If you’ve wandered through any greengrocer in Kerala lately, you’ve likely noticed a striking fruit with vibrant pink skin and scale-like protrusions—none other than dragon fruit. With its exotic appearance, this tropical fruit has become a favourite in Kerala’s markets, attracting both food lovers and farmers alike. What’s more, dragon fruit cultivation is flourishing in the state due to its adaptability to Kerala's tropical climate and its impressive nutritional benefits.
Dragon fruit is packed with antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins, making it an ideal addition to any healthy diet. As local farms boost their dragon fruit production, value-added products are emerging as a smart way to tackle challenges like short shelf life and the need for cold storage. These products allow farmers to extend the longevity of their harvests and offer consumers something unique.
Here are three exciting ways dragon fruit is being transformed into food products that are not only delicious but also sustainable for local farmers.
1. Dragon fruit tea
It is a light, refreshing tea made by drying dragon fruit slices and infusing them in hot water. It has a mild sweetness, a beautiful pink hue, and is packed with antioxidants. Tea lovers in Kerala are no strangers to exploring herbal and fruit-based infusions, and dragon fruit tea is a perfect fit. Plus, its vibrant colour makes it an Instagram-worthy delight!
Drying dragon fruit into tea extends the fruit’s shelf life significantly, allowing farmers to store and sell their produce long after the fresh fruit season. This reduces wastage and opens up new market opportunities, especially among health-conscious consumers looking for unique, natural products.
Serving suggestion: Serve dragon fruit tea hot or cold with a dash of honey or a squeeze of lemon. It’s also great mixed with other herbal teas or flowers like hibiscus for a tropical twist.
2. Dragon fruit candy (dried fruit snacks)
They are naturally sweet and chewy dried dragon fruit snacks. These are made by dehydrating or freeze-drying slices of dragon fruit, preserving their nutritional goodness and offering a convenient, healthy treat. Dried dragon fruit candy is a fantastic alternative to sugary snacks. It’s a hit with both kids and adults looking for a guilt-free treat.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy dried dragon fruit as a snack on its own or mix it into trail mixes, yogurt, or granola for an extra burst of colour and flavour.
3. Dragon Fruit Pulp
The vibrant pink or white flesh of the dragon fruit can be extracted and preserved as pulp. This versatile ingredient can be frozen or aseptically packaged, making it a perfect addition to smoothies, desserts, and even sauces. Dragon fruit pulp is a convenient way to enjoy the fruit’s benefits without the hassle of peeling or cutting. It’s ideal for making smoothies, ice creams, sorbets, and even healthy dessert toppings.
Serving suggestion: Use dragon fruit pulp in smoothies, mix it into yogurt, or drizzle it over desserts. You can also freeze it into popsicles for a refreshing, all-natural treat!
The rise of dragon fruit cultivation in Kerala
Dragon fruit is rapidly becoming a staple crop in Kerala, thanks to its ability to thrive in the state’s tropical climate. The plant is well-suited to Kerala’s weather conditions and has shallow roots, allowing it to grow even in areas where other crops struggle. In just three years, the dragon fruit plant begins to bear fruit, and it only takes 40 days from flowering to harvest, making it an efficient and profitable crop for farmers.
However, as dragon fruit production increases, farmers face the challenge of selling the fruit quickly due to its short shelf life. Without cold storage facilities, many farmers are forced to sell their produce at lower prices, despite high demand in the consumer market. This is where value-added products come in—by transforming fresh dragon fruit into tea, dried candy, or pulp, farmers can significantly extend the fruit’s shelf life and access new markets.
Not only does this provide a solution to wastage, but it also boosts the income potential for dragon fruit growers across Kerala. With the right investment in processing and marketing, Kerala’s dragon fruit could soon be recognized not just for its unique taste, but for the array of innovative products it inspires.
