New Jeju Speciality - Dragon Fruit



Jeju is traditionally well known for tangerines (or mandarins) growing here almost everywhere outside and in the greenhouses. With the new millennium the new fruit called Dragon Fruit was introduced to Jeju in 2000 and now it is grown only in the greenhouses which can provide the warm micro climate all year round.

The sensation surrounding dragon fruit can be attributed to a legend created by ingenious Asian marketers. According to the legend the fruit was created thousands of years ago by fire breathing dragons. During a battle when the dragon would breathe fire the last thing to come out would be the fruit. After the dragon is slain the fruit is collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and indication of victory. The soldiers would then butcher the dragon and eat the flesh. It was believed that those who feasted on the flesh would be endowed with the strength and ferocity of the dragon and that they too would be coveted by the Emperor.

The dragon fruit grown in the green houses on Jeju is harvested from July to November, the vine usually has 3 ribs cross-section, the same plant can provide several fruit during this period.

Dragon Fruit blooms with white flowers which later are converted into green fruit becoming finally bright red.

Dragon Fruit are native to Central and South America where they are known as pitaya or pitahaya. Pitahaya is the Spainish name for the fruiting vines from tropical Central America. They are one of the most widely distributed members of the cactaceae family, and are now found on six continents.

The dragon fruit flesh can be white, red, or magenta all to varying degrees dependant upon variety. The red fleshed varieties contain lycopene which is a natural antioxidant known to fight cancer, heart disease, and lower blood pressure.

Enjoy Jeju and wonderful fruit grown here!



Victor

2008/11/04