As mentioned above, dragon fruit is native to South America, but you’ll also found it grown in parts of Indonesia, Taiwan, Southern California and most recently Australia. Dragon fruit grows on cactus plants which love warm, humid climates and needs very little water.

Where are dragon fruit plants found?

Dragon fruit are native to Mexico, Central America, and South America (Crane & Balerdi, n.d.). Many species of Hylocereus have been recognized, but there are still issues about correct identification.

Where do dragon fruit grow naturally?

Native Habitat The dragon fruit is native to Central America and has been found growing wild in southern Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador. Other areas where these plants were originally found include Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Uruguay.

Is dragon fruit from Mexico?

In Mexico, the dragon fruit or pitaya harvest occurs between May and June and lasts for six weeks. It’s grown mainly in the highlands in the state of Jalisco, near its capital city of Guadalajara. One may find the fruit in local markets, or simply in the streets.

Is dragon fruit a tropical fruit?

“It’s a tropical fruit that comes from a cactus. It’s available everywhere around the world, but it’s indigenous to Mexico and South America,” Ilic notes. “If you like kiwi fruit and pears, then you’ll probably like dragon fruit.

Which country produces the most dragon fruit?

The world’s largest producer and exporter of dragon fruit is Vietnam, where the plant was brought by the French in the 19th century. The Vietnamese call it thanh long, which translates to “dragon’s eyes”, believed to be the origin of its common English name.

Is dragon fruit found in India?

The dragon fruit was introduced to home gardens in India in the 1990s. This has led to a steep increase in dragon fruit cultivation in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as in many north eastern states.

Is the skin of dragon fruit poisonous?

As noted above, the dragon fruit skin is not poisonous and is in fact very healthy. Therefore, you should consider your perception towards the dragon fruit skin. It is not only healthy, but delicious too.

Why are Pitayas illegal in the USA?

Banned: Importation of the raw fruit is banned in the U.S. Reason: This pear-shaped fruit — the national fruit of Jamaica — contains toxins that can suppress the body’s ability to release an extra supply of glucose, plunging one’s blood sugar level and potentially leading to death.

What is the real name of dragon fruit?

What is dragon fruit? Dragon fruit is the fruit of a species of wild cactus indigenous to South and Central America, where it is called pitaya or pitahaya. The fruit’s flesh is usually white or red — although there is a less common yellow pitaya too — and is studded with tiny seeds rather like the kiwifruit.

Is Blue dragon fruit real?

The blue dragon fruit with red flesh is rich in vitamins and nutrition. Nhung’s family is growing seedlings to sell to other households in the district. Many families that have hilly land have shifted from growing cassava to growing dragon plants.

Why is dragon fruit expensive?

The law of supply and demand dictates the cost of nearly every commercial good, and dragon fruit is no different. According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, the demand for dragon fruit in the United States exceeds the supply available — thus a higher price at your local fruit stand.

Can dragon fruit grow in Northern California?

If you live in US Hardiness Zones 10-11, you’ll be able to grow dragon fruit outdoors year round. Anything over 100F will damage the fruit and cause it to wilt. Rows of dragon fruit trees on a farm in California.

Which dragon fruit is red inside?

Hylocereus costaricensis (Pitaya roja or red-fleshed pitaya, also known as Hylocereus polyrhizus) has red-skinned fruit with red flesh.