Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit Nutrition

2009-05-31T03:24:00.001-07:00

Below are nutritional values per 100g of Dragon Fruit, which 55% - 70% of it are edible part of fruit (

may change subject to cultivation conditions).

Water 80-90 g
Carbohydrates 9-14 g
Protein 0.15-0.5 g
Fat 0.1-0.6 g
Fiber 0.3-0.9 g
Ash 0.4-0.7 g
Calories: 35-50
Calcium 6-10 mg
Iron 0.3-0.7 mg
Phosphorus 16 - 36 mg
Carotene (Vitamin A) traces
Thiamine (Vitamin B₁) traces
Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂) traces
Niacin (Vitamin B₃) 0.2-0.45 mg
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 4-25 mg

Some other facts about Dragon Fruit nutrition are:

Particularly red-skinned pitayas are a good source of Vitamin C.^[9]
Pitayas are rich in fiber and minerals, notably phosphorus and calcium. Red pitayas seem to be richer in the former, yellow ones in the latter.^[9]
The seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and in particular Red Pitayas contain very little saturated fat.
Pitahayas also contain significant quantities of phytoalbumin antioxidants, which prevent the formation of cancer-causing free radicals.
In Taiwan, diabetics use the fruit as a food substitute for rice and as a source of dietary fibre.
Pitaya flesh is easy to digest. It supposedly increases excretion of heavy metal toxins and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Eaten regularly, it is credited with alleviating chronic respiratory tract ailments

Variant of Dragon Fruit

2009-05-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

There are 4 variant of Dragon Fruit, those are:

Hylocereus Undatus / White Dragon Fuit

a species of Cactaceae and is the most cultivated species in the genus. It is used both as an ornamental vine and as a fruit crop - the Pitaya or Dragonfruit. The native origin of the species has never been resolved.

Easily to be cultivated, fast growing epiphyte or xerophyte. Needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. Should not be kept under 10ºC (50ºF) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade or full sun. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in summer or autumn.

Hylocereus Polyrhizus / Red Dragon Fruit

Natively found to Cental America and Northernwest South America. The edible wine colored fruits are 4 inches long (10 cm). They have a white spongy pulp with small black seeds and thick skin. They are considered about the best cactus fruits.

Easily cultivated, fast growing epiphyte or xerophyte. Needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. Should not be kept under 10ºC (50ºF) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade or full sun. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in summer or autumn.

Hylocereus costaricensis / Super Red Dragon Fruit
This variant is similar with previous one, only it has more dark skin color and taste bitter.

Selenicerius Megalanthus / Yellow Dragon Fruit

Cactus species native to northern South America, where it is known, along with its fruit, by the name ofPitahaya. The species is grown commercially for its fruit, but is also an impressive ornamental vine with perhaps the largest flowers of all cacti.

An easily cultivated, fast growing plant. Needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer. Should not be kept under 8ºC (46,5ºF) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade, but best in full sunlight. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in June to October. This plant may grow to a very large size.

Source: Wikipedia, Books

So, what is dragon fruit ?

2009-05-28T06:13:00.001-07:00

Some of you I believe hear name of dragon fruit just new, or may

be the very first time you know that there is a fruit called as dragon fruit is when visiting this blog :)

Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya, an extremely beautiful fruit that has dazzling flowers and an intense shape and color. The dragon fruit is usually a dark red color, although some types of this fruit are pink or yellow. The skin of the dragon fruit is a thin rind. The skin is usually covered in scales, and the center of the fruit is made up of a red or white, sweet tasting pulp.

It not known exactly where the dragon fruit originated, but it is thought to have come from South America. The French are believed to have brought the dragon fruit to Vietnam over a hundred years ago. Dragon fruits were grown there to be eaten by royalty and very wealthy families. Now, the fruit flourishes in American states such as Texas, and is also grown in Mexico and other South American countries such as Argentina and Peru.

The dragon fruit is cultivated in tropical regions around the world. The plant of the dragon fruit can grow from around a few inches or centimeters to up to twenty feet (around six meters). It flourishes in hot regions with a heavy rainfall. Periods of cold will kill the plant, and it loves the high temperatures found in tropical countries.

The flowers of the dragon fruit plant only bloom at night and usually only live for one night. Pollination happens at this time to allow the fruit to emerge.

The flowers of the dragon fruit give out a very beautiful scent, and the smell can fill the night air wherever the plant grows.

The dragon fruit is best eaten by cutting the fruit in half and scooping the flesh out. The flavor is very refreshing and sweet.Dragon fruits are delicious chilled and can be served in fruit juices and fruit salads or made into jam. They can also be juiced and added to alcohol to make a very delicious drink.

source from: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-dragon-fruit.htm

Next, we will discuss on variant of dragon fruit and what are nutrition that we could get from dragon fruit ... keep visit

Welcome

2009-05-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Welcome to this new blog of dragon fruit, yes dragon fruit, its an exotic fruit, delicious and having lots of benefit if we consuming this fruit regularly. Want to know more on what is dragon fruit? how it grows? where we can get this fruit? what are benefits having it? and least but not the least, how is best way to consumpt dragon fruit, visit this blog again then :)