Originally just a forest of fruit is not eaten, but, after being taken by the people of France to China, he changed its name to dragon fruit, then planted widely in Vietnam before it spreads to Asia, including Malaysia. Dragon fruit which originally should not be eaten because it was considered the god of food and no attention in his home country, now known around the world instead become an exclusive cuisine in an aircraft with his dragon fruit juice.
In 2001 fruit was only developed in Israel, then Australia, Thailand and Vietnam, but now has begun to explore the market of Indonesia.
Currently, Vietnam and Thailand is the largest supplier of dragon fruit in the world. But the demand could be met just 50% only. While in the local market, although still small, local dragon fruit is also able to compete with imported dragon fruit.
The fruit is now available in fruit shops and supermarkets and a number of plantation commodities glanced at it because its cultivation is easy and bright prospects for the future than any other fruit.
In Indonesia, this dragon fruit into the ground water reaches 200-400 tons / year in Thailand and Vietnam.
Types There are four kinds of dragon fruit, dragon fruit's first white meat (Hylocereus undatus), dragon fruit red meat (Hylocereus polyrhizus), super red flesh dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) and dragon fruit yellow skin and white flesh (Selenicerius megalanthus).
Dragon fruit was developed in Malaysia
In Malaysia, dragon fruit was first cultivated by Chan Weng Chuen. Located in Pahang, since five years ago. After Chan, 41, studying plants that are very popular in Taiwan and some countries of Indochina, especially Vietnam.
Since then, a karaoke center manager is interested to try to make the plant commercially. He then went to Taiwan to attend a month-long courses related to planting dragon fruit, also known by the name of this cereus. With an initial capital of RM100, 000, Chan started penananam area of 1.6 hectares in Lepar, Week by using the seeds cuttings which is obtained from Taiwan.
According to him, next year, all the plants begin to bear fruit, and a year later he triumphed regain initial capital. Chan's triumph pushed open three more fields, each covering an area of 1.6 hectares on the island of honey, also in Week and in Panching and Kampung Batu.
The fruits were exported to Singapore dragon twice a month with a total of 3 tons per shipment, in addition to market it around town and Kuala Lumpur.
Chan can produce 10.000 pieces worth about RM45, 000 in the second year after planting. He believes that number will continue to increase in subsequent years.
There are two types of dragon fruit plants planted in the field namely the type of content in white and red content that was most appropriate to the weather in Malaysia and are very enthused fans.
According to Chan red dragon fruit content is most appropriate species and quality to be planted on a large scale because it tastes sweeter and juicy, and the price is much higher than other species.
Content of red dragon fruit weighing up to 1 kg with the market price of about RM10 to RM12 per kilo, while the price of the contents of the white dragon fruit average weight of about 500 grams and cost about RM6 per kilo.
In addition to fruit, dragon fruit also produces beautiful flowers that flower only when malam.Bunganya able to survive for a week without watering, in Kuala Lumpur's many restaurants serving vegetables Dragon Fruit flower petals.
Benefit of dragon fruit:
1. efficacious cholesterol-lowering
2. To balance blood sugar levels, cancer prevention, oral health protective
3. prevention of bleeding, vaginal discharge and drug complaints.
4. prevent colon cancer, kidney function and bone strengthening, strengthen the workings of the brain, increases the sharpness of the eyes, as well as cosmetic ingredients.
5. Treating constipation, treat hypertension, Softens skin
Benefits of Fruit Dragon (Dragon Fruit) as a panacea to lower cholesterol, blood sugar balancing, cancer prevention, health protective mouth, constipation, treat hypertension, Softens skin
