Dragon Fruit (Queen of the Night): An Exquisite Exotic Fruit Crop

Flourishing in India
Vangapandu Thriveni, Eggadi Ramesh, Anant Tamang and S. Eswara Reddy
Abstract:

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is an exotic fruit cultivated

worldwide, known for its vibrant colors, luscious pulp, and
remarkable nutritional properties. Originating from Mexico and
Central & South America, this fruit has captivated growers in
different regions of India. With its attractive appearance and enticing
flavor, dragon fruit has earned the nickname "Noble Woman" or
"Queen of the Night" due to its beautiful night-blooming flowers. The
fruit derives its name, pitaya, from the bracts or scales on its skin,
resembling a scaly texture. Dragon fruit comes in four main types
based on their color: red with white flesh (Hylocereus undatus), red
with red flesh (Hylocereus polyrhizus), yellow with white flesh (H.
megalanthus), and pink with violet-red flesh (Hylocereus
costaricensis). It is renowned as one of the most nutritious and
delightful exotic fruits, particularly cherished by people of Asian
origin. This paper explores the allure and nutritional benefits of
dragon fruit, highlighting its diverse flesh colors.
Keywords: dragon fruit, exotic fruit, nutritious, flesh color
Introduction
Dragon Fruit: The Enigmatic Gem of Indian Horticulture.
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a wondrous fruit that is poised
to revolutionize the Indian horticulture scenario. Its emergence as a
new fruit crop has brought immense benefits to both farmers and
consumers alike. With its exotic appearance and ornamental value, the
plant dragon fruit has captured attention and admiration (Liaotrakoon,
2013). However, it is the fruit's health benefits and market value that
have truly propelled it into the spotlight. Belonging to the family
Cactaceae, dragon fruit is a perennial semi-epiphytic climbing cactus
vine. Originating from Central and South America, it has found
commercial success in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Sri
Lanka, and Bangladesh, and is now making its way to India. One of
the remarkable features of dragon fruit is its ability to tolerate abiotic
stresses, resist pests and diseases, and thrive with low water and
nutrient requirements. These advantages, coupled with the potential
for multiple fruit harvests in a year and a high benefit-to-cost ratio,
make dragon fruit a highly attractive crop (Liaotrakoon, 2013)

In addition to its agronomic benefits, dragon fruit is gaining

recognition worldwide as a super fruit due to its rich nutrient content
and antioxidant properties. It is a source of nutraceuticals and
functional properties, such as being rich in antioxidants and fibers.
These qualities have further fueled the interest of growers globally,
encouraging them to establish and expand dragon fruit farming to
meet the growing market demand for high-quality produce. Dragon
fruit, with its crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant
characteristics and xerophytic nature, exhibits remarkable adaptability
to a wide range of agro-climates, including areas with high
temperatures and water scarcity. It can be successfully cultivated
commercially at altitudes of up to 1700 m with rainfall ranging from
500-1500 mm. The plant's shallow roots (<40 cm) and versatility in
soil requirements, as long as excess moisture is avoided, contribute to
its widespread cultivation feasibility (Liaotrakoon, 2013). Known by
various names such as pitaya, strawberry pear (Hylocereus spp. and
Selenicereus spp.), Kamalam, Red Pitahaya, Night blooming Cereus,
Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, conderella plant, and Chintapalli,
dragon fruit encapsulates the essence of a unique and captivating fruit
that captivates both the imagination and taste buds of people
worldwide.

