Dragon Fruits produced in Balung, Malaysia

DRAGON FRUIT TREE

Dragon fruit trees produce large white flowers and vivid red fruit.

Dragon fruit trees are a type of woody cactus with wide, sprawling vines.

They grow anywhere.

Dragon fruit trees need sun light to grow long.

Tawau is blessed with good tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil. Many crops grown well here like rubber, oil palm, coconut and cocoa.

Dragon fruit is one of the most recent newcomers in the Malaysian fruit market. Dragon cultivation has made its way in the fruit industry in Tawau.

There are three varieties of dragon fruits grown:

1) White flesh dragon fruits (Hylocerues undatus),

2) Red flesh dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and

3) Yellow skin dragon fruit (Selenicereus megalenthus).

Only two varieties that suitable planted in Malaysia i.e red and white flesh variety.

Red flesh dragon fruits is less in production and thus most demanding in the market. This red variety could fatch a high price at RM 6.00 per kg compared to white at RM 4.50 per kg. Besides consumed fresh, the red dragon fruit can processed into cordial, jam, wine and other products.

The skin of dragon fruit can be processed to become natural food coloring. This natural food coloring is safe to be used because it does not have any side effects and no harm to health.

Young shoots can be cooked just like we cook lady's finger. Its nutritious and is another source of vegetable which add medicinal value in our diet.

The dry flowers can be processed to make tea.

	Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) MARDI is a statutory body and undertakes research and development (R&D) in food and tropical agriculture.
	Kementerian Pertanian Dan Industri Asas Tani Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) http://www.doa.gov.my Responsible for improving the incomes of farmers, livestock breeders and fisherman by efficient utilizing of the nation's resources; manages food production for domestic consumption and export
	MTDC http://www.mtdc.com.my
	International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) Independent, not-for-profit international organization established by the member countries of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO) to promote the production, consumption, processing, marketing and international trade of tropical and subtropical fruits.
	FAMA http://famaexchange.org
	MITI http://www.miti.gov.my
	SMIDEC http://www.smidec.gov.my

The Pitaya, also known as Dragon Fruit or Dragon Pearl is the fruit of a pitaya cactus. Native to Central and South America, the vine-like cactus is also cultivated in Southeastern Asian countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The fruit comes in three types all with leathery, slightly leafy skin:

White Flesh, Red Outlook, Hylocereus Undatus, family of Cetaceae
Red Flesh, Red Outlook, Hylocereus Polyrhizus, family of Cetaceae
White Flesh, Yellow Outlook, Selenicereus Megalanthus, family of Cetaceae

Sesame-sized seeds are embedded throughout the flesh.

The flesh, which is eaten raw, is bland, mildly sweet and low in calories. The flavor is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit. The fruit may be converted into juice or wine; the flowers can be eaten or steeped as tea. Although the tiny pitaya seeds are eaten with the flesh, the seeds are indigestible.

Text original source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitaya

Planting Pitaya (Dragon Fruits)

A dry tropical climate with an average temperature of 20-30ºC. Rainfall requirements are 500-1500mm with alternating wet and dry seasons. Pitaya is able to tolerate drought, heat, poor soil and cold. Maximum temperatures of Pitaya are 38- 40ºC.

This "climbing cactus", is a tropical plant that can be grown organically. It takes one year to for a young plant to be fully grown to bear fruits. Dragon plant can be planted in pots. It needs regular sunlight and small amount of water.

The fruit is juicy with a fruity flavors. Red Pitaya is attractive and pleasant to eat.