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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
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Dragon fruit grows on climbing cacti with stems that reach up to 6 meters long. The fruits are oval to oblong in shape, weighing about 8-12 ounces and averaging 10-15 centimeters in length. They have a pink or magenta peel with green scale-like leaves, and white flesh that is dotted with tiny edible black seeds, similar to a kiwi. The juicy, spongy yet dense pulp offers a subtle sweet flavor with notes of berry, pear, kiwi, and watermelon, sometimes with just a hint of sourness.
Dragon Fruit is available year-round, with a peak season in the summer and early fall.
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya or Pitahaya, is a member of the cactus family, and is botanically found in two separate genera: Hylocereus and Selenicereus. However, the most commonly cultivated varieties are in the genus, Hylocereus, including the white-fleshed fruit, Hylocereus undatus. The Dragon fruit plant has also been nicknamed Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant, Night Blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night, and Moonflower, as its flowers only bloom for one night each year. During the short window overnight, the large, extremely fragrant flowers are pollinated by moths, bats, or by hand, although some varieties can self-pollinate. Despite the short-lived flowers, the plant will bear fruit about 4-6 times each year.
Dragon fruit is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, including good amounts of carotene and vitamin C, and its nutritional and antibacterial properties have been studied for their ability to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and boost energy levels. Dragon fruit has high water content (about 80% water), and is a good source of iron, magnesium, B vitamins, phosphorus, protein, calcium, and fiber. The fruit’s edible seeds are also nutritious, as they are high in polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Dragon fruit is best used raw and slightly chilled, but can also be cooked, such as grilling with a sprinkle of chili powder to balance its sweet flavor. Slice the fruit lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, or quarter it and peel off the leathery skin entirely, as it can be bitter. Dragon fruit is commonly blended in smoothies, or juiced for beverages and cocktails. It can be used to make jams or flavor ice creams, sorbets and other desserts, while syrup made from the fruit is often used for coloring pastries and candies. The soft yet dense texture will hold its shape nicely when cut, so it can be diced into fruit salads with papaya, coconut, mango, guava or kiwi. It can also be used in savory salads, and pairs well with seafood, such as scallops and white, flaky fish like mahi-mahi. Ripe Dragon fruit can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerated in a sealed container for prolonged use. Fresh, cut segments will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Dragon fruit can also be sliced or cubed, then frozen for future use in blended or pureed applications.
Dragon fruit was only known as Pitaya before it was renamed by produce marketers in Asia in hopes of sparking intrigue in the fruit. According to the legend formulated around the new name, fire-breathing mythical creatures created the fruit. During battle, when a dragon would breathe fire, the last thing to come out at the end of the flames was the Dragon fruit. When the dragon was slain, the fruit would be collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and symbol of victory.
Dragon fruit is said to be native to Central America, extending from Southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, although the exact native range is hard to pinpoint. This is partly because the fruit has long been in cultivation, but also because it has been known to escape from cultivation and become naturalized. Still, Dragon fruit was first discovered in Central America centuries ago, traveling in the hands of early missionaries and explorers to all corners of the globe, including Australia, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It was introduced into Vietnam more than a century ago, with most accounts crediting the French with the introduction. It was first grown in Vietnam for the king, gained popularity among the wealthy, and today, it’s the leading fruit export of Vietnam. Dragon fruit is cultivated in more than 20 countries and across 6 continents around the globe, with production in areas like Thailand, Israel, Australia, China, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and more. The United States imports the majority of its fresh Dragon fruit from Southeast Asia, although it has successfully been grown on a small scale in California, Florida and Hawaii.
Recipes that include Dragon Fruit Pitaya. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Dragon Fruit Pitaya using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Dragon Fruit | Listen |
| Food Fable: Dragon Fruit | Listen |
Description/Taste
Dragon fruit grows on climbing cacti with stems that reach up to 6 meters long. The fruits are oval to oblong in shape, weighing about 8-12 ounces and averaging 10-15 centimeters in length. They have a pink or magenta peel with green scale-like leaves, and white flesh that is dotted with tiny edible black seeds, similar to a kiwi. The juicy, spongy yet dense pulp offers a subtle sweet flavor with notes of berry, pear, kiwi, and watermelon, sometimes with just a hint of sourness.
Seasons/Availability
Dragon Fruit is available year-round, with a peak season in the summer and early fall.
