Passion Fruit Oatmeal

Here is my glorious plate of Star Fruit, or Carambola, Passion Fruit, and gluten-free oatmeal.  If you've never had the opportunity to cut into a fresh passion fruit, you are definitely missing out. Once you open one, your nose is instantly filled with a fragrant tropical scent.

Passion fruit is native to Hawaii, but most abundantly found in South America and is widely used for many dishes and drinks. (Passion fruit martini, anyone?)  The little fruits are relatively low in calories, one fruit will run you about 17 calories, and is full of healthy benefits!

Health Benefits:

• High in the antioxidant Vitamin C.  50% of your daily recommended dose of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for keeping your skin healthy and keeping your immune system strong.

• High in the carotenoid Vitamin A which is great for eye health.

• They are high in plant-based iron, so any vegans/vegetarians out there would strongly benefit from this tiny fruit.

• Contains soluble fiber, which helps cleans toxins stored in the colon and help to improve digestion.

• The high amount of fiber also helps with cholesterol.  Passion fruit can help increase HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol)

When picking a passion fruit to enjoy, pick ones that are slightly wrinkled and with a deep purple color. Make sure to pick them up and shake them.  If you feel  a lot of movement inside the fruit, you have a winner.  Wash the fruit and cut in half over a bowl. You don't want to let any of the juices get away from you!  Scoop out the seeds and enjoy in oatmeal, on top of pancakes or waffles, in yogurt, or in a cocktail! Side note, don't scrape too hard because the white insides are very bitter.  You don't want to eat that.