The pitahaya or dragon fruit is a cactus, native to America, that is gaining popularity in Panama. According to reports from the National Directorate of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), there are currently about 17 producers who cultivate it on about 13 hectares, especially in the West Panama sector.
Currently it is sown for local consumption due to the low volume of production, but aiming at its development for the export market.
Europe, the United States and Asia are target markets for producers of exotic climbing cactus fruits such as pitahaya. The requirements of these markets are defined in terms of the quality of the pulp, the size of the fruit and the stability of the product offer during the season, worldwide.
According to MIDA reports, the price of a kilo of yellow pitahaya fluctuates between 8.00 and 12.50 balboas, and that of the red one averages 6.00 balboas. While in Europe pitahayas are sold per unit at 9.61 balboas (7.90 euros) and in Hong Kong, from 9.73 to 12.16 balboas (8 to 10 euros) per fruit in Europe.
Dragon fruit plants are perennial and generally require support because their morphology prevents them from sustaining themselves. This plant clings to the guardian thanks to its strong aerial roots; It has two to five sharp cut spines on each areola. The fruit has non-spiny characteristics, it is oblong oval, measures between four to ten centimeters long, internally it is white, juicy and sweet with many edible black seeds.
These plants adapt perfectly to the climate of Panama, since they are resistant to drought, require temperatures of 18 to 26 ° C, but have a maximum threshold of up to 40 ° C.
6/7/2021 9:13:38 PM