Lilikoi is the name of a type of passion fruit grown in Hawaii. The rind is smooth yet tough, and when sliced open, it has pulpy juice and black seeds. It has a sweet-to-tart flavor that makes it delicious on its own or when incorporated into pastries, drinks, and dinners. If you're visiting Hawaii and curious about this popular ingredient, use the following guide to learn more about this unique regional fruit.

History of Lilikoi

During the 16th century, when Christian missionaries arrived in South America, they discovered the passionflower, which they believed was a symbol of Christ's crucifixion. They observed that the plants dropped their flowers and yielded edible passion fruit once fertilized. The missionaries collected the seeds and grew them in tropical environments, such as Brazil, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico, where they thrived.

In the late 19th century, the passionflower arrived in Hawaii and quickly spread throughout the islands, becoming a popular garden addition. Locals named it lilikoi, a Hawaiian word that means passionate or sweet. The plant also began reproducing on its own and now grows wild in many areas of the state.

Health Benefits

Lilikoi is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. The nutrient helps the body fight and prevent infections and assists with making collagen, which is the connective tissue found in the bones, blood, and nervous system.

This fruit is fiber-rich, which can normalize bowel movements, lower cholesterol, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Lilikoi is also a good source of vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision and stimulates the production of disease-fighting white blood cells.

Use In Recipes 

Lilikoi is a versatile fruit that tastes delicious in both sweet and savory dishes. Bakeries often use it in pastries such as pies and cakes, adding a touch of tartness to the sugars and creams. Restaurant chefs also use the fruit in meat marinades, lending a sweet and sour flavor to savory dishes. 

It's a common ingredient in fruit smoothies and can yield delectable juice after straining the pulp and seeds. Bartenders frequently incorporate the liquid from lilikoi into tropical cocktails, such as mai tais and margaritas.

When you want to try the delicious and nutritious lilikoi, head to Ted's Bakery. They offer lilikoi cheese pie along with an assortment of pastries and hot breakfast foods to hungry patrons throughout Haleiwa, HI, and surrounding areas. Call (808) 638-8207 to place an order for pickup, and visit the website to browse their menu of confections and dishes.