Passion Fruit (Lilikoi) Shortbread Bars

Before Hawaii: a story and recipe from The Baking Wizard!

What is Passion Fruit (Lilkoi)

Preparing Passion Fruit

For baking, I need a seedless pulp. A 30-second whirl in the blender turns it into juice and leaves the seeds intact. I pass the combo through a fine-meshed wire strainer and voila!,  I get a lovely orange-colored juice. The ¾ cup of juice came from 12 lilikoi.

Finding Passion Fruit

How do you get unsweetened passion fruit juice or puree if you’re not in Hawaii? I’ve found several sources, and all come frozen. Goya brand is the least expensive, and Hispanic markets often carry it. Check the package to see if any sugar has been added. If it has, decrease that amount from the recipe. Passion fruit is also known as Maracuja or Maracuya, so check for that name, too. Whole Foods markets, I’m told, carries frozen passion fruit juice or puree. Call first to make sure. Amazon.com is also a good place to search for passion fruit puree. Click on the Groceries & Gourmet food link and type in passion fruit puree. You’ll find several pricey sources because it’s frozen and must be shipped overnight.