When Is Red-Fleshed Dragon Fruit in Season? Benefits and Price Explained

Red-fleshed dragon fruit is a perennial climbing plant of the genus Hylocereus in the cactus family. It is an emerging fruit with good health benefits, native to the tropical rainforest regions of Central America near the equator in the Western Hemisphere. So when is it in season? What benefits does it have for the human body? How much does it cost per jin on the market? According to Changsha Hongxing Fruit Wholesale Market, the market price of red-fleshed dragon fruit is about 5 to 10 yuan per jin, mainly determined by the purchasing season and region. Red-fleshed dragon fruit and white-fleshed dragon fruit are the two more common varieties on the market. There is a saying that red-fleshed dragon fruit has higher nutritional value than white-fleshed dragon fruit, and its texture and taste are also slightly better, which makes red-fleshed dragon fruit a bit more expensive.

When is red-fleshed dragon fruit in season?

The flowering and fruiting period of red-fleshed dragon fruit seedlings is from May to November. The Taiwan Dahong variety seedling can be widely planted and cultivated throughout the country. After half a year of planting, it reaches the initial production period, and the full production period can reach 8,000 to 10,000 jin, or even more than 10,000 jin. The albumin in red-fleshed dragon fruit is a sticky, gelatinous substance that has a detoxifying effect on heavy metal poisoning. It also has a protective effect on the stomach wall.

Other dragon fruits begin to flower and bear fruit 12-14 months after planting, and can flower 12-15 times per year. The fruiting period is from April to November. The fruit matures 30-40 days after the flowers fade, with a single fruit weighing 500-1000g. In the second year after planting, each column produces more than 20 fruits, and by the third year it enters the full production period. The ripening period is from June to December! Picking of dragon fruit begins in mid-to-late October, and at this time the dragon fruit is at its freshest. Dragon fruit can be divided into three types: white dragon fruit with purple-red skin and white flesh, with small black seeds distributed throughout, and ordinary fresh-eating quality; red dragon fruit with red skin and red flesh, with relatively good fresh-eating quality; and yellow dragon fruit with yellow skin and white flesh, with the best fresh-eating quality.

What benefits does red-fleshed dragon fruit have for the human body?

1. Slowing aging: Red-fleshed dragon fruit has a relatively high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanin is an effective antioxidant with antioxidant, anti-free radical, and anti-aging effects, and it also has the effect of inhibiting degeneration of brain cells and preventing dementia.

2. Detoxification: Red-fleshed dragon fruit is rich in plant albumin, which is relatively rare in ordinary vegetables and fruits. This active albumin automatically binds with heavy metal ions in the human body and is excreted through the excretory system, thereby playing a detoxifying role.

3. Whitening and weight loss: Red-fleshed dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, which can eliminate oxygen free radicals and has a skin-whitening effect. At the same time, red-fleshed dragon fruit is rich in water-soluble dietary fiber, which helps with weight loss, lowers blood sugar, lubricates the intestines, and prevents colorectal cancer.

4. Preventing anemia: The iron content in red-fleshed dragon fruit is higher than in ordinary fruits, and iron is an indispensable element for producing hemoglobin and other iron-containing substances. Taking in an appropriate amount of iron can also prevent anemia.

5. Enhancing immunity: The juice of the fruit and stems of red-fleshed dragon fruit has shown positive effects on conditions such as tumor growth, viral infection, and suppression of immune responses, and it has effects such as lowering cholesterol, lubricating the intestines, and preventing colorectal cancer.

Appendix: How to select red-fleshed dragon fruit

1. Appearance: When selecting red-fleshed dragon fruit, choose one with bright color, smooth skin, and no signs of rotting.

2. Color: When selecting red-fleshed dragon fruit, the redder the skin, the better, as this represents the degree of ripeness of the dragon fruit.

3. Weight: When selecting red-fleshed dragon fruit, you should weigh it by hand; the heavier, the better.