To many people outside of South America, dragon fruit is a mysterious and exotic fruit. It's unique and beautiful appearance intrigues people, but until recent years it has remained relatively unknown in the European market. Numerous experts such as doctors and medical researchers are referring to it as a new "super food" with its numerous health benefits. Chefs and food experts are raving about it's sweet, refreshing taste that makes you feel as if you are in the tropics.
So what is driving the rapid rise of the yellow dragon fruit (known as pitahaya in Ecuador) and why should we be eating it? The health benefits of dragon fruit are plentiful, with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The Chinese have used dragon fruit for hundreds of years as a natural aid to help facilitate digestion and decrease cholesterol and some research has indicated it helps prevent certain cancers and diabetes. It is the combination of these health benefits, along with the delicious taste that is seeing a significant increase in demand for the product worldwide.
Tony Lau, CEO from Chun Sing Fresh Fruit Company based in Hong Kong says "Pitahaya is the type of fruit that once people try it, they will buy it regularly. It is one of our favorite products to sell and I think once people start to see more of it in the European market and shops, it will become increasingly popular."
There are two distinct types of dragon fruit; a yellow colour coat with inner white flesh and black seeds, and the other one has a bright red coat with inner white flesh and numerous smaller seeds. Both are cultivated in tropical regions, with optimal climatic conditions and fertile soils. The main points of difference between them, other than the contrasting colors, is that yellow dragon fruit is produced exclusively in only two countries in the world: Ecuador and Colombia. Moreover, the taste is much sweeter.
The Ecuadorian government has worked hard over the past few years to address some challenges faced by local growers to help them become certified exporters with world class quality. They have made great progress and many of the local farmers are now in the process of certifying there farms as organic and meeting the requirements of global gap, a certificate of the highest quality produce. Addressing these issues will help the exporters to enter new markets and take full advantage of the growing demand of this fruit.
There are presently massive shifts occurring in the global landscape of health and nutrition. Fresh fruit and vegetables are playing a huge role in driving this. The Ecuadorian government is hoping that fruits such as dragon fruit will continue to increase it's popularity as people are more health conscious.
For more information:
Sebastian Bustamante
Ecuaexotics
Guayaquil - Ecuador
T: +593 997803339