Cultivation, Nutritional Value, and Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.): a Review

This review is planned to discuss the cultivation technology, nutritional values and health benefits of Dragon fruit. Dragon fruit plant has wide adaptability and grown well in slightly heavy texture soils. Plants are commonly propagated by stem cuttings. Flower buds are emerging after 15-18 months of planting and required 28-30 days for blooming. This fruit is popular due to its nutritional value, which is a good source of minerals, glucose, fructose, dietary fiber and vitamins. It strengthens the immune system of the human body and is also used in the treatment of diabetes, heart diseases and in maintaining healthy body weight. The yield and nutritional value of Dragon fruit vary depending on the species, cultivation practices, growing area and harvesting time. Dragon fruit peel has a high potential to be used as a natural dye. Numbers of commercial growers are gradually increasing in different countries due to getting a lucrative price of their product in the markets. At present, little information is available on production aspects of Dragon fruit. Research on different aspects of cultivation and health benefits of this fruit can help to maximize the benefits to worldwide growers and consumers and to expand the market of Dragon fruit.

Keywords:

Cultural practices , medicinal values , nutrient content , pitaya