How I use this purple vine—and why you might want to, too.
At first glance, passionflower looks like a plant you’d expect to see in a fairytale. Its delicate, starburst blooms seem too intricate to grow wild… and yet, here it is—sprawling across the fence line like it’s always belonged. And truth is, it has.
Also called maypop, Passiflora incarnata is native to the South and often shows up uninvited in gardens and pastures. But instead of pulling it out, I’ve learned to appreciate what it offers—because this plant isn’t just beautiful. It’s incredibly useful.
Let’s break down how you can use passionflower—plus a couple of simple recipes to try at home.
⸻
1. Harvesting Passionflower
You can use the leaves and flowers of the plant for herbal tea and tinctures.
👉 Harvest just before full bloom for peak potency.
👉 Dry them in a single layer in a warm, dark spot—no direct sunlight.
👉 Store in a glass jar or paper bag in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use.
Note: The roots and unripe fruit are not typically used in home remedies. Stick to leaves and flowers for internal use, and always do your own research if you’re pregnant or on medications.
⸻
2. Calming Passionflower Tea
This tea has been used for generations to help with sleeplessness, stress, and mild anxiety. It has a slightly grassy, earthy flavor.
You’ll need:
• 1–2 tsp dried passionflower (leaves and/or petals)
• 1 cup boiling water
• Optional: chamomile, lemon balm, or a drizzle of honey
To make:
1. Place the dried herb in a tea infuser or teapot.
2. Pour over boiling water.
3. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain and sip in the evening or anytime you need a little calm.
I often mix it with lemon balm or fresh spearmint from the garden—it softens the flavor and adds a cooling note.
⸻
3. Maypop Syrup (Passionfruit-Style)
If you’re lucky enough to catch the ripe fruit before the critters do, you can make a delicious syrup. The pulp tastes somewhere between passionfruit and guava—tangy, tropical, and bright.
You’ll need:
• 1 cup ripe maypop pulp (seeds included)
• ½ cup water
• ¾ cup sugar or honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
To make:
1. Scoop the pulp from ripe fruits (they’ll fall off the vine when ready).
2. Add pulp and water to a saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve to remove seeds.
4. Return juice to the pot, add sugar and lemon juice, and simmer until it thickens slightly.
5. Pour into a clean jar and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Use it to:
• Drizzle over yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream
• Mix into seltzer water or sweet tea
• Add to cocktails or a shrub base
⸻
4. Quick Maypop Shrub (Fermented Fruit Vinegar)
A shrub is a sweet-tart syrup made with fruit, sugar, and vinegar—great for digestive health and old-fashioned sipping.
You’ll need:
• 1 cup maypop pulp
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup sugar or honey
To make:
1. Combine all ingredients in a clean glass jar.
2. Stir well, cover loosely, and refrigerate for 3–5 days, shaking daily.
3. Strain, bottle, and keep in the fridge.
🌿 Serve with sparkling water, as a mocktail base, or splash into salad dressings.
⸻
A Note from the Farm
Here at Sweet Bombdiggity Farms, we believe in growing what you love and what you can use. Passionflower may show up uninvited, but once you know what to do with it, you might find it earns a permanent place in your garden rhythm.
Whether you’re making a calming tea at the end of a long day, whipping up a syrup to serve over dessert, or just letting it grow wild and do its thing—this vine has a lot to offer.
Let it bloom. Let it be. And maybe… let it bless your table, too.
⸻
Do you have passionflower growing near you? Have you ever made tea or tasted the fruit? I’d love to hear your favorite ways to use it!
#SweetBombdiggityFarms #PassionflowerUses #CountryLivingConnoisseur #FarmingAfter50 #GrowWhatYouUse #HerbalRemedies #MaypopRecipes #ForagingFun #GardenToTable