Current Facts
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya or Pitahaya, is a member of the cactus family, and is botanically found in two separate genera: Hylocereus and Selenicereus. However, the most commonly cultivated varieties are in the genus, Hylocereus, including the white-fleshed fruit, Hylocereus undatus. The Dragon fruit plant has also been nicknamed Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant, Night Blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night, and Moonflower, as its flowers only bloom for one night each year. During the short window overnight, the large, extremely fragrant flowers are pollinated by moths, bats, or by hand, although some varieties can self-pollinate. Despite the short-lived flowers, the plant will bear fruit about 4-6 times each year.
Nutritional Value
Dragon fruit is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, including good amounts of carotene and vitamin C, and its nutritional and antibacterial properties have been studied for their ability to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and boost energy levels. Dragon fruit has high water content (about 80% water), and is a good source of iron, magnesium, B vitamins, phosphorus, protein, calcium, and fiber. The fruit’s edible seeds are also nutritious, as they are high in polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Applications
Dragon fruit is best used raw and slightly chilled, but can also be cooked, such as grilling with a sprinkle of chili powder to balance its sweet flavor. Slice the fruit lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, or quarter it and peel off the leathery skin entirely, as it can be bitter. Dragon fruit is commonly blended in smoothies, or juiced for beverages and cocktails. It can be used to make jams or flavor ice creams, sorbets and other desserts, while syrup made from the fruit is often used for coloring pastries and candies. The soft yet dense texture will hold its shape nicely when cut, so it can be diced into fruit salads with papaya, coconut, mango, guava or kiwi. It can also be used in savory salads, and pairs well with seafood, such as scallops and white, flaky fish like mahi-mahi. Ripe Dragon fruit can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerated in a sealed container for prolonged use. Fresh, cut segments will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Dragon fruit can also be sliced or cubed, then frozen for future use in blended or pureed applications.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Dragon fruit was only known as Pitaya before it was renamed by produce marketers in Asia in hopes of sparking intrigue in the fruit. According to the legend formulated around the new name, fire-breathing mythical creatures created the fruit. During battle, when a dragon would breathe fire, the last thing to come out at the end of the flames was the Dragon fruit. When the dragon was slain, the fruit would be collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and symbol of victory.
Geography/History
Dragon fruit is said to be native to Central America, extending from Southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, although the exact native range is hard to pinpoint. This is partly because the fruit has long been in cultivation, but also because it has been known to escape from cultivation and become naturalized. Still, Dragon fruit was first discovered in Central America centuries ago, traveling in the hands of early missionaries and explorers to all corners of the globe, including Australia, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It was introduced into Vietnam more than a century ago, with most accounts crediting the French with the introduction. It was first grown in Vietnam for the king, gained popularity among the wealthy, and today, it’s the leading fruit export of Vietnam. Dragon fruit is cultivated in more than 20 countries and across 6 continents around the globe, with production in areas like Thailand, Israel, Australia, China, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and more. The United States imports the majority of its fresh Dragon fruit from Southeast Asia, although it has successfully been grown on a small scale in California, Florida and Hawaii.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dragon Fruit Pitaya. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Dragon Fruit Pitaya using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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haleiwa cane juice
Near Haleiwa, Hawaii, United StatesAbout 31 days ago, 8/25/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 44 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruit 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 48 days ago, 8/09/21 
La Jolla Open Aire Market
Heritage Family Farm
Near La Jolla, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 49 days ago, 8/08/21 Sharer's comments : Cut, peel, and scoop right into your morning smoothie 😉 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 49 days ago, 8/08/21 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruit from nbc farms 
Warso Durian Farm,Bogor
Near Bogor, West Java, IndonesiaAbout 264 days ago, 1/04/21 Sharer's comments : buah naga pitaya 
Central market of Athens Greece 🇬🇷
Athinagoras LTD
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens G-43 00302104830298 About 285 days ago, 12/15/20 Sharer's comments : Pitahaya !!! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 314 days ago, 11/16/20 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruit from Wallace ranch 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Pedros Organic Ranch
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 371 days ago, 9/20/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 409 days ago, 8/13/20 Sharer's comments : Local Dragon Fruit is in season now! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 423 days ago, 7/30/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful and Healthy Red Dragon fruit in from Wallace Ranch! 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 493 days ago, 5/20/20 Sharer's comments : red dragon pitaya 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - South Lake Union
Near Seattle, Washington, United States2210 Westlake Ave Seattle WA 98121 206-621-9700 About 511 days ago, 5/02/20 Sharer's comments : This is fun find, pitaya smoothie anyone? 