Dragon fruit, known for its adaptability to water scarcity and

high temperatures, holds great potential as a new crop for
Mediterranean growers (Trivellini et al., 2020). This intriguing fruit
comes in different varieties, with most Hylocereus species displaying
red-purple pigmented skin and pulp ranging from white (H. undatus)
to red and purple (H. polyrhizus and H. costaricensis). Apart from
being a rich source of vitamin C, dragon fruit is abundant in minerals
such as calcium and phosphorus. Its high content of betalains also
makes it valuable for natural pigments in food processing. Pitahaya,
also known as dragon fruit, shows promise for commercial cultivation
in dry regions due to its efficient water usage. A notable adaptation of
pitahaya is the development of aerial roots along the stem, allowing it
to collect water from the environment. The fruit itself exhibits a
vibrant range of colors, featuring thornless red or pink skins and juicy
flesh varying from white to magenta, adorned with bracts or scales.
The fluffy pulp, containing edible black seeds, is a treasure trove of
nutrients. One of the significant advantages of cultivating dragon fruit
is its long lifespan, with plants thriving for about 20 years. A hectare
of land can accommodate 1000 to 1200 dragon fruit plants, making it
economically attractive. Moreover, this perennial fruit crop provides a
rapid return on investment, with production beginning in the second
year after planting and reaching full productivity within five years.
Dragon fruit is not only delicious but also highly nutritious, suitable
for everyone to enjoy. Both the flesh and seeds are edible, offering
dietary fiber that aids digestion and supports a healthy liver. With its
phytoalbumin richness, dragon fruit possesses antioxidant qualities
that may help prevent cancer cell development. Additionally, it offers
various health benefits, including memory preservation, blood glucose
level control in diabetic patients, antioxidation properties, and wound
healing. Notably, dragon fruit promotes the growth of probiotics in the
intestinal tract (Rahad, 2016).

The fruit is also known as Strawberry Pear, Dragon fruit,

Pithaya, Night Blooming Cereus, Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant,
and Jesus in the Cradle. The fruit is named pitaya because of the
bracts or scales on the fruit skin and hence the name of pitaya
meaning ‘‘the scaly fruit’’. It has ornamental value due to the beauty
of its large flowers (25 cm) that bloom at night; they are creamy white
in color. It is considered a fruit crop for the future (Gunasena and
pushpakumara, 2006, Gunasena et al., 2006). The fruit comes in three
types, all with leathery, slightly leafy skin: Hylocereus undatus—
white flesh with pink skin, Hylocereus polyrhizus– red flesh with pink
skin, Hylocereus costaricencis – with violet red flesh and pink skin
and Hylocereus (Selenicerus) megalanthus – white flesh with yellow
skin. The biggest advantage of this crop is that once planted, it will
grow for about 20 years, and 1 hectare could accommodate about 800
dragon fruit plants. It is being grown commercially in Israel, Vietnam,
Taiwan, Nicaragua, Australia, and the United States (Merten, 2003). It
produces fruit in the second year after planting and attain in full
production within five years. This article concentrates mainly on how
to cultivate dragon fruit based on the literature available and research
work done with the genus Hylocereus and species costaricensis.
Hylocereus comprises 16 species, which are endemic to Latin
America and they are not very well known among the growers and
researchers and have only recently been the subject of studies. Very
few research works have been done on this fruit crop in India.
Specific topics associated with the difficulties met by countries that
have introduced the new species. So, the research thrust must be given
in the following areas; floral biology and ecophysiology. The aims of
this article were to draw up a list of literature currently available on
Hylocereus, grouping the references which covers importance, botany,
vegetative and reproductive biology, cultivation, manuring,
pollination, harvesting, pest & disease. So that everyone becomes
familiar with dragon fruit. The objective of this review article is to
compile and summarize the existing literature on Hylocereus,
encompassing its significance, nutritional value, health benefits,
cultivation practices, manuring techniques, pollination methods,
harvesting practices, and pest and disease management. By presenting
recent philanthropic efforts and research findings, we aim to
familiarize readers with the multifaceted world of dragon fruit.

