Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is a promising food due to its nutritional benefits and agricultural potential. In addition to being rich in nutrients, it offers interesting advantages in the development of sustainable agricultural practices.
Article and photographs by © Damien Lafon / edited by Alex Chhor.

Dragon Fruit: A Nutritional and Agricultural Asset
Originally from Central America, the dragon fruit, or pitaya, is now cultivated in many tropical regions. This exotic, resistant and adaptable fruit offers notable nutritional benefits while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Rich in vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3), minerals such as iron, calcium and phosphorus, as well as antioxidants, it strengthens the immune system and improves digestion. Its high fiber content contributes to a healthy intestinal flora and prevents constipation. Antioxidants, including betalains and flavonoids, protect against oxidative stress, thus limiting the risks of chronic diseases and cellular aging.
Adapted to various environments, the dragon fruit combines nutrition and sustainability, making it a food to integrate into our practices and our plates.
Did you know?
Dragon fruit helps stabilize blood sugar levels, a boon for people with diabetes. Thanks to its high water content, it also acts as a natural moisturizer, especially useful after physical activity or in hot weather.

A Sustainable Source for Tomorrow’s Agriculture
Dragon fruit offers important advantages for sustainable agriculture. Unlike crops such as bananas or avocados, it requires less water and adapts to arid and semi-arid climates. As a cactus plant, its fertilizer requirements are reduced, making it suitable for regions facing drought or lack of water.
Resistant to diseases and pests, dragon fruit limits the use of chemical pesticides. Its cultivation is easily integrated into agroecological systems, promoting biodiversity and improving soil health. The cacti producing this fruit fix the soil, reduce erosion and contribute to the regeneration of degraded lands.
Did you know?
Dragon fruit grows even in nutrient-poor soils where other crops would fail. A promising solution for degraded regions.
Economic Growth for Rural Communities
The demand for exotic fruits and superfoods has made dragon fruit very profitable for many farmers. Its simple cultivation and resistance to extreme conditions allow smallholders to diversify their income. This fruit reduces their dependence on traditional crops often affected by climatic hazards.
In Vietnam, dragon fruit production has increased significantly, accounting for a significant share of exports to Europe and North America. This economic dynamic supports the development of rural areas, improving the living conditions of local communities.
Did you know?
Vietnam cultivates more than 50,000 hectares of dragon fruit, generating about 40% of agricultural income in the provinces concerned.
Dragon Fruit Varieties: A Rainbow of Colors and Flavors
Dragon fruit comes in several varieties, differentiated by the color of their skin and flesh:
- Hylocereus undatus: Pink skin and white flesh. Sweet and light, it is appreciated for its refreshing texture.
- Hylocereus polyrhizus: Pink skin and red or pink flesh. This variety has a more pronounced and slightly acidic taste.
- Hylocereus guatemalensis: Native to Guatemala, it is distinguished by its bright pink skin and sweet flesh.
- Selenicereus megalanthus: Also called “yellow dragon fruit”, this rare variety has yellow skin and white flesh.
Did you know?
The “yellow dragon fruit” is renowned for its sweetness and often used in high-end desserts in Southeast Asia.

A Versatile Plant for Growers
Dragon fruit offers unique advantages for agriculture due to its low water requirements and adaptable cultivation method. Its climbing plants can be grown on trellises, walls or trees, maximizing the use of agricultural space. This characteristic facilitates its integration into agroforestry systems, where it grows under partial shade of larger crops. This reduces the use of pesticides while enhancing biodiversity.
These cacti are perennial and can produce fruit for 20 to 30 years with little maintenance. This reduces long-term costs and improves profitability, especially for smallholders. The dragon fruit flowers, which open only at night, attract a variety of pollinators, enhancing the health of local ecosystems.
Did you know?
The dragon fruit flowers, nicknamed “Queen of the Night,” open only one night but bloom several times a year. They require pre-dawn pollination to produce fruit.

A Sustainable Fruit to Face Climate and Economic Challenges
Dragon fruit represents a promising solution to the challenges of climate change and sustainable economic development. As a drought-resistant plant, it can be grown on marginal lands that are often unsuitable for other crops. Its plantations require few chemical inputs, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions while preserving soils.
At the same time, this crop contributes to strengthening local economies. Farmers, particularly in tropical regions, benefit from sustainable and economically viable production thanks to the low maintenance requirements of this plant. These characteristics make it possible to diversify sources of income while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Thus, dragon fruit combines environmental, economic and nutritional assets, making it an ideal choice for resilient agriculture and a more sustainable future.
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