The pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, can be divided into three types based on its pulp color: red, white, and yellow. It gets its name from its scaly exterior, which resembles the scales of a dragon. Therefore, it is a common misconception to refer to all colors by the general name "dragon fruit." Because it is believed to contribute to health and longevity, it is also commonly known as the "longevity fruit." Some scholars in Taiwan believe that the name "dragon" is not well-received in the West, so it is also called "cactus fruit" or "strawberry pear" for better export to Europe and America. The "cactus" part refers to its classification as a cactus, and "pear" is a term of praise rather than an indication of a honey-like sweetness.
The dragon fruit is the fruit of the dragon fruit tree. The dragon fruit tree is native to the tropical regions of North America. It is rich in nutrients and has unique properties, containing plant-based albumin and anthocyanin, which are rare in most plants, as well as abundant vitamins and water-soluble dietary fiber. The dragon fruit tree belongs to the Hylocereus genus of the Cactaceae family and is native to the tropical desert regions of Central America, such as Brazil and Mexico, making it a typical tropical plant. The red dragon fruit was introduced to Taiwan from Southeast Asia and was later improved and introduced for cultivation in Hainan Province and the southern regions of mainland China, such as Guangxi and Guangdong.
When its large, glossy flowers bloom, they release a rich fragrance, and potted plants are considered auspicious for decoration, earning it another name, the "auspicious fruit." Nutritional Evaluation: According to an analysis by nutrition expert Li Shuyun, the vitality index of dragon fruit is 25.05%, indicating that the food consumed has a positive effect on enhancing human vitality. The disease prevention index of dragon fruit is 4.61%, suggesting that its effect on improving the body's disease prevention capabilities is weak.