Fruit Tree Portfolios for Improved Diets and Nutrition in Machakos County Kenya
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Passion fruit<br />
(Passiflora edulis)<br />
Mukundi (Swahili)<br />
© www.floridahillnursery.com<br />
© www.umdeema.com<br />
Passion fruit is a perennial, shallow-rooted climber which can grow several metres <strong>in</strong> height.<br />
The species is native of southern America. The yellow passion fruit is suitable <strong>for</strong> cultivation <strong>in</strong><br />
lowl<strong>and</strong>s, while the purple type is good <strong>for</strong> higher altitudes. Passion fruit can be grown from seed,<br />
but grafted plants are recommended <strong>for</strong> commercial cultivation. The fruit can be eaten fresh or<br />
processed <strong>in</strong>to juice <strong>and</strong> jam <strong>and</strong> is on high dem<strong>and</strong> both <strong>in</strong> domestic <strong>and</strong> export markets. In<br />
<strong>Machakos</strong> area, passion fruits are ready <strong>for</strong> harvest ma<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>in</strong> July <strong>and</strong> November.<br />
Nutrients are the nutritious components <strong>in</strong> foods that the body needs to grow strong <strong>and</strong> healthy.<br />
A diverse <strong>and</strong> balanced diet conta<strong>in</strong>s a range of nutrients, all of which play an important part <strong>in</strong><br />
keep<strong>in</strong>g our bodies healthy. Passion fruit is rich <strong>in</strong> vitam<strong>in</strong> C, vitam<strong>in</strong> A, iron <strong>and</strong> fibre.<br />
Vitam<strong>in</strong> C strengthens the immune system <strong>and</strong> provides <strong>for</strong> good health.<br />
Vitam<strong>in</strong> A is important <strong>for</strong> good vision <strong>and</strong> a healthy immune system.<br />
Iron <strong>in</strong>creases the quality of blood.<br />
Fibre is an important part of a healthy diet. A diet high <strong>in</strong> fibre has many health benefits <strong>and</strong> can<br />
improve the digestive system.<br />
In<strong>for</strong>mation brochure developed by Katja Kehlenbeck <strong>and</strong> Stepha McMull<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>Fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g Africa project implemented by the World Agro<strong>for</strong>estry Centre (ICRAF)<br />
<strong>and</strong> funded by the European Commission <strong>and</strong> IFAD<br />
Version: June 2015<br />
www.worldagro<strong>for</strong>estry.org
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