Cebu City – There are cactus plants that produce delectable fruit such as the dragon fruit. This fruit is also known as the strawberry pear and is from the group genus Stenocereus or Cactaceae family which originates from Central and South America. Fruits from these groups mostly grow in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The two primary species of this fruit raised for commerce are the fruit-bearing Hylocereus undatus, which bears white flesh and vivid pink skin, and those fruit from species of Hylocereus costaricensis that has brilliant pink skin and pink flesh in a variety of tones. Further, Selenecereus megalanthus is another variety of dragon fruit that has yellow skin and white flesh.

Vitamins and Minerals that you can get from dragon fruit

With its distinctive shape and high vitamin content, and other good fat content, dragon fruit is a fruit you should include in your diet. Tagged and marketed as the prestigious health fruit because it improves human immunological function and is employed in the management of diabetes.

The main nutrients that you can get from this fruit are carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals which include – vitamin c, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, niacin, and calcium.

Naturally occurring sugars (13g per 6-ounce serving) and fiber are the two forms of carbohydrates found in dragon fruit. In a serving of 6 ounces, you'll find 5 grams of fiber or about 18% of the daily recommended amount. On the other hand, fats found in dragon fruit contain only a very small amount of healthy fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids, omega 6-fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fat. On another note, there are about 2 grams per serving of protein that the dragon fruit contained.

Health Benefits
As discussed above, dragon fruit provides numerous vitamins and minerals. According to Frey (2022) as reviewed by Coro, having said that dragon fruits contain beneficial qualities. This fruit could help in building and repairing cells, decreases inflammation, promotes better digestive health, and helps manage blood sugar.

Price and peak season
Commercially in a tropical country like the Philippines, dragon fruit is usually sold during its peak season from April to November with a price range of 120-150 pesos per kilo as of 2022. // DMO II Gabe Henriel P. Sucalit, RND