The Red Pitahaya, also known as the 'dragon fruit', is a tropical fruit native to Ecuador, Central America, and Mexico. It belongs to the Cactus family and is characterized by its scaly bright red skin and its sweet, juicy flesh of intense pink color speckled with small black seeds.

• Scientific Name: Hylocereus undatus
• Family: Cactaceae
• Climbing plant with segmented stems and large, fragrant nocturnal flowers.
• Oval fruit with scaly skin and juicy pulp.

• Low in calories and saturated fats.
• Rich source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Contributes to digestive health, strengthens the immune system, and promotes cardiovascular health.

• Climate and Soil: The Red Pitahaya thrives in warm and tropical climates, with ideal temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. It prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soils, with good organic matter content.
• Planting: It is recommended to plant red pitahayas in sandy or loamy soils, with a minimum depth of 40 centimeters. The distance between plants should be at least 3 to 4 meters to allow for proper growth and good ventilation.
• Watering: During the growth stage, regular watering should be provided to keep the soil moist but not saturated. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot.
• Fertilization: It is recommended to apply nutrient-rich organic fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season. Specific fertilizers for cacti and succulents can also be used.
• Pest and Disease Control: It is important to regularly monitor plants to detect signs of pests and diseases, such as mites, scale insects, and root rot. Preventive measures and organic treatments can be applied as needed.

• Blooming Time: The red pitahaya begins to bloom approximately between 30 and 35 days after the formation of the floral buds. The flowers are generally white and nocturnal, opening at dusk and closing at dawn.
• Fruit Ripening: Red pitahaya fruit usually ripens between 30 and 35 days after pollination. During this period, the fruit's skin changes from green to bright red and the fruit becomes slightly soft to the touch.
• Maturity Tests: To determine if the red dragon fruit is ready for harvest, maturity tests can be conducted, such as gently pressing the fruit to check its softness and observing a change in the color of the skin.
• Harvesting: Red dragon fruit should be harvested carefully using clean and sharp scissors to avoid damaging the fruit and the plant. It is recommended to harvest early in the morning to avoid heat stress and maintain the fruit's freshness.

The Red Pitahaya harvest season varies by region, but generally extends from spring to fall, with production peaks in summer

• It is recommended to store red pitahayas in a cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, to prolong their shelf life.
• Specialized boxes are used for transportation to protect the fruits from mechanical damage and temperature changes.

• Red Dragon Fruit is mainly consumed fresh, sliced or added to fruit salads.
• It is also used to make juices, smoothies, desserts, and sorbets, thanks to its sweet and refreshing flavor.

• Red Dragon Fruit is exported to international markets worldwide, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
• Its popularity has been increasing due to its exotic flavor and health benefits.

• It is important to handle red dragon fruits with care to avoid damaging their delicate skin during harvesting, storage, and transportation.
• Sustainable agricultural practices must be followed to ensure continuous production and environmental conservation.