Pitaya Fruits - Tropical Superfruits Called Dragon Fruits, Pitaya, Pitahaya

Here you can see images for the dragon fruit plant and its flower. Don't you think this cactus grow like dragons? As I mentioned above these plants are usually grown from vine cuttings, but it is also possible to germinate the seeds.

Dragon fruits or Pitayas are also called Strawberry Pears and they come in three varieties:

1. Hylocereus Costaricensis are fruits with red skin and red flesh.

2. Hylocereus Undatus are fruits with red skin and white flesh.

3. Hylocereus megalanthus are fruits with yellow skin and white flesh.

The skin of an unripe dragon fruit will be green and as they ripe, the color changes to either red or yellow depending on the variety. It has tiny, crunchy seeds and it will be soft when it ripens. The texture of a ripe dragon fruit is much similar to that of a ripe kiwi fruit.

If the fruit is firm or green in color, it is not ripe. If the stem of the fruit is brown or brittle and if it has got many blotches on the skin, it is overripe.

If you like to grow dragon fruit cactus, know that the fruits should be picked from the plants only when they are almost ripe. Once the fruits are picked they do not ripe anymore. Dragon fruits normally ripe with 30 to 35 days after the flowers have bloomed.

Dragon fruit cactus can absorb nutrients from the air, they are epiphytic. Still they grow roots and the vine cuttings can be easily planted in soil. It is best to plant them during the summer months. They usually take two years to produce flowers and fruits. The plants need good exposure to sun for flowering. If the plants are grown in containers, you can bring them inside during the winter months to avoid exposing them to freezing temperatures. You can use 10 to 15 gallons pots for growing these plants. They are best grown in dry lands since they doesn't require much water to grow. If the soil retains too much water it is not good for the plants. The ideal temperature for growing dragon fruit plants are between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mulch can be used as a protective covering for plants growing outside during winter.

Dragon fruits are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients required for the healthy functioning of human body. Since they are full of fibers, they aid digestion. It is also believed that dragon fruits help regulating the blood sugar in Type 2 diabetic patients and hence they are prescribed to diabetic patients in Taiwan. They have very high levels of vitamin C which is good for our immune system. Dragon fruit also helps to regulate cholesterol and it is good for cardiovascular health.

Dragon fruits or Pitayas are mildly sweet with a nutty flavor and their seeds are edible. The creamy flesh can be easily scooped out using a spoon and can be eaten raw or used to make fruit juice. They can also be used to make jams, sorbets, smoothies or wine.

Sundried Dragon fruit slices are made from the sweeter red variety.

The crunchy dragon fruits chips are made using the Vacuum Freeze Drying Technology and the product contains 10 packs of chips.

The antioxidant infused dragon fruit beverage contains 12 packs of 18 ounce bottles with 1 gram of sugar per serving.