In the Algarve region of Portugal, a tropical fruit, pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is gaining traction among local farmers as a viable agricultural product. Supported by a European Union project, an "experimental field" has been established in the eastern Algarve, specifically outside Vila Nova de Cacela in Vila Real de Santo António, to assess the adaptability of pitaya in the region's climate.
Pitaya, a cactus species, is recognized for its water efficiency, a crucial trait for cultivation in the Algarve's arid conditions. Amílcar Duarte, a professor at the University of the Algarve and researcher at the Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development (MED), highlighted the plant's suitability for the Algarve, emphasizing its importance in a region facing water scarcity challenges.
Although pitaya is not native to the Algarve, having origins in Central America and Mexico, its cultivation has expanded globally, with successful production in Israel, Brazil, and China. The project in the Algarve demonstrates the fruit's viability for both greenhouse and outdoor farming, provided there is no frost exposure.
Since its initiation in 2019, the experimental field with approximately 800 plants has started to produce fruit, which is now available at local markets, including in Olhão, competing favorably with international imports. Duarte describes pitaya as a nutraceutical, offering both nutritional and therapeutic benefits, and notes its high market value as an attractive aspect for local farmers.
The fruit, known for its striking pink skin and unique appearance, is a member of the cactus family, harvested during the summer and early autumn. Its flesh, which can be white or red, contains numerous tiny black seeds and offers a sweet, refreshing taste akin to watermelon.
With increasing consumer demand and farmers' interest in diversifying their crops, pitaya is seen as a promising opportunity for the Algarve's agricultural sector. Ana Rita Trindade, an agronomist managing the experimental field, also supports the fruit's economic potential, citing its higher quality due to local ripening conditions compared to imported varieties. Trindade notes the growing familiarity and appreciation of pitaya among consumers, enhancing its market appeal.
Source: Portugal Resident