DRAGON FRUIT – PITAHAYAS

The Pithaya is one native to the American continent tropical fruit, it can be found in countries like Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Haiti and Venezuela. The name was given by Haitians, since their meaning is prickly fruit, although the country of origin of the plant is uncertain.

Pitahaya

The dragon fruit, Pitaya, Pitajón, Yaurero and Warakko, is a fruit from cactus plant. It is aromatic pulp and seed is full. There are two varieties of yellow and red (known as “dragon fruit”). It is a cactus that only blooms at night and typically grows in tropical or subtropical dry environments.

It can grow on land as on other plants, this thanks to its adventitious roots and stems of three ribs. For leaves brings slender spines, elongated and subcónicas, while its flower is characterized by its large size, because it reaches 30 cm in length, being externally white or slightly greenish. Pitahaya fruit is ovoid between 8 and 10 cm long and 7 cm wide, green in his youth and in their red or yellow maturity, with a crust filled with deciduous scales. At first the fruit pulp is white, when mature becomes reddish with numerous small dark brown seeds.

The dragon fruit – Pitahayas is a fruit that is coveted for its high fiber content and also:

  • It has low amounts of cholesterol
  • It has protein and fat, but most of the fat in the seeds is of the type monounsaturated

  • For its contribution of vitamin C, they are suitable for people who do not tolerate citrus, pepper or other vegetables
  • It is highly antioxidant
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • It helps prevent cancer risk
  • Tonic qualities cone has generally improving circulation and preventing heart disease
  • It is slightly sedative which is used to relieve some minor pain

  • It is laxative, useful in cases of digestive disorders or constipation
  • Prevents kidney stones and stimulates digestive functions
  • It is a good addition to diets or treatments for obesity
  • In cases of irritable or inflamed colon consumption is advised
  • Because of its high content of vitamin C is essential for the formation of bones, teeth and strengthening the immune system

The dragon fruit – Pitahayas can be consumed in the following ways:

  • As fresh fruit
  • Juiced
  • In shakes
  • In salads
  • Infusions
  • Yogurt
  • Jams
  • Ice cream
  • Gelatins
  • Candies

     NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

CONTENT PER 100 GRS PULP UNITS
Water 85,4 gr
Carbohydrates 13,2 gr
Fat 0,1 gr
Proteins 0,4 gr
Fiber 0,5 gr
Ash 0,4 gr
Calories 50
Calcium 10 mgr
Phosphorus 16 mgr
Iron 0,3 mgr
Tiamin 0,03 gr
Rivoflabina 0,04 mgr
Niacin 0,2 mgr
Ascorbic acid 4 mgr