July 30, 2023 By: Bunnie's Kitchen


Species: Costaricensis
Genus: Selenicereus (Hylocereus)
Family: Cactaceae
Other Names: Pitahaya
Nature - Fruit, Cactus
Nutrition
Nutrients consists of:
ANTIOXIDANTS- (betacyanins and betaxanthins)
Betalains
Hydroxycinnamates
Flavanoids
VITAMIN A, B, C,
FIBER / FIBRE
IRON
MAGNESIUM
PROTEIN
CALCIUM
PREBIOTIC
PHOSPHOROUS
ZINC
Benefits
Pink Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) offers joyful benefits of promoting digestion, strengthens the immune system, and hydrates the body. Results can range from cells restoring itself from damage to decreasing inflammation. Helps control of glucose & sugar in blood pressure. Great source of beneficial bacteria in metabolism activity. Improves bacteria in the intestines (gut) as a superfood. Antioxidants in dragon fruit can promote healing in acne prone skin health. In addition, the tiny black seeds are edible. Pitaya is fat free! In addition, another known name is "Pitahaya".
Environment
Dragon Fruit is native grown in Tropical climates:
- Asia
- Mexico
- Central America
-South America
- Israel
- Australia
-South USA
Entertaining Information
Dragon Fruit originated from appearance of the spikes resembling fire and the (Bracteole) green scales of a dragon.
Dragon Fruit flower petals bloom at night (only for 8 hours for pollination!).
Four different variations of Dragon Fruit.
Pitaya colors: red skin with white flesh, red skin with magenta/ hot pink red flesh, red skin with purple flesh, and yellow skin with white flesh.
"Berry" controversial.
Production: natural coloring dyes, health powder, and desserts.
Recipes: Fruit Salad, Smoothie/ Bowl, Raw, Fruit Water, Pie
"Strawberry Pear Super Fruit"
Garden Tips
Growth of the Dragon Fruit Cactus plant can range in height 15-20 feet. Life span averages 20 years. Considered a summer fruit that is drought resistant. Cactus plant requires little water. Unripened green skin with thorns becomes ripe when turning pink. Trellis or tower to hold up cactus.
Full Sun - 6 hours
2-8 Years To Produce Crops
Temperature: 60 - 95 ° F
Well Drained Sandy Soil
Anatomy
Pink Skin with Green Spikes
Magenta / Red / Hot Pink Flesh
Black Seeds
Vine Growth
3 Layers -
Pericarp
Endocarp
Mesocarp
Exocarp
Diagram

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