The future of this fruit in the Algarve seems positive, proving to be a sustainable and profitable alternative for farmers in the area. Demand for the fruit is rising, and there is still untapped market.
Due to its unusual look, this fruit—better known as "dragon fruit"—is beginning to become more popular on farms in the Algarve. This fruit, which is of tropical origin and belongs to the cactus family, has generated attention among local producers due to its growing appeal among consumers as well as its capacity to adapt to the climate of the Algarve.
According to Amílcar Duarte, a professor at the University of Algarve, the plant, which is native to Mexico and Central America, is unique in that it "saves water, which is important in the Algarve." "It has been around for a long time in Portugal and the Algarve, but it has only recently started producing fruit," the researcher stated in remarks to the Lusa agency. Portugal appears to be following the lead set by Brazil, Israel, and China, who have all made investments in their manufacture in recent years.
A thriving community in the Algarve
Under Amílcar Duarte's direction, an EU-funded project was developed to investigate the viability of dragon fruit cultivation in southern Portugal. The experimental field is located on the outskirts of Vila Nova de Cacela, municipality of Vila Real de Santo António. The professor stated, "Within the parameters of the project, we came to the conclusion that it is a viable crop both in a greenhouse and outdoors, provided there is no frost."
The experimental field, which has about 800 plants, is already producing fruits that are sold in nearby markets, such Olhão's weekly market. Although dragon fruit imported from other major worldwide producers directly competes with this production, Duarte notes that "it is a sweet, pleasant fruit and very good for your health, which makes it interesting from an economic point of view." The scholar also emphasised the strong market value of dragon fruit, which, when grown nearby, "reaches high prices" and makes the Algarve region a viable place to produce it.
A fruit that is rich in nutrients
The shell of the dragon fruit has bright colours and a spiky texture, giving it an exotic look. The fleshy interior, which can be either red or white, is loaded with tiny black seeds. Its sweet and refreshing flavour, which many liken to watermelon, makes it perfect for sipping on hot summer days. Dragon fruit has nutritional advantages in addition to flavour. "It is a food that is nutritious and a nutraceutical," Duarte stated, stressing the health benefits of consuming it on a regular basis.
This tropical fruit is perfect for small farms because it fits in well with the hot, dry climate of the Algarve. It is picked in the summer and early fall. The University of Algarve researcher noted, "It offers a high yield per unit and has aroused a lot of interest among small farmers," underscoring the significance of crop diversification in an area that consistently struggles with water scarcity.
Algarve Quality in Comparison to Global Rivals
Dragon fruit farmed in the Algarve has a competitive advantage over other regions, even in the face of competition from overseas producers. The agronomist in charge of the experimental area, Ana Rita Trindade, contends that plants from the Algarve provide a higher-quality product. He emphasised the freshness of the local fruit by saying, "This dragon fruit is much better because it is harvested much closer to the ideal consumption point than what is imported from other countries."
Dragon fruit grown in the Algarve can prove to be a sustainable alternative for farmers in the area, with prices per kilogramme reaching up to eight euros. After five years, Trindade said, "Yes, I think I can say that it is an economically attractive crop." The agronomist also draws attention to the fact that Portuguese consumers, who had previously been sceptical of dragon fruit, are now "satisfied" with its quality.
Pitaya's Future in the Algarve
Dragon fruit growers and consumers in the Algarve are becoming more and more interested in this product. Ana Rita Trindade noted, "More and more in recent years, it has become clear that people already know how to consume dragon fruit," drawing a comparison between eating this fruit and eating a "very fresh" watermelon. Dragon fruit is seen by growers as a way to broaden their product line and a hopeful way forward for small farms dealing with issues like water scarcity and the need for higher-value crops.
The Algarve's fruit industry seems to have a bright future ahead of it, with growing demand and untapped markets making it a feasible and lucrative option for local producers. The "dragon fruit" is gaining popularity among Brazilians and bringing with it fresh prospects for the growth of the country's agricultural sector in the south.
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