Amid the ongoing record heatwave, the subtropical fruit passion fruit harvest is in full swing in Namwon, Jeonbuk Autonomous Province.
According to Namwon City, passion fruit was introduced to local farms in 2014 as part of a response to climate change.
Passion fruit has gained significant consumer popularity with growing interest in subtropical and tropical crops due to global warming. The full-scale harvest begins in August, attracting attention as a high-income crop for farmers.
Passion fruit, known as Baekhyang-gwa (fruit with a hundred scents), is a perennial vine due to its wide variety of fragrances. It contains seven times more vitamin C than pomegranates. With high levels of potassium, niacin, and the female hormone estrogen, it has earned the nickname “fruit of the goddess.”
It is known for its high dietary fiber content, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and prevents constipation. It is also reported to have anti-aging and immune-boosting benefits.
Currently, Namwon City is conducting cultivation demonstrations to ensure the functional benefits of passion fruit. Joint research is also being undertaken with the Jeonbuk Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services on the regional adaptability and technology establishment of pollen-carrying bees.
Lee Jung Gwan, a rural guidance officer from the ONE Food Team at Namwon Agricultural Technology Center, stated, “We will do our best to establish passion fruit as a high-income crop and a locally specialized product.”
