Pitaya is currently one of the highest-priced Kenyan fruits, selling at between Ksh890 and Ksh3,000 (€6.94-23.40) yet it gained traction in Kenya in late 2015. A single fruit weighs between 600 grams and 1.2 kilograms. Pitaya is rich in fibre, antioxidants, Vitamin C and calcium.
Freddie Acosta, a lecturer and a farmer based in Nairobi, told kenyans.co.ke: “The fruit is in high demand especially among Asian nationals in the country; I have orders for a weekly supply of two tons from a Chinese restaurant in Nairobi."
Dragon fruits start flowering in November and fruit in 45 days. Farmers capitalize on the market supply and reduced prices in January/February but prices reportedly hit their peak between July and November prior to the next harvesting cycle.
