Make Passion Fruit Peel Jam – A Fragrant, Healthy Treat for the New Year

Many people will be surprised to learn that passion fruit peels can be turned into a delicious jam. Try making this passion fruit peel jam to add a unique and refreshing treat to your Lunar New Year or holiday snack table!

Passion fruit is well-known for its many health benefits. However, most people only use the pulp and seeds while discarding the peel, not realizing that the outer rind is also full of valuable nutrients and natural compounds.

According to research, the essential oils found in passion fruit peel have antibacterial properties and can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The peel is also rich in carotenoids and polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and slow cellular aging. In addition, passion fruit peel may help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, while also easing symptoms such as headaches, bloating, and indigestion.

To make use of these health benefits, you can turn passion fruit peel into a sweet, chewy, and beautifully fragrant jam—perfect for gifting or serving to guests during festive occasions.

How to Make Passion Fruit Peel Jam

Ingredients:

• 6–7 passion fruits

• 200 grams of rock sugar

• ½ bowl of water
  
  

Choose fresh, firm passion fruits with smooth skins. Wash them thoroughly and peel off the thin, brown outer layer with a vegetable peeler. Slice each fruit in half and scoop out the pulp (you can save this for juice or desserts). Keep the inner white peel for the jam.

Next, remove the soft membrane inside the peel using your fingers. Cut the peel into thin strips about 0.5–0.7 cm wide.

To reduce bitterness, blanch the peel in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then immediately transfer it into a bowl of cold water. This step will also help soften the texture.

Place a pan on the stove and add the blanched peel, rock sugar, water, and about 2 teaspoons of passion fruit pulp to enhance the aroma and flavor. Heat over high heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then lower the heat and stir continuously to prevent burning.

When most of the water has evaporated and the syrup thickens, continue stirring gently over low heat until the sugar starts to crystallize into a fine white coating around each strip of peel. Turn off the heat, let the jam cool completely, and then store it in an airtight jar.

After cooling, your jam will have a slightly chewy texture, with a glossy golden color and a sweet-tart fragrance that captures the essence of passion fruit. It’s a lovely snack to enjoy with tea or to serve to guests during celebrations.

Tips for the Perfect Passion Fruit Peel Jam

• Avoid using passion fruits that have become dry or shriveled; the peel will be too tough to slice and won’t yield a pleasant texture.

• The process may seem simple, but it requires patience and constant stirring to prevent the jam from burning or sticking to the pan.

• Besides being a festive snack, this jam can also help soothe coughs and sore throats thanks to the natural compounds in the peel.

With just a few ingredients and a bit of care, you can transform what’s usually discarded into a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful treat—one that adds both color and warmth to your holiday season.