Episode: #5
Airdate: 31st May 2020
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Story Title: Dragon Fruit

Grown from a cactus, dragon fruit is known for its delicious flesh and range of health benefits.

• Dragon fruit is believed to have originated in Costa Rica. The botanical name is hylocereus polyrhizus, though it is sometimes known as costaricaensis.
• There are 2 main varieties of dragon fruit, with the white flesh variety being quite bland in flavour. The red variety on the other hand is rich in nutrients and flavour.
• The plant is simple to grow – just take a cutting and place it in the ground. Make sure to plant them in a sunny position with a frame for them to climb.
• Once the plant has matured, which generally takes around 2 years, it will start flowering. These plants produce magnificent flowers that open at night, lasting for around 24 hours.
• The plant must be pollinated to produce its fruit. Bees and moths are not as effective as ants, so don’t worry if you see them over the plant or fruit – there is a sweet enzyme in the flesh that attracts them to the plant.
• The flesh is delicious makes the most incredible smoothies. You can even experiment with adding it to some cocktails.
• Dragon fruit is a great source of Vitamin C, phosphorus and potassium, as well as minerals like magnesium – one fruit provides 17% of your daily intake requirements.
• Red dragon fruit is rich in protein, antioxidants, lycopene and carotene.