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10 Fascinating Facts About Dragon Fruit

The dragon fruit is distinguished by its bright pink skin and green scales. The fruit's flesh is white or pink, with black seeds. Dragon fruit is high in antioxidants and vitamins while being low in calories and fat.

Updated on: 13 June, 2022 10:33 AM IST By: Laavanya Arya
10 Fascinating Facts About Dragon Fruit and Its Surprising Benefits.

Dragon fruit is a rare and exotic fruit native to Central and South America. The pitaya, or strawberry pear, is another name for dragon fruit. It belongs to the cactus family and grows in tropical climates.

The dragon fruit is distinguished by its bright pink skin and green scales. The fruit's flesh is white or pink, with black seeds. Dragon fruit is high in antioxidants and vitamins while being low in calories and fat.

The Facts

  • Dragon fruit is native to Central and South America.

  • The scientific name for dragon fruit is Hylocereus undatus.

  • Dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family.

  • Dragon fruit is also known as the pitaya or the strawberry pear.

  • The dragon fruit tree can grow up to 20 feet tall.

  • Dragon fruit flowers only bloom at night.

  • The average dragon fruit weighs about 6 ounces.

  • Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins.

  • Dragon fruit is low in calories and fat.

  • Dragon fruit is used in many different cuisines.

Dragon Fruit Health Benefits

Dragon fruit is a tasty and nutritious tropical fruit with a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the most important advantages of eating dragon fruit:

  • Dragon fruit contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and improve overall health.

  • Dragon fruit's fibre content can aid in digestive health and regularity.

  • It's also high in vitamins C and B, which are necessary for immunity, skin health, and energy levels.

  • The potassium content of dragon fruit can aid in the maintenance of normal blood pressure levels.

  • Lycopene, found in dragon fruit, is thought to have cancer-fighting properties.

Grow Dragon Fruit Tree at Home

Dragon fruit plants are relatively simple to grow at home, and they can be propagated through stem cuttings or seed. You can direct-sow dragon fruit seeds outside if you live in a tropical climate.

Start your seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date if you live in a temperate climate. Transplant your seedlings into individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix when they are about 6 inches tall.

Place your pots in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. During the growing season, water your plants regularly and apply a balanced fertiliser every few weeks.

Once established, your plants will produce clusters of beautiful flowers that will eventually give way to delicious fruits.

With proper care, your dragon fruit plant should produce its first crop of fruits in two to three years.

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