Pitayas, Ideal for arid region
Israel
Tuesday 26 October 2010
FJ
Requiring few water, pitayas is perfectly adapted to arid region as Israel which should increase its production and its exports.
Israeli researchers are developing new species of pitayas.
Native from Mexico, the pitaya was brought in Vietnam by the French people at the beginning of the 20th century. The pitaya was named "fruit of the dragon ".
Attempts to develop new species began 20 years ago in Israel. From the species Bilu and Zaphir, 2 new species Venus and Golden, were finalized.
While the inside of the Vietnamese fruit is white, the inside of Pitaya Bilu is a radiant purple.
Most of the tropical fruits require a lot of water. Pitayas, belonging to the family of the cactus, only ask one third of the water necessary for citrus fruits, mangoes or avocados. Pitayas is thus adapted to the dry climates.
In Israel, the research and development continue. The culture of pitayas for the export should quickly spread. Red berries are already recognized in Europe where the demand is growing.
Source: ntd television