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| The plant has adapted to live in dry tropical climates with a moderate amount of rain. | | The plant has adapted to live in dry tropical climates with a moderate amount of rain. |
− | The dragonfruit sets on the cactus-like tree 30-50 days after flowering and can sometimes have 5-6 cycles of harvests per year. There are some farms in Vietnam that produce 30 tons of fruit per hectare every year. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newcrops.uq.edu.au/newslett/ncn11163.htm| title = Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus), a Potential New Crop for Australia| accessdate = 2007-09-14}} </ref> | + | The dragonfruit sets on the cactus-like tree 30-50 days after flowering and can sometimes have 5-6 cycles of harvests per year. There are some farms in Vietnam that produce 30 tons of fruit per hectare every year. [http://www.newcrops.uq.edu.au/newslett/ncn11163.htm] |
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| ==Pests, diseases and problems== | | ==Pests, diseases and problems== |
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| The fruit can weigh from 150-600 grams and the flesh, which is eaten raw, is mildly sweet and low in [[calorie]]s. Eating the fruit is sometimes likened to that of the [[kiwifruit]] due to a prevalence of [[sesame]] seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh of both fruits which make for a similar texture upon consumption. The skin is not eaten. The fruit may be converted into [[juice]] or [[wine]]; the [[flower]]s can be eaten or steeped as [[tea]]. Although the tiny pitaya seeds are eaten with the flesh, the seeds are indigestible. It is generally recommended that dragon fruit be eaten chilled, for improved flavor. | | The fruit can weigh from 150-600 grams and the flesh, which is eaten raw, is mildly sweet and low in [[calorie]]s. Eating the fruit is sometimes likened to that of the [[kiwifruit]] due to a prevalence of [[sesame]] seed-sized black crunchy seeds found in the flesh of both fruits which make for a similar texture upon consumption. The skin is not eaten. The fruit may be converted into [[juice]] or [[wine]]; the [[flower]]s can be eaten or steeped as [[tea]]. Although the tiny pitaya seeds are eaten with the flesh, the seeds are indigestible. It is generally recommended that dragon fruit be eaten chilled, for improved flavor. |
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− | ==Nutritional claims==
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− | *The red flesh variety is rich in [[antioxidants]]. <ref name="gh_20070616">{{cite web | url=http://www.twowests.co.uk/weblog/archives/2006/07/dragon_fruit.html| title = Description of Dragon Fruit| accessdate = 2007-06-16}} </ref>
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− | *The pitaya fruit is rich in vitamins. <ref name="gasingdf_20070616">{{cite web | url=http://www.gasing.com/dragonfruits/nutrition_facts.shtml| title = Nutrition facts about Pitaya| accessdate = 2007-06-16}} </ref>
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− | Dragonfruit is rich in fiber, Vitamin C and minerals. The typical nutritional value per 100g of dragonfruit is as follows:
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− | *Ashes 0.68g
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− | *[[Fat]] 0.61g
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− | *Fiber 0.9g
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− | *[[Phosphorus]] 36.1mg
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− | *[[Carotene]] 0.012g
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− | *[[Protein]] 0.229g
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− | *Water 83.0g
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− | *[[Calcium]] 8.8mg
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− | *[[Iron]] 0.65mg
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− | *[[Riboflavin]] 0.045mg
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− | *[[Niacin]] 0.430mg
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− | *[[Ascorbic Acid]] 9.0mg
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− | Dragonfruit is also rich in phytoalbumins which are highly valued for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent the formation of cancer-causing free radicals. In Taiwan, diabetics use the fruit as a food substitute for rice and as a source of [[dietary fiber]].
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| ==References== | | ==References== |
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| Image:Pa150231.jpg | | Image:Pa150231.jpg |
| </gallery> | | </gallery> |
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− | {{commons|Hylocereus undatus|Pitaya}}
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| [[Category:Fruit]] | | [[Category:Fruit]] |
| [[Category:Cacti]] | | [[Category:Cacti]] |
− | [[Category:Vietnamese cuisine]]
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− | [[Category:Mexican cuisine]]
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− | [[Category:Cacti of Mexico]]
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− | [[Category:Underutilized crops]]
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| [[Category:Tropical agriculture]] | | [[Category:Tropical agriculture]] |