History
 The history of dragon fruit dates back to about 100 years ago
when it was brought from Guyana to Vietnam by the French as an
ornamental plant. It later gained popularity and was cultivated for the
king. In India, dragon fruit was introduced as a garden crop in the late
1990s, and its cultivation area has been gradually increasing since
then. Sri Lanka welcomed dragon fruit in 1997, while in Indonesia, it
gained popularity around 2000, especially among the Chinese ethnic
community who consider it a symbol of good luck during Chinese
New Year celebrations. Commercial dragon fruit plantations can be
found in Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Israel. Currently, a
significant portion of dragon fruits available in the Indian market is
imported from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

Nutritional Benefits:

Dragon fruit holds great importance due to its nutritional

benefits. The proximate nutraceutical values per 100g of the edible
portion of white-flesh dragon fruit include moisture (85.3%), protein
(1.1g), fat (0.57g), crude fiber (1.34g), energy (67.7 Kcal), ash
(0.56g), carbohydrates (11.2g), glucose (5.7g), fructose (3.2g),
sucrose (not detected), sorbitol (0.33g), vitamin C (3.0mg), vitamin A
(0.01mg), niacin (2.8mg), calcium (10.2mg), iron (3.37mg),
magnesium (38.9mg), phosphorus (27.75mg), potassium (272.0mg),
sodium (8.9mg), and zinc (0.35mg). The red-flesh fruit contains
moisture (82.5-83.0%), protein (0.159-0.229g), fat (0.21-0.61g), crude
fiber (0.7-0.9g), and ascorbic acid (8-9mg). The total soluble solids
(TSS) in dragon fruit range between 8-12°Brix. Dragon fruit is a rich
source of vitamin C, with a content ranging from 4 to 10mg/100g.
Vitamin C is essential for humans as they cannot synthesize it
internally. The consumption of 100g of fresh dragon fruit provides
approximately 8-14% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA)
for vitamin C, which is around 80mg/day. Dragon fruit is also known
for its pectin content, with pectin extracted from the dried peels
ranging from 14.96% to 20.14%. Some studies suggest that the
premature stem of dragon fruit has higher ascorbic acid content
compared to the flesh. Additionally, the dragon fruit pulp is rich in
dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and phosphorus (Sonawane, 2017).

Medicinal properties

Dragon fruit possesses several health benefits that contribute to

its significance. It has an extremely low amount of cholesterol,
reducing the risk of heart attacks and diseases associated with
cholesterol accumulation. It is an ideal fruit for weight management
due to its protein content and the presence of omega-3 and omega-6
fatty acids, which help prevent cardiovascular diseases. The fruit is a
rich source of monounsaturated fats that support heart health. Dragon
fruit aids in cleansing the digestive system and improving digestion
and constipation issues due to its high fiber content. The consumption
of both the flesh and seeds, which contain good protein, helps fortify
the body. The fruit is a natural source of antioxidants, which protect
against free radicals that can cause cancer and other health problems.
It is believed to lower cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar, prevent
colon cancer, strengthen kidney function and bones, enhance brain
function, improve vision, and provide cosmetic benefits (Suryono,
2006). Dragon fruit is unparalleled in terms of the number, quantity,
and variety of antioxidants it contains, surpassing many food
supplements or pills. It has a higher fiber content compared to mango,
sweet orange, and banana. The high fiber content of dragon fruit aids
in regulating diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels and
suppressing sugar spikes. The fruit is recommended for dengue
patients as it helps improve platelet count and has antioxidant
properties. Research by Widyaningsih et al. (2017) demonstrated the
significant effect of red dragon fruit juice on hemoglobin and
erythrocyte levels in pregnant women, suggesting it as an alternative
treatment for anemia among pregnant women. Dragon fruit's
antioxidant properties contribute to maintaining tight and youthful
skin, and it can be used as an ingredient in anti-aging face masks
when combined with honey. The fruit is known as the "anti-
inflammatory fruit" and can be beneficial for individuals suffering
from arthritis. Its vitamin C and B3 content also aid in treating acne
and burned skin. Additionally, dragon fruit contains caffeic acid,
which selectively blocks the biosynthesis of leukotrienes involved in
immune regulation diseases, asthma, and allergic reactions.

