This fun looking fruit is also known as “ pitaya”. This is definitely one of the best “super fruit “ out there. “ Dragon Fruit “ it sound like it is a fruit from medieval time’s where the knight collects this infrequent fruit from a magical tree to exterminate the fire breathing dragon for saving the kingdom. But appropriately named, the dragon fruit’s outer scale is cactus like, resembling that of the scales of mythical dragon.

Taste and Physical appearance

This beauty is a leathery soft also crunchy to eat. It’s taste has been Described as a slightly sourish sweet, cross between kiwi and pear. The flesh is either white or red with black seeds scattered everywhere. This oval or elliptical shaped fruit has a dramatic appearance with red, Purple or yellow skinned varieties and prominent scales.

Nutrition

Dragon fruit has been considered a highly nutrient-densed fruit as it is low calorie fruit and high in fiber also provides a decent amount of vitamins.

Nutrition facts in 100 gm ( 3.50 ounce ) dragon fruit

Calories : 60 grams
Protein : 1.2 grams
Fat : 0 grams
Carbs : 13 grams
Fibers : 3 grams
Vit C : 3% of the RDI
Iron. : 4% of the RDI
Magnesium : 10% of the RDI

Benefits

1.Dragon fruit is a good source of monosaturated fat so, it helps to Maintain a good cardiovascular health by decreasing bad cholesterol level

2.This fruit has a high fiber content that assist with poor digestive system and constipation.

3. The flesh and seed of this fruit is enriched with protein which keeps our body fortified
   
4. Dragon fruit keeps the skin tight and young with the richness of antioxidants. It helps to avoid acne with vit C, soothe sunburn skin with vit B3.
   
   

Favorable environment and others

Dragon fruit is native to south and central America. Now it is commercially Cultivated in Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Israel, Srilanka and also in south Asian Countries. It is a perennial plant. Tropical climate is favorable for dragon cultivation.

Environmental conditions

Tem. Range 20-30 degree C
Rainfall ( annual) 500-1500 mm
P.H. range 5.5-6.5
Soil ( %of sand) 10-30%
Beds( height) 40-50 cm

Atia Ibnath Oishi
Faculty of Agriculture
Sher e Bangla Agricultural University
15-11-2020

Photo by Nikolai Chernichenko on Unsplash