Dragon fruit is usually in season from June through September, with August and September being the busiest months. From July to October, flowers blossom throughout Europe.
Are you searching for a tropical fruit to add to your produce rotation? Look no further than dragon fruit. This neon-colored delectable has an irresistibly soft and sweet flesh that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Dragon fruit is widely available around the world and a favorite summer crop in warm climates like Australia, the Caribbean and Texas. Not only does it have an irresistible flavor, but it’s also packed full of vitamin C, B vitamins, omega 3s and fiber for added nutritional benefit.
When is Dragon Fruit in Season
Dragon fruit is a tasty fruit that grows on Hylocereus and Selenecereus cactus plants.
The primary season for fresh dragon fruit is from June through September, with August and September being the busiest months for the majority of types.
Selenecereus megalanthus cultivars do, however, bear fruit from November to February during the winter. The majority of dragon fruit is grown for the fresh market, and it is frequently offered for sale at farmers’ markets and specialty shops.
In contrast to Europe, where it blooms from July through October, dragon fruit is primarily gathered in America between June and September.
Every year, the dragon fruit’s flowers only last for one night, usually the night before a full moon. A dragon fruit will need another 4 weeks to mature before it can be harvested.
In Which Season Is Dragon Fruit Grown in India?
Dragon fruit is a climber that is grown in India, mainly in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
It was introduced to home gardens in India in the 1990s and has become increasingly popular due to its low maintenance and high profitability.
In India, dragon fruit typically flowers and fruits during the monsoon season from June to November. It can start bearing fruits in the first year itself, with flowering occurring in May to June and harvesting in August.
In June 2021, India exported its first consignment of dragon fruit from a farmer of Maharashtra to Dubai, followed by a consignment sourced from farmers of Gujarat and West Bengal later that month. Dragon fruit can be exported to Persian Gulf countries, the European Union and the United States.
An increase in the area under cultivation and production of the dragon fruit will make India self-reliant by reducing imports. It is a fruit that is affordable and nutritious for the poor and has excellent health benefits.
Facts About Dragon Fruit
It’s easy to grow
Are you searching for a tropical fruit with plenty of essential vitamins and minerals? Dragon fruit might be your ideal pick. This cactus-based fruit hails from Mexico and South America and boasts an impressive nutritional profile.
Growing this plant from cuttings or seeds is easy, and will bloom within six months. Seeds require a warm, sunny location to germinate properly.
Soil Requirements – Cacti require soil that drains well and has a pH level between six and seven. Sandier soil works best, but if that’s not available, any free-draining potting mix will do the trick.
Water Requirements – Water your dragon fruit plant regularly, but not excessively. Instead, water deeply and allow the soil to soak up any extra moisture.
Pests & Diseases – Plants are vulnerable to various pests and diseases, such as mealybugs, aphids, mites, and thrips. While these pests won’t kill your plant directly, they can certainly do extensive damage if left unchecked.
Maintaining plant health requires regular watering and fertilization. This can be accomplished with either low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer or granular 8-4-12 palm fertilizer.
It’s delicious
Have you never tried dragon fruit before? You’re in for a real treat. Not only is this exotic fruit delicious, but it also provides essential nutrients like iron, vitamin C, fiber and potassium that your body needs.
Eaten alone or combined with other tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, passion fruit is a delicious treat. Additionally, it makes for great ingredients in homemade smoothies or juices.
When ready to eat it, slice into quarters and remove any inedible skin (this can be tedious!). Then scoop out its soft sweet flesh using a spoon or melon baller.
You can even freeze it for a refreshing popsicle or sorbet. It’s an easy and nutritious way to cool off on hot summer days.
It’s healthy
Dragon fruit (also known as pitaya or strawberry pear) boasts a vibrant pink skin with shades of green and white interiors patterned with black seed polka dots. Not only that, but these fruits are quite healthy too – they contain significant amounts of iron, magnesium and heart-healthy fiber.
They’re an excellent source of antioxidants that fight free radicals that may lead to inflammation and diseases. Plus, they contain vitamin C – beneficial for your immune system.
When purchasing fruits, whether whole or in juice form, be sure to look for ripeness that’s soft to touch and free of brown markings or bruises. It should also give slightly when squeezed.
It’s easy to prepare
Dragon fruit may seem like a daunting tropical fruit to work with, but it’s actually quite straightforward to prepare. It makes an excellent addition to fruit salads, smoothies and desserts alike.
It can also be enjoyed as a snack on its own. Cut it in half and scoop out the inside flesh, much like how an avocado would be cut.
You may use a spoon to scoop out the skin from vegetables. This makes it simpler to slice or cube as desired.
Mira Ilic, MS, RDN, LD points out that the spongy interior of dragon fruit is an excellent source of protein and fiber. Additionally, it’s packed with vitamin C as well as antioxidants.
If you’re growing dragon fruit yourself, be on the lookout for signs of rot before harvesting your crop. Prune away dead and diseased branches to prevent further harm to your plants.
