With the arrival of the monsoon, lush passion fruit vines—locally known as anargola—have become a common sight across villages in different upazilas and unions of Cox’s Bazar.
Ripe and semi-ripe fruits hanging amid dense green foliage in home gardens, along fences and in small orchards, particularly in villages bordering the Marine Drive, are attracting the attention of nature lovers and tourists.
Long familiar to local residents, the seasonal fruit has recently gained popularity among tourists as passion fruit. Its abundance during the rainy season has also boosted demand in local markets. Many households sell surplus produce after meeting their needs, earning some additional income.
Mohammad Abul Kashem, a resident living near the Marine Drive, said almost every household in the area has a few passion fruit vines.
“During the monsoon, the plants produce plenty of fruit. Earlier, only local people used to eat them, but now tourists are also buying and enjoying the fruit,” he said.
Local homemaker Rehena Akter said the fruit’s sweet-and-tangy flavour makes it popular with many people.
“Many tourists stop by roadside stalls to ask about the fruit and buy some to take with them. It also gives us a little extra income,” she said.
Locals said demand for passion fruit has been rising steadily as it is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and dietary fibre.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
