Tag: Hylocereus

Despite popular belief, there is a botanical distinction between some fruits called pitaya and those known as dragon fruit, although the names are often used interchangeably for the same fruit. This common confusion stems from different naming conventions across Latin America and Asia and has led to widespread questions about their true relationship.

The vibrant pitaya, more commonly known as dragon fruit, is the fruit of a climbing cactus, a fact that surprises many who are used to seeing it in the produce aisle. The plant's unique appearance and nocturnal flowering habits set it apart from its arid-dwelling cactus relatives, making the cultivation of what plant is pitaya from a fascinating botanical subject.

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit gaining popularity. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and understanding the nuances can help in the kitchen and at the store.

While the terms 'pitaya' and 'dragon fruit' are often used interchangeably, they can technically refer to distinct species within the Cactaceae family. This common confusion is primarily a result of regional naming conventions and the fruit's distinctively scaly, dragon-like appearance.

According to botanists, dragon fruit is not a citrus fruit but is actually a tropical fruit derived from several species of climbing cacti in the family Cactaceae. It is most commonly known as pitaya or pitahaya, but its classification is more complex than a simple common name suggests.

According to botanists, the tropical fruit known as dragon fruit comes from the *Selenicereus* cactus and is in no way related to cannabis. This confusion stems from a popular cannabis cultivar, which is where the question, "Is dragon fruit a sativa or indica?" truly finds its answer, but it is important to first understand the distinction between the two.

Though visually striking, many people find that the common white-fleshed dragon fruit available in supermarkets has a surprisingly bland, watery taste. A dragon fruit's exotic appearance often sets up an expectation for a vibrant and tropical flavor, but the reality can be quite underwhelming for many consumers. The answer to why is dragon fruit not tasty lies in several factors related to cultivation, variety, and commercial harvesting.