to eat. The fruits are also known for being good for diabetics because they have a low glycemic index.