Q: I transplanted a passion vine from a field several years ago. I really enjoy the vines climbing on my fence, giving me stunning flowers, plus many butterflies, chrysalises, and caterpillars!

Every reference says the fruits are edible but I can’t find a single recipe.

A: Passion vine, Passiflora incarnata, is known to me as maypop. The egg-sized fruit makes great ammunition for summertime fights between siblings.

If we left a few in the field, they would wrinkle, turn yellow and become pleasantly fragrant. We would break them open with our fingers and suck on the pulpy seeds inside.

I found online recipes for maypop jelly, jam and even ice cream. More details at

Maypop Jelly

Maypop Ice Cream

maypop fruit interior

maypop fruit - dead ripe

maypop flower

maypop ammunition