Dragon fruit is a delicious and nutritious fruit with various health benefits. However, many people do not know when dragon fruit ripens and comes to market. This article will introduce the growth cycle and market time of dragon fruit, as well as some common sense about healthy eating.
Characteristics and Nutritional Value of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a fruit with a unique appearance and delicious taste. It can be eaten as a fruit, or processed into juice, jam, etc. Dragon fruit is rich in various nutrients such as vitamin C, dietary fiber, and carotene, which have good health benefits for the human body.
Growing Environment of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan and other provinces in China. Dragon fruit is suitable for growing in a warm, humid, and well-lit environment, and the soil needs to be loose, fertile, and well-drained.
Growth Cycle of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a long-lived plant, with a lifespan of over 20 years. It generally takes 2-3 years from planting to fruiting. Adult dragon fruit can flower and bear fruit 1-2 times a year, and the flowering period is generally from May to July.
Harvesting Time of Dragon Fruit
The harvesting time of dragon fruit varies by variety, generally between September and November. The mature dragon fruit has a red or pink skin with distinct patterns, the fruit feels full, and has a certain degree of elasticity.
Market Time of Dragon Fruit
After harvesting, dragon fruit needs to be processed and packaged before it can be sold. Generally, it can be sold on the market 1-2 months after the dragon fruit ripens. The market time of dragon fruit varies in different producing areas.
How to Choose Fresh Dragon Fruit
When buying dragon fruit, you can judge its freshness by appearance, feel, and smell. Fresh dragon fruit has a bright and shiny skin, the fruit is upright and has a certain degree of elasticity. It smells faintly fruity.
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit can be eaten directly as a fruit, or used to make salads, juices, drinks, etc. In addition, dragon fruit can be sliced, dried, and used as tea, which has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and nourishing yin and moistening the lungs.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is rich in various nutrients and has good health benefits. It can prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, enhance immunity, etc. Regular consumption of dragon fruit is very beneficial to human health.
Suitable Groups for Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is suitable for all people to eat, especially those with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stomach diseases. However, because dragon fruit is rich in glucose and fructose, diabetics should eat it in moderation.
How to Store Dragon Fruit
The purchased dragon fruit can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you need to store it for a long time, you can store it in the refrigerator. However, dragon fruit is a perishable fruit, so try not to store it for too long.
Taboos for Eating Dragon Fruit
Although dragon fruit has many benefits to human health, there are also some people who are not suitable for eating, such as those with stomach ulcers, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, etc. In addition, people who are prone to getting "heaty" should also eat it in moderation.
Price Fluctuation of Dragon Fruit
Due to the different growing environments and planting conditions of dragon fruit, the price of dragon fruit is also different in different producing areas. At the same time, the price of dragon fruit will fluctuate during the harvesting season and non-harvesting season. You need to pay attention to the market price when buying dragon fruit.
Pairing Dragon Fruit with Other Fruits
Dragon fruit is a relatively neutral fruit that can be paired with other fruits. For example, dragon fruit can be eaten with watermelon, banana, strawberry and other fruits to increase the taste and nutrition.
Processed Applications of Dragon Fruit
In addition to being eaten directly, dragon fruit can also be used to make various delicious foods. For example, dragon fruit juice, dragon fruit salad, dragon fruit ice cream, etc., are all very delicious and healthy foods.
Dragon fruit is a delicious and nutritious fruit. Although its growth cycle and harvesting time are a bit long, once it is ripe and on the market, it will be loved by consumers. By understanding the growth cycle, harvesting time, and healthy eating methods of dragon fruit, we can better enjoy the health benefits of this delicious fruit.