What’s The Big Deal With Dragon Fruit?

The Dragon fruit grows from a vining cacti family (Hylocereus cactus), and its flower opens only at night with a slight fragrance that lasts only for several hours - once daylight comes, it wilts. It is a WOW-type flower. I planted my dragon fruit for its bloom, and I was not disappointed when it did not produce fruits.

Dragon fruits are native to southern Mexico and Central America and go by many names, such as pitaya or strawberry pear. The two most common types have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon – hence the name. And the pulp is creamy white speckled with tiny black seeds.

Everything about the Dragon Fruit is exotic, and fruits such as mango, avocado, apple, banana, and orange look downright plain and average while dragon fruits scream – “taste me.” 

How can a bright pink or yellow fruit covered with dragon-like green scales be this expensive? During peak season in Florida (June – September), it might command over $10 per fruit at your local farmer’s market. Dragon fruit has become very popular and has slowly evolved in popularity as the “fruit to taste.” It is up there with Japan’s square watermelon, if you can find one at your local supermarket.

You’ll find most of the dragon fruits sold at the local market are imported from other countries and most likely picked months earlier, its color kept artificially bright. Your best bet, if you live in Southwest Florida, is to find a local grower and pay the going market price. I know you will not be disappointed – especially if this is your first taste. The supermarket brand may come out tasteless and dry. These are best used for yogurt blends, smoothies, or mixed with other fruits as a cocktail or salad. But then, you won’t ever experience the real dragon fruit which, when in season, is refreshingly juicy and tastes like a cross between a kiwi and pear. 

For me, I might learn to cross-pollinate my dragon fruit so I can enjoy the fruit or find a friend who grows the dragon fruit but is not a fan of the taste. Even here in Southwest Florida, harvest season is not guaranteed since the growing season is during the rainy and hurricane season. Lately, the unseasonably hot weather also has affected the dragon fruit yield and quality of the fruits. They have not been setting into full maturity and tend to fall off prematurely.

In addition to its exotic looks and taste, what else is keeping the appeal of the dragon fruit high? Other than being organic, the fruit is being “touted” as a gut-friendly fruit. My friend Donna is determined to grow her own dragon fruit. Both our plants are sterile, but she has the patience to try to hand pollinate her dragon fruit.  

Tame your dragon! Just peel off the skin and enjoy its unique taste. Totally worth it!