[photopress:dragon_fruitIMG_0477.jpg,full,pp_image]
From Wikipedia:
The pitaya (also known as pitahaya, dragon fruit, huǒ lóng guǒ, strawberry pear, nanettikafruit, or thanh long) is the fruit of several cactus species, especially of the genus Hylocereus, but also see Stenocereus. Native to Mexico and Central and South America, these vine-like epiphytic cacti are also cultivated in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia. They are also found in Taiwan, Okinawa, Israel, and southern China. The pitaya only flowers at night; they are large white flowers that are often called Moonflower or Queen of the Night.
The species Stenocereus gummosus in the Sonoran desert has been an important food source for Native American peoples. The Seri people of northwestern Mexico still harvest the highly appreciated fruit of the pitaya agria (Spanish), which the Seris call ziix is ccapxl “thing whose fruit is sour”.
- The red flesh variety is believed to be rich in antioxidants.
- The bonsai version of pitaya plants can be found in flower markets in Taiwan.
- The pitaya fruit is rich in vitamins.
- The pitaya fruit helps the digestive process.
- The pitaya fruit helps prevent colon cancer and diabetes.
- The pitaya fruit helps to neutralize toxic substances such as heavy metal, reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
- Consumed regularly the pitaya fruit can help against asthma and cough.
- The pitaya fruit can be grown without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.