Pasar Anyar
Near Bogor, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 558 days ago, 3/16/20 Sharer's comments : buah naga 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 564 days ago, 3/10/20 
99 Ranch Market 大華超級市場
Near Milpitas, California, United StatesAbout 577 days ago, 2/27/20 
Barn Fresh Produce
Barn Fresh Produce
Near Moss Landing, California, United States8850 Cabrillo Highway Moss Landing CA 95039 408-605-5032 About 577 days ago, 2/26/20 
Asian Pacific Market
Asian Pacific Market
Near Marina, California, United States330 Reservation Road Marina CA 93933 831-884-0101 About 577 days ago, 2/26/20 
Pensinula Produce
Pensinula Produce
Near Sand City, California, United States2400 Del Monte Ave Monterey CA 93940 831-373-4626 http://www.pensinulaproduceinc.com About 578 days ago, 2/26/20 
Andronico's
Andronico's Community Market - Lighthouse Ave
Near Pacific Grove, California, United States900 Lighthouse Ave Monterey CA 93940 831-718-2405 https://www.andronicos.com About 578 days ago, 2/26/20 Sharer's comments : Very nice. 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - Soquel Ave
Near Santa Cruz, California, United States911 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz CA 95063 831-426-9901 https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com About 578 days ago, 2/25/20 
Dean's Produce
Dean's Produce - Broadway
Near Millbrae, California, United States451 Broadway Millbrae CA 94030 650-692-1042 https://www.deansproducemarkets.com About 582 days ago, 2/22/20 Sharer's comments : Yes. 
Pacific Supermarket
Pacific Supermarket - Westborough Blvd
Near South San Francisco, California, United States2228 Westborough Blvd South San Francisco CA 94080 650-583-1388 http://www.pacificsupermarket.com About 582 days ago, 2/22/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful color. 
Seafood City Supermarket
Seafood City - Callan Blvd
Near Pacifica, California, United StatesSouth 3573 Callan Blvd South San Francisco CA 94080 650-243-6100 http://www.seafoodcity.com About 582 days ago, 2/21/20 
Manila Oriental Market
Manila Oriental Market
Near Pacifica, California, United States4175 Mission Street San Francisco CA 94112 415-337-7272 About 582 days ago, 2/21/20 
Pacific Super Market
Pacific Supermarket - Southgate ave
Near Daly City, California, United States1420 Southgate Ave Daly City CA 94015 650-994-1688 http://www.pacificsupermarket.com About 582 days ago, 2/21/20 
99 Ranch Market 大華超級市場
99 Ranch Market - Skyline Plaza
Near Daly City, California, United States250 Skyline Plaza Daly City CA 94015 650-992-8899 https://www.99ranch.com About 582 days ago, 2/21/20 
Jordan Market
Jordan Market - Alicia Pkwy
Near Laguna Hills, California, United States24771 Alicia Pkwy Laguna Hills CA 92653 949-770-3111 About 601 days ago, 2/03/20 
Seafood City
Seafood City - S Vermont Ave
Near Los Angeles, California, United States134-140 S Vermont Ave Los Angeles CA 90004 213-365-9100 http://www.seafoodcity.com About 602 days ago, 2/02/20 
Little Tokyo Market Place
Little Tokyo Marketplace
Near Los Angeles, California, United States333 S Alameda Street #100 Los Angeles CA 90013 213-617-0030 http://www.littletokyomarket.com About 602 days ago, 2/02/20 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - N Glendale Ave
Near Glendale, California, United States331 N Glendale Ave Glendale CA 91206 818-548-3695 https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com About 602 days ago, 2/01/20 
Red Top Market
Red Top Market & Kitchen
Near Burbank, California, United States600 S Glenoaks Blvd Burbank CA 91502 818-527-5272 https://www.redtopmarket.com About 602 days ago, 2/01/20 
Super King Market
Super King Market - Lincoln Ave
Near Altadena, California, United States2260 Lincoln Ave Altadena CA 91001 626-296-9311 https://www.superkingmarkets.com About 602 days ago, 2/01/20 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market - E Foothill Blvd
Near Arcadia, California, United States3751 E Foothill Blvd Pasadena CA 91107 626-351-5994 https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com About 603 days ago, 2/01/20 
Vallarta Supermarkets
Vallarta Supermarkets - N Fair Oaks
Near Pasadena, California, United States655 N Fair Oaks Blvd Pasadena CA 91103 626-204-6960 https://www.vallartasupermarkets.com About 603 days ago, 1/31/20 
Sasoun Produce
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 323-928-2829 https://www.sasounproduce.com About 604 days ago, 1/31/20 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 604 days ago, 1/30/20 
La Carreta
La Carreta Supermarkets
Near Villa Park, California, United States4637 E Chapman Ave Orange CA 92869 714-771-1595 http://www.lacarretasupermarkets.com About 609 days ago, 1/25/20 
Bristol Farms Yorba Linda
Bristol Farms - Yorba Linda Blvd
Near Yorba Linda, California, United States18421 Yorba Linda Blvd Yorba Linda CA 92886 657-363-6700 https://www.bristolfarms.com About 610 days ago, 1/25/20 
Superior Market
Superior Grocers - Long Beach
Near Long Beach, California, United States1033 Long Beach Blvd Long Beach CA 90813 562-436-2510 https://www.superiorgrocers.com About 610 days ago, 1/25/20 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - Lincoln Ave
Near Anaheim, California, United States2030 E. Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92806 714-507-7640 https://www.northgatemarkets.com About 610 days ago, 1/25/20 
Wholesome Choice Market
Wholesome Choice Market - Culver Dr.
