Pitahaya
- „Dragon Fruit“

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The pitahaya is grown in warm-humid regions. The following varieties are important for the international trade: The „Yellow Pitahaya“ and the „Red Pitahaya“, which is also marketed as "Dragon Fruit".

Description:

Pitahayas are cactus fruits. The red pitahaya is round or ovoid, with a diameter of 8-12cm and a weight of 250-450g. When fully ripe, the skin is bright purple red and scaled, the pulp grey-white, very juicy and tastes refreshingly mild-aromatic sweet. It contains approx. 1000 evenly distributed small black seeds which are edible. The fruit has a slight purgative effect, especially if the seeds are chewed. The pitahaya mainly supplies the minerals potassium, phosphor, magnesium, calcium and iron, and some vitamin C as well.

Marketing :

At room temperature and a relative humidity of 85-90%, the pitahaya may be stored for 1-2 weeks without problems. It will keep for up to 3 weeks at 3 – 5° C and a relative humidity of 85 – 90%.

Use:

The pitahaya is enjoyed best when raw and slightly chilled. For this, the fruit is halved lengthwise or crosswise and spooned out. Alternatively, a slice is taken off on both ends, the skin is scored lengthwise and then peeled off. The released pulp may then be cut in pieces and eaten. Other uses for the fruit are fruit salads, milkshakes, cocktails, desserts, gateaux toppings, but also in sauces and chicken salad.