Fruits form a part of daily lives. There is at least one meal a day in which people consume fruits. And most people enjoy eating fresh fruits. Apples, oranges, grapes, peaches, bananas, cherries, strawberries, and blackberries, are some of the fresh fruits everyone loves to eat. Read full article to know Why Is Dragon Fruit So Expensive?
A very famous fresh fruit item is the dragon fruit. Everybody has heard of it, but only a few have tried it. It is because dragon fruit is an expensive item. As compared to the other fresh fruits, the dragon fruit is highly-priced.
What is dragon fruit?
Dragon fruits are a common name given to the fruits related to the Pitaya family of the Steneocereus genus. These fruits were named dragon fruits, in 1963, due to their skin resembling the scales of a dragon. The texture and taste are somewhat similar to kiwi. Like kiwi has green fruit with black crunchy seeds, the dragon fruit also has a white fruit with black seeds. Every part of the Dragon fruit can get used in different items, such as the flavor and juice used to make alcoholic beverages, while the flowers get crushed to make tea, and the seeds get used to making oil.
Where is dragon fruit found?
This fruit is indigenous to the continent of America. It is commonly found in parts of Mexico, and Central America, and is cultivated, due to high demand, in regions of East Asia, the United States of America, the Caribbean, South Asia, South East Asia, and Australia. The dragon fruit is grown in areas with maximum sunlight and well-drained soil. It needs organic soil. In areas where there is full sun, dragon fruit can be potted indoors in a clay or terracotta pot. However, apart from the areas given above, it is difficult to grow the dragon fruit due to the weather conditions.
What is special about dragon fruit?
The dragon fruit in its appearance seems to be a unique kind of food item. But it is not only limited to its looks. The dragon fruit is special, because of its multiple health benefits. Some of these benefits are:-
- It is a rich source of vitamin C, making it a perfect substitute for your immune system. It even has other nutrients in high content making it a healthy snack and a full-fledged meal loaded with minerals, vitamins, and compounds.
- Because of the various minerals and vitamins, dragon fruit purifies the blood, reduces cell damage, and increases immunity and body strength. The antioxidant element in dragon fruits helps prevent chronic diseases.
- It is full of fiber. The dragon fruit has fibrous elements which help digest food and serves as a protector against heart diseases. It even helps you maintain healthy body weight.
- The dragon fruit is also one of those fruits which contain high levels of iron. So if you have diseases like anemia, The dragon fruit serves as a booster of iron. The iron, along with the vitamin C, helps in absorbing nutrient-based minerals in the body.
Dragon fruit is a wholesome meal. Not only does it provide nutrients such as minerals and vitamins but also is full of fiber and promotes a healthy diet. Apart from this, it is tasty because of its juiciness and unique taste.
Why is dragon fruit so expensive?
The dragon fruit is considered an exotic item that is very expensive and difficult to find. And there can be many reasons for it to be so lavishly charged. They are:-
- The first and foremost reason is higher demand than supply. A basic principle of economics, when the demand for an item is higher than the supply, the value of the existing stock increases exponentially. It is this phenomenon due to which dragon fruits are expensive. Its price gets determined by the relation between demand and supply.
- The second reason is related to the first reason. The supply of dragon fruit is less because it is an exotic item that is not found everywhere. These fruits are hard to get and cannot be cultivated in all regions. It can get harvested only at a particular temperature and weather condition. So, the hard to get factor leads to the limited supply of dragon fruit.
- The third reason is that the dragon fruit takes to grow. The seed of the dragon fruit takes about half a year to germinate and then another half year to fully grow into a fruit. It means that it takes almost a year to grow a batch of dragon fruits, which is much more than the other fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and mangoes.
- The fourth reason is its limited shelf life. As soon as you pick it up from the fruit market, the fruit begins to deteriorate. It can stay fresh and tasty for three days in the refrigerator. After that, it begins to ripen and rot.
- The fifth reason is the hype about organic food. Organic substances have been getting a lot of attention these days, and the dragon fruit being organic is demanded more than the other ones. Its taste and freshness are also a big reason for the Dragon fruit to be expensive.
Which fruit is similar to dragon fruit?
There are certain substitutes that you can use if the dragon fruit is unavailable in your area.
- The most recognizable and easily available is kiwi. If you are unable to find dragon fruit, you can opt for this fruit.
- The second substitute can be the pear. The pair does not look like dragon fruit, but the health benefits and the texture are quite similar to it.
- Watermelon is another good alternative to dragon fruit. The juices, texture, and taste hint at the dragon fruit lightly.
- The Rambutan is a fruit that closely resembles the dragon fruit in its outer appearance. In terms of taste, they are completely different.
Each of these fruits is unique in taste, and you can try them out for a different experience. In addition to taste, each has its share of health benefits.
Conclusion
By now, you must have understood the reason for it being so highly priced. Keeping in mind its history, the high demand, scarce supply, and immense health benefits, it seems genuine that dragon fruit is very popular. If you live in one of the regions where dragon fruits are available, you can buy them or even grow one on your own.
FAQs
1.How to slice the dragon fruit?
To slice the dragon fruit, you need to use a sharp knife. Cut the dragon fruit in half. Use the spoon to scoop the fruit out of the skin like an avocado. Separate the inedible seeds from the edible part and enjoy your fruit.
2.Is dragon fruit the most expensive fruit in the world?
The dragon fruit is quite expensive, but it is not the most expensive fruit in the world. Yubari melon is the most expensive fruit in the world that can cost a piece of land or gold to buy. This fruit is an exclusive item of Japan, and its cost is in the thousands of dollars.