Popular types of dragon fruit

 Hylocereus undatus: It is Also known as Pitahaya. Variety has

white flesh with pink skin and green scales. Edible black seeds.
  Hylocereus costaricencis: Violet red flesh and pink skin: It’s
also known as Costa Rican Pitaya. It’s native to Costa Rica. The
fruit is magenta and the seeds are pear-shaped.
 Hylocereus megalanthus: Native to South America. White
flesh with yellow skin.
 Hylocereus polyrhizus: Also known as Red Pitaya. Variety has
red flesh with its pink skin. Native to Mexico. The most popular
type is now grown in many countries. Shown

Why becoming popular?

 The biggest advantage of this crop is once it is planted, it will
grow for about 20 years.
 One hectare could accommodate 1000 to 2000 plants.
 The Agronomic practices are easy and less expensive.
 Tolerant to the Agronomic arid environment.
 Adaptive to various marginal soil conditions.
 It bears fruit in the second year after planting.
 Attains full production within five years.
 Maintenance cost is low.
 Low requirement of water and tillage practices.
 Plant cuttings can be used for further propagation/resale.
 Dragon fruits have excellent demand in local & export markets.
 Aftercare is minimal due to fewer pest and disease attacks.
 Fast return perennial crop.
 It has great nutritional, health benefits, and medicinal values.
Global leading suppliers and market
Major dragon fruit supplier countries:
Asian countries: Vietnam, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Middle East and Europe: Israel, Switzerland, and EU.
America: Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
Demand for dragon fruit in the world markets
1) Asia market

Asia has the largest number of consumers of dragon fruit,

Demand of dragon especially in the Chinese community, due to the
belief in the good fortune brought by the dragon fruit’s name, shapes,
and colors. Consumers in Asia, particularly China, buy dragon fruit
mainly for fire worship, so they often focus on the form of dragon
fruit. However, the Japanese do not like the big dragon fruit; they
value the flavor more than the size.

2) US market

Dragon fruit is traditionally good for Asian consumers in the US. Due
to the high number of Asian and Vietnamese communities, the
demand for dragon fruit is relatively high. For other ethnic groups,
dragon fruit is relatively new and only known in the high–end market
segment. However, analysts say this is a fast–growing market in the
near future, as farm owners in Florida and California have begun
planting dragon fruit to meet market demand.

Dragon fruit production in India

 Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are the leading producers
contributing about 70% of India’s dragon fruit production the water-
scarce areas of Kutch in Gujarat, Northern Karnataka, and Western
Maharashtra are major dragon fruit growing regions of the country.
Overall, southern and western states are contributing a major share to
the production of dragon fruit since they have been growing dragon
fruit for the last 5-8 years. For example, more than 600 farmers from
Karnataka alone have taken up dragon fruit cultivation in the last five
years after seeing the performance of the fruit. In Karnataka, the area
under dragon fruit cultivation was about 8-10 ha in 2012, amplified to
about 500 ha in 2020 and it is likely to reach around 5000 ha in the
next five years. Presently over 200 farmers in Gujarat's Kutch are
cultivating this fruit in approx. 800 ha of land (Wakchaure et al.,
2020).

References:
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Exquisite Exotic Fruit Crop Flourishing in India. International
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Fruit (Hylocereus spp.): A Review. International Journal of
Nutrition and Food Sciences, 5(4), 259-265.
Sonawane, S. K. (2017). Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of
Dragon Fruit. International Journal of Fruit Science, 17(1), 98-
108.
Rahad. (2016). Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.): A review. Journal of
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Trivellini, Alessandro, Lucchesini, Mariella, Maggini, Rita,
Moscatello, Stefano, Vernieri, Paolo (2020). Horticultural
management of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) plants under
semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. Acta Horticulturae, 1273,
107-114. [26]