The dragon fruit season out of Florida is starting slightly later than usual. “As per our grower, Elide Santos from Dragon Fruit Nature Farm, this season is looking very good so far and it seems they will have plenty of supply,” says Darlene Zeh of M&M Farms.
Richard Perez and Elide Santos of M&M Farms.
Normally the season starts in June but the July start, thanks to weather conditions, likely indicates a November end to production. “The biggest challenge is the Florida climate,” says Zeh. “Too much water from excessive rainfall can cause root rot. During the hot summer season, extremely high temperatures can burn your dragon fruit and damage their stem and root system.”
The farm is harvesting red dragon fruit with white flesh and sizing is mostly medium to larger fruit. However, the smaller sizes and #2 fruit will be sold to retail for juicing.
Normally the season starts in June but the July start, thanks to weather conditions, likely indicates a November end to production.
Ecuador production
Along with Florida, Ecuador is also supplying dragon fruit. “Ecuador does produce yellow and red dragon fruit but I have heard that it seems they have less supply this year so it should not affect the Florida dragon fruit as it did the past year,” says Zeh.
"You can see that dragon fruit has brought its flavor from iced teas at Taco Bell to fruit drinks at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts,” says Zeh.
At the same time, dragon fruit consumption does seem to be on the rise. “As of 2022, the market is growing at a steady pace and with the increasing implementation of strategies by major players, the market is projected to continue its upward path,” says Zeh. “Consumption is developing quickly with consumers--you can see that dragon fruit has brought its flavor from iced teas at Taco Bell to fruit drinks at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts.”
Looking ahead, the ample flowering indicates that there will be a lot of fruit this season from Florida.
For more information:
Darlene Zeh
M & M Farms Inc.
Tel: +1 (305) 233-8224
darlene@mmtropicals.com
https://m-mfarm.com/