Incredible Dragonfruit

Dragonfruit (Also known as pitaya, pitahaya or strawberry pear) is a tropical cactus, reasonably fast growing with long fleshy green stems, with few or no spines. Some support structure is beneficial to support the long stems (For example a standard rose wheel). Protect Dragonfruit from heavy frosts so plant in a spot where you can be protected. Also suitable for patios where a good size pot can be used. A free draining soil with regular watering and good sunlight is beneficial, Dragonfruit tolerates some drought.

The flowers are nocturnal (Open at night) and have a a strong fragrance, flowering from late spring to mid-autumn. In good warm positions they could produce multiple flowering cycles. From flower to fruit can take between 30 - 50 days. Typically fruiting in 1-2 years after planting. Fruit is described in various ways, from Mildly sweet to even savoury, or even described as a refreshing blend of a lightly sweet pear and kiwi fruit. White flesh is the mildest, red -magenta slightly fruitier and sweeter with the yellow fruit much sweeter, almost candy like. The texture is juicy and smooth with crunchy black seeds, with a very faint and clean aroma. Fruit is ripe when the skin is evenly coloured and gives slightly when squeezed. (Fruit does not ripen further once picked).

Dragonfruit is a tropical fruit low in calories but high in fibre and antioxidants with a good level of iron and magnesium. Simple cut the ripe fruit in half and spoon the eat or peel the skin and cut pulp into pieces. Add to salads, add to breakfast cereals with chopped nuts or make a Dragonfruit smoothly.

Selenicereus (Hylocereus) species