Turkey has received the first dragon fruit harvest (pitaya), after a year of preparation. This fruit of Vietnamese origin has adapted well to the climatic conditions of this region, mainly planted with citrus, but also strawberries and bananas.
Producers are looking for high value alternatives and after testing with the cape gooseberry, they got good results with the pitaya, which required no pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
This fruit was planted for the first time in 2014 in Antalya, and Mersin producers have benefited from their experience. Grown under greenhouse, fruit between 400 grams and 1 kilo, sold well in the domestic market in a supermarket chain and cost about 3 euros each. In a period of 3 years, productivity should strongly increase.
This fruit is not consumed only fresh but also in sorbet, fruit salad, etc., and it can also be used in dye industry.
Germany, England, France and Holland are seekers of pitaya and export of this fruit could be possible in the near future. (Business World Magazine)