Around the World in 40 Fruits – Volume 30 – By Dr. Marli Botha – Article 30 of 40
By Dr. Marli Botha
The pitaya (also known as dragon fruit) is a popular and widely cultivated fruit in Vietnam and is often associated with the country. Originating from Central America, it has found a new home in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, where it thrives and has become a significant agricultural export.
Let’s scale the spikes and discover why this bold fruit has become the crown jewel of Vietnamese agriculture.
- Wondering where the name Dragon Fruit came from? Apparently resulting from the leather-like skin and prominent scaly spikes on the fruit exterior.
- Dragon fruit grows on a climbing cactus, not a tree
- Anyone who has ever plucked a pitaya from the long, spiky branches can testify to its luscious fruity flavour. This delicious treat tastes a little like a mix of mango, pear, gooseberries, strawberries and pineapple.
- Handy to know: its high water content and the proteolytic enzymes contained in the flesh of the fruit and in the small black seeds, are also good for the digestive system.
- Making things like dragon fruit preserves, jam and compote are the best way to go since the fruit doesn’t freeze or dehydrate well.
