All Vietnamese dragon fruit variety Same? A Simple Guide

Dragon fruit, or Pitaya, is a colorful and healthy fruit that has become very popular in India and worldwide. But not all dragon fruits are the same, especially those grown in Vietnam. Vietnam grows several different varieties, each with its own taste, look, and growing needs.

This guide will explain each major Vietnamese dragon fruit variety in simple language, so you can easily understand which variety might be right for your farm or garden.

Origin of Dragon Fruit – Dragon fruit variety

• Dragon fruit originally comes from Central America — countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. People there started growing it hundreds of years ago.
• It belongs to the cactus family, so it grows well in dry, hot places with less water.
• Even though it started in America, Vietnam has become the world leader in growing and exporting dragon fruit. This is because Vietnam’s tropical weather is perfect for dragon fruit, and farmers use good farming methods to grow large, healthy fruits.
• Today, Vietnamese dragon fruit is exported worldwide, including to India, and it comes in many colors and sizes.

Vietnamese Dragon Fruit Varieties

Vietnam mainly grows four types of dragon fruit variety, which are popular in India too. Let’s learn about each one carefully.

1. Vietnamese White Dragon Fruit

• What does it look like?
  Vietnamese dragon fruit varieties skin (outside) of the fruit is pink or deep pink. When you cut it open, the inside flesh is white. You will also see many small black seeds inside. These seeds look like tiny sesame seeds.
• How does it taste?
  This variety tastes mildly sweet and fresh. Sometimes the taste is a little weak or bland because the fruit is picked before it is fully ripe, so it does not spoil during transport. If you let it ripen completely on the plant, it tastes sweeter and fresher.
• Is it nutritious?
  Yes, it contains vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, but it is slightly less nutritious compared to red or pink-fleshed varieties. Still, it helps in digestion and keeps you hydrated, especially in hot weather.
• Is it easy to grow?
  Yes! This variety is the easiest to grow and takes less time to mature. It is great for beginners or for growing in pots at home. It needs moderate water and sunlight.
• Where is it suitable?
  Vietnamese dragon fruit varieties grows well in Indian climates, especially in warmer states. You can try growing it in your backyard or farm to start learning dragon fruit farming.

2. Red Variegated Dragon Fruit

• What does it look like?
  This type has a very beautiful appearance. The skin is a mix of green and yellow colors, making it look unique and attractive. The flesh inside is bright red or deep pink. The plant’s leaves have green and yellow colors mixed, which is rare in dragon fruit plants.
• How does it taste?
  It is very sweet, with a sugar content level called “Brix” of around 21, which is quite high. This means it tastes sweeter than many other dragon fruits. The juice is juicy and flavorful.
• Special features:
  The spikes or thorns on the fruit are long and yellow, which adds to its beauty.
• Is it good for cooking or desserts?
  Yes! Because it is so sweet and colorful, it is often used in desserts, fruit salads, and fancy dishes.
• How hard is it to grow?
  This variety needs a little more care than white dragon fruit. It needs the right sunlight and watering to keep its sweetness and beautiful color.

3. H14 Hybrid Dragon Fruit

• What is it?
  H14 is a special hybrid variety developed by Vietnamese farmers. Hybrid means it is created by crossing two different dragon fruit types to get the best qualities.
• How does it look?
  The outside skin is pink with curled tips on the scales, which makes it look different and attractive. The inside flesh is deep red.
• How does it taste?
  It is very tasty and nutritious. It contains a lot of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that help improve your immunity and keep your body healthy.
• Where is it sold?
  This is a premium fruit, mostly exported to rich countries like the USA, Europe, and Japan because of its high quality.
• Is it easy to grow in India?
  Indian farmers have started growing it, but it needs careful farming techniques and good quality soil and water to reach the same standard as Vietnamese dragon fruit variety.

4. Vietnamese Yellow Dragon Fruit

• What does it look like?
  This variety has yellow skin with green stripes. This dragon fruit variety fruit is oval-shaped and larger than the other types. Inside, the flesh is light white and a little see-through.
• How sweet is it?
  It is quite sweet with a Brix level around 15. If the fruit stays on the plant longer before harvesting, it becomes sweeter but the flesh may soften.
• How long does it take to grow?
  It takes about 3 months from flower to harvest. The flowers bloom only for two nights, so pollination must happen during this time for the fruit to grow.
• How to care for it?
  Farmers need to protect the plant from diseases and pests and provide proper nutrients after harvest to prepare for the next crop.
• Is it popular?
  Yes, its large size, sweet taste, and bright color make it very popular both in local and export markets.

Conclusion

Vietnam is the global leader in dragon fruit farming and has developed many special dragon fruit variety to suit different tastes and climates. These varieties are becoming popular in India too. Knowing about these types will help you choose the right dragon fruit to grow, whether for farming or home gardening. Always remember, each variety has different needs and benefits, so select according to your purpose.

Tip of the Day: How to Know When Dragon Fruit Is Perfectly Ripe for Harvesting

Harvesting dragon fruit at the right time is very important to get the best taste and quality. If you pick the fruit too early, it will taste bland and may not be as sweet or juicy. If you wait too long, the fruit might become too soft and spoil quickly. So, how do you know the perfect time to harvest?

Signs Your Dragon Fruit Is Ripe:

• Skin Color: The skin of ripe dragon fruit becomes bright and vibrant. For pink or red varieties, the pink/red color deepens and looks lively. For yellow varieties, the yellow becomes strong and clear. Avoid fruits with dull or green skin because they are not ripe yet.
• Firmness: Gently press the fruit with your fingers. A ripe dragon fruit will feel slightly soft, like a ripe avocado or peach. It should give a little under pressure but not be mushy or squishy. If it’s too hard, it means it needs more time to ripen.
• Spikes: The small spikes or “thorns” on the skin may start to dry or curl slightly when the fruit is ripe. Fresh, green spikes usually mean the fruit is still unripe.
• Time on Plant: Usually, dragon fruit takes about 25-30 days after flowering to ripen. Leaving it on the plant for the full period helps it develop the best sweetness.

Why Is This Important?

• Picking fruit too early means the sugars have not fully developed, so the fruit will taste sour or bland. This affects the selling price and enjoyment.
• Picking fruit from dragon fruit variety too late can cause the fruit to get soft, which means it can get damaged or spoiled during transport or storage.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Where in India can I grow dragon fruit?
   Dragon fruit grows well in Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala, and northern states like Haryana and Punjab.
2. Which dragon fruit is the sweetest?
   The Red Variegated and Yellow varieties are the sweetest, with high sugar content.
3. Can I grow dragon fruit in a pot at home?
   Yes, especially the White variety is easy to grow in pots with good sunlight and watering.
4. How often should I water dragon fruit plants?
   Water moderately; do not overwater because dragon fruit is a cactus and needs well-drained soil.
5. How long does it take for dragon fruit to flower and fruit?
   Flower buds appear after about one month, and fruit takes 25-30 days to mature after flowering.
6. Is dragon fruit good for health?
   Yes, it contains vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals that help boost immunity and improve digestion.
7. Can dragon fruit grow in cold areas?
   It prefers warm climates but can survive mild cold if protected from frost.
8. What pests affect dragon fruit plants?
   Mealybugs and fungal diseases are common; regular checking and care can prevent these.
9. How to know when dragon fruit is ripe?
   The skin color becomes bright and vibrant, and the fruit feels slightly soft when gently pressed.
10. Can I use dragon fruit in cooking?
    Yes, it is great fresh and can be used in smoothies, salads, desserts, and juices.

IF you have any question regarding the same do let me know in the comments down below.