Near Irvine-Mesa, California, United States18040 Culver Drive Irvine CA 92612 949-551-4111 http://www.wholesumchoice.com About 610 days ago, 1/24/20 
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Costa Mesa
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States665 Paularino Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-557-6699 https://www.mitsuwa.com About 610 days ago, 1/24/20 
Mission Ranch Market
Mission Ranch Market
Near Mission Viejo, California, United States23166 Los Alisos Blvd #116 Mission Viejo CA 92691 949-707-5879 http://www.missionranchmarkets.com About 611 days ago, 1/24/20 
Jordan Market
Jordan Market - Alicia Pkwy
Near Laguna Hills, California, United States24771 Alicia Pkwy Laguna Hills CA 92653 949-770-3111 About 611 days ago, 1/24/20 
Duta Mas Fatmawati hari hari market
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout 614 days ago, 1/20/20 Sharer's comments : buah naga di hari hari swalayan jakarta selatan 
LF Market Oriental & Seafood
LF Market Oriental & Seafood
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States5350 W Bell Road #115 Glendale AZ 85308 602-993-5878 About 615 days ago, 1/20/20 
AJ's Fine Foods
Aj's Fine Foods - Ray Road
Near Chandler, Arizona, United States7131 W Ray Road Chandler AZ 85226 480-705-0011 https://www.ajsfinefoods.com About 615 days ago, 1/20/20 
Walmart
Walmart Supercenter - Happy Valley
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States2501 W Happy Valley Road #34 Phoenix AZ 85085 623-780-5702 https://www.walmart.com About 617 days ago, 1/18/20 
International 88 Market
Near Glendale, Arizona, United StatesAbout 617 days ago, 1/18/20 
Mekong
Mekong Supermarket
Near Tempe, Arizona, United States66 S Dobson Road Mesa AZ 85202 480-833-0095 About 628 days ago, 1/07/20 
H Mart Asian Supermarket
Near Hoboken, New Jersey, United StatesAbout 628 days ago, 1/07/20 Sharer's comments : Dragon Fruit H Mart! 
Los Altos Ranch Markets
Los Altos Ranch Market - Indian School Road
Near Phoenix, Arizona, United States3223 W Indian School Road Phoenix AZ 85017 602-264-8002 https://www.losaltosranchmarket.com About 628 days ago, 1/07/20 
AJ's Fine Foods
Near Scottsdale, Arizona, United StatesAbout 628 days ago, 1/07/20 
Los Altos Ranch Markets
Los Altos Ranch Market
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States3415 W Glendale Ave Phoenix AZ 85051 602-841-0346 About 629 days ago, 1/06/20 
Lee Lee International Supermarket
Lee Lee International Market
Near Peoria, Arizona, United States7575 W Cactus Road Peoria AZ 85381 623-773-3345 About 629 days ago, 1/06/20 
Brentwood Farmers Market
Pedros Organic Ranch
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 644 days ago, 12/22/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 647 days ago, 12/18/19 
south north produce market
Near Sanxia District, TaiwanAbout 663 days ago, 12/02/19 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 707 days ago, 10/20/19 
pasar tanah tinggi tangerang
Near Tangerang, West Java, IndonesiaAbout 714 days ago, 10/13/19 Sharer's comments : buah naga 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 722 days ago, 10/04/19 |
