Dragon Fruit: Botany, Production and Uses (Botany, Production and Uses)

By: Nigel P. Taylor and Pradyot K. Pathak and Kundan Kishore and Ankita Sahu and Prinya Wongsa and Taner Bozkurt and Özhan Simsek and Joanna Cho Ying and Phebe Ding and Long Haibo and Tang Liangde and Li Huadong and Hamide Gubbuk and Recep Balkic and Lokman Altinkaya and Leila Aparecida Pio and Renato Paiva and Mai Van Tri and Dinh Thi Phuong

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Synopsis: Dragon fruit (pitaya) is a perennial climbing cactus, native to the tropical areas of North, Central and South America. It is suited to tropical and subtropical regions and is commercially grown in an increasing number of countries, including Israel, Australia and the USA. Dragon fruit generates considerable consumer interest because of its exotic appearance and potential health benefits. The fruit is rich in nutrients and phytochemical compounds. It can be eaten fresh or used in the preparation of juices, jellies, jams, etc. The natural bioactive compounds in pitaya have the potential to be exploited in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Increasingly cultivated worldwide, the plant is drought-resistant, easily adapts to light intensity and high temperatures, and has a tolerance to a wide range of soil salinities. With ongoing global warming, dragon fruit has great potential as a new crop for many more countries. This book is a compilation of the current state of knowledge on dragon fruit physiology, cultivation, production technology, postharvest management and processing, and is written by leading international authors.