Have you ever seen a big pink fruit with green spikes and thought, “Wow, what is that?” Well, that is dragon fruit! But why dragon fruit is called dragon fruit? It looks like it came from a dragon’s cave, right? Let’s find out all about it in easy words, just like we tell a fun story to a friend.
Why Dragon Fruit is Called Dragon Fruit?
First, let’s talk about the big thing — why dragon fruit is called dragon fruit. The name came from how it looks. The fruit has a bright pink skin and green tips that look like dragon scales. People say it looks like a dragon egg or the fire tail of a dragon.
The fruit grows on a cactus that climbs walls and trees. Yes, it’s a cactus fruit! So cool, right? And since it has that wild look, someone long ago said, “Let’s call it dragon fruit!” The name stuck. In many places, it is also called pitaya fruit.
So now you know why dragon fruit is called dragon fruit — it’s all about the look!
What is Pitaya Fruit? Is It the Same?
Yes! The name pitaya fruit is another word for dragon fruit. In English, both mean the same thing. Some people call it pitahaya too. So, if you hear pitaya fruit in English, don’t be confused — it’s the same fun pink fruit.
How Many Types of Dragon Fruit Are There?
Let’s talk about the types of dragon fruit. There are three main kinds of this fruit:
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Pink skin, white flesh – This is the most common type. It has a soft white inside with tiny black seeds. It looks like a kiwi!
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Pink skin, red flesh – This one is more red inside and very sweet.
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Yellow skin, white flesh – This is a yellow kind. It’s the sweetest one of all. The skin is not pink but yellow with little bumps.
These are the different types of dragon fruit. All of them grow on cactus plants. Some are big, some are small, but all are fun to eat!
When Does Dragon Fruit Grow?
Now let’s see when dragon fruit grows. This plant loves hot, dry places. So, it grows in warm weather. The fruit starts to grow in summer. In most places, the time to pick dragon fruit is from June to September.
In some warm places, like the south parts of the USA or India, it can grow two times in a year. But the main time is the sunny months when the plant gets full light.
How Quickly Do Dragon Fruit Grow?
So how fast does it grow? After you plant a cutting, it takes about 6 to 8 months to see the first fruit. If you grow it from seed, it may take 2 years or more!
So yes, dragon fruit grows slowly, but it’s worth the wait. Once it starts, the plant gives fruit for 20 years or more.
Also Read: Top 10 Sweetest Mangoes In The World
How to Grow Dragon Fruit Faster?
Want to know how to grow dragon fruit faster? Here are some simple tricks:
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Use good soil – Dragon fruit needs soil that drains well.
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Sun love – Give it lots of sunlight. It needs at least 6 hours of sun each day.
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Water well – Not too much, not too less. Keep the soil wet but not soggy.
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Support it – It climbs! Use a stick or post to help it grow up.
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Cut old parts – Trim the old parts of the plant to help it stay fresh.
With love and care, your cactus can grow dragon fruit faster than you think!
Why Dragon Fruit Is So Expensive?
Now, a big question — why dragon fruit is so expensive, right? It’s a fruit but the price is high. Let’s see why.
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Slow to grow – Like we said, it takes time to grow. Farmers wait many months to get fruit.
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Needs care – The plant needs help to climb and stay strong.
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Not common – Not many people grow it. So, less fruit means high price.
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Looks cool – Because it looks so pretty and rare, people are ready to pay more.
So, the cost of dragon fruit is high because of how rare and pretty it is. It’s like a fancy fruit!
Dragon Fruit Price (Pitaya Fruit Price)
Let’s talk numbers now. What’s the dragon fruit price or pitaya fruit price?
In the USA, the price of dragon fruit per kg is about $7 to $10 USD. That’s like ₹600 to ₹800 INR per kg.
In India, the price of dragon fruit per kg can be ₹150 to ₹400 INR, based on the type and season.
The yellow kind is the costliest because it’s hard to find.
So, the dragon fruit price per kg is not cheap. But many people still buy it for its taste, look, and health power.
What Makes Dragon Fruit Special?
This is not just a good-looking fruit. It has many cool things inside:
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Full of Vitamin C
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Helps with skin glow
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Gives you fiber for your tummy
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Makes you feel fresh and light
People also say it helps with sugar, heart, and even weight loss. So, it’s not just pretty, it’s smart too!
Why Do People Love Dragon Fruit?
Even with the high cost, many still love it. Here’s why:
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It looks like a toy fruit
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It tastes like a mix of kiwi and pear
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It’s easy to eat — just cut and scoop
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It’s fun to show off — good for photos!
Kids, adults, and even old people like it. That’s the magic of dragon fruit.
Summary: Why Dragon Fruit is Called Dragon Fruit and More!
Let’s go back and see what we learned:
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Why dragon fruit is called dragon fruit? Because it looks like a dragon’s skin or tail!
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It is also called pitaya fruit in English.
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It has three types — white inside, red inside, and yellow outside.
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It grows in hot sun and takes months to grow.
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It needs care, love, and sun to grow well.
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It is costly because it’s rare, slow to grow, and looks so cool.
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The dragon fruit price per kg is ₹150 to ₹800 in India, and $7–$10 in the US.
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It gives you vitamins, fiber, and glow!
Final Words
So now you know why dragon fruit is called dragon fruit and much more! It may cost more than an apple, but it’s like the dragon of fruits — strong, cool, and fun to eat. If you ever get one, try it. Cut it, smile, and say, “Wow, I’m eating a dragon!”
Want to grow your own? Get a little plant, give it some sun, and wait for the magic pink fruit to come. Just like a story, it starts slow but ends with joy.
Now go tell someone why dragon fruit is called dragon fruit — and make them smile too!