Tumbo

Passiflora tripartita — Passifloraceae

Italiano: Tumbo / Curuba

Description

Tumbo (Passiflora tripartita) belongs to the Passifloraceae family and is native to SouthAmerica. It thrives in Andean cloud forest, 2000-3500m environments across regions including SouthAmerica. Botanically, Tumbo is banana-shaped yellow Andean passionfruit with acidic pulp used for juice. Long silky-haired vines in highland cloud forest.. The edible parts include Fruit pulp. With an edibility rating of 6/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June, May and September. Nutritionally, Tumbo stands out for its Vitamin C (45.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV) and Vitamin E (1.0mg, 7% DV). It also provides 2.0g protein and 5.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Tumbo offers a Very acidic, passionfruit-tomato, aromatic flavor profile. Cut banana-like fruit; scoop pulp; blend with water and sweetener; strain. Common culinary applications include Juice, Sauces, Jams, Desserts. Popular preparations include Blend pulp with water and sugar; strain seeds; drink cold. For storage, refrigerate fresh parts. Safety note: Too acidic to eat straight; dilute with water and sugar for juice. Antinutrient content is minimal. Be aware that Verify identification before consumption. Safe lookalike species include Similar edible species. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Andean cloud forest, 2000-3500m across SouthAmerica.

🍳 Recipe: Blend pulp with water and sugar; strain seeds; drink cold

Preparation method: Cut banana-like fruit; scoop pulp; blend with water and sweetener; strain
Flavor profile: Very acidic, passionfruit-tomato, aromatic
Edible parts: Fruit pulp

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Lookalike (safe): Similar edible species
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): Verify identification before consumption
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

6/10
Toxicity: Too acidic to eat straight; dilute with water and sugar for juice
Antinutrients: Minimal
Safe lookalikes: Similar edible species
Dangerous: Verify identification before consumption

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Polpa del frutto
Preparation: Cut banana-like fruit; scoop pulp; blend with water and sweetener; strain
Flavor: Very acidic, passionfruit-tomato, aromatic

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 2.0g
Fat: 0.5g
Fiber: 5.0g
Vitamin C: 45.0mg (50%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 1.0mg (6%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 20mcg (5%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 20mg (4%DV)
Potassium: 200mg (4%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: Juice, Sauces, Jams, Desserts Storage: Refrigerate fresh parts

Recipes

  • Blend pulp with water and sugar; strain seeds; drink cold

Where It Grows

Continent: SouthAmerica
Regions: SouthAmerica
Habitat: Andean cloud forest, 2000-3500m
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Sources & References