Why Is Dragon Fruit So Expensive?
Why Is Dragon Fruit So Expensive? Dragon fruit is a strange-looking tropical fruit that gets a lot of attention. Its bright green leaves and pink outer flesh are quite unusual-looking. Slice it open, and you’ll discover white flesh flecked with tiny black seeds, which are just as fascinating as the name implies. As a consequence, dragon fruit has acquired the same negative reputation that other foreign fruits like pomegranate have earned.
If you go grocery shopping for dragon fruit, you’ll notice right away that it isn’t the cheapest produce in the market. It won’t break the bank like a square watermelon, but it is more expensive than bananas. What’s up with dragon fruit costing so much and is this interesting-looking and somewhat sweet fruit even worthwhile?
The High Costs Of Importing Dragon Fruit May Contribute To Its Popularity
A $30 apple, according to the Food Network, will set you back considerably and may fetch up to $10 per piece. That’s a lot of money for a fruit that isn’t much bigger than an orange. It turns out that there are several causes for its high price.
The fruit is native to Mexico, Central, and South America, which means it comes into the United States in significant quantities – although Vietnam supplies most of ours. That alone explains why it is more expensive than a domestic fruit like red delicious apples.
California, Florida, and Hawaii produce dragon fruit, although droughts, hurricanes, and fires can have a devastating financial impact on those states’ agricultural industries. It doesn’t make matters any easier that dragon fruit’s harvest season — June through September — coincides with wildfire and hurricane seasons.
There Is A Greater Demand Than There Is Supply.
The cost of dragon fruit is determined by the law of supply and demand for nearly every commercial product. When you look at the allure of dragon fruit, it’s easy to see that it has been overhyped in recent years (via The New York Times). According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, demand for dragon fruit in the United States exceeds availability, thus your local fruit vendor will charge a premium.
Organic fruits and vegetables are often more expensive than conventional varieties, with organic dragon fruit costing twice as much. Dragon fruit fans are willing to shell out up to $10 for it, despite the fact that it is more expensive.
The Health Advantages Of Dragon Fruit Are Numerous.
Considering the wide range of health advantages associated with dragon fruit, why not say “a dragon fruit a day keeps the doctor away” instead of “an apple a day?” The health benefits of this fruit are what make it so popular among foodies.
Dragon fruit is low in calories and a good source of fiber. It is also an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The black seeds in dragon fruit are a particularly good source of iron. Dragon fruit is also a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.
For all these reasons, dragon fruit has become quite popular among health-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a bit more for it.
Probiotics containing healthy bacteria in your gut may aid digestion as well as decrease colon cancer risk. “Some studies appeared to show that dragon fruit helped to promote the development of beneficial gut flora,” says Ilic.
Several antioxidants are present in it.
The dragon fruit’s antioxidants scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells, leading to inflammation. These free radicals are also responsible for the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The antioxidants in dragon fruit may help to fight these signs of aging.
In addition to its high antioxidant content, dragon fruit is also a good source of fiber. This combination makes it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their gut health. The fiber in dragon fruit helps to keep things moving along smoothly, while the antioxidants help to protect the gut from inflammation.
Dragon fruit is also a good source of vitamins C and B1. Vitamin C is essential for immunity, while vitamin B1 plays a role in energy metabolism.
Negative Effects Of Dragon Fruit
As with any food, there are some potential negative effects associated with dragon fruit.
The dragon fruit contains small, sharp seeds that might be a choking hazard for children under the age of three. It is critical to check for and remove any remaining seeds before giving them to a toddler.
The dragon fruit’s high fiber content may also cause digestive issues in some people. Those with irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal conditions may want to avoid eating too much of it.
Dragon fruit is also a diuretic, which means it can promote urination. This may not be a problem for most people, but those who are trying to stay hydrated may want to limit their intake.
You May Be Able To Beat The Cost Of Buying It By Growing It
So, what can a person do who enjoys eating this unusual fruit on a regular basis but does not want to spend the high cost every week?
The good news is that, in most places around the world, you may produce your own dragon fruit for less than $100. This NC item may be produced from 100% certified organic seeds and grows within 30 days.
The best part is, you can grow it in your own backyard or on your patio.
With a little time, patience, and effort, you may have success with growing your own dragon fruit. This way, you’ll always have this delicious and healthy fruit on hand without having to spend a fortune at the grocery store.
As you can see, there are several reasons why dragon fruit is so expensive. Its native country, import rates, popularity, and health benefits all play a role in its price tag. However, you can save money by growing your own dragon fruit at home. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy this delicious and healthy fruit without breaking the bank.
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