Delight Dragon Fruit – A Premium Self-Fertile Variety with Exceptional Flavor
Biological Name
• Hylocereus undatus (Hybrid cultivar – Delight)
Common / Local / International Names
• Commonly known as Delight Dragon Fruit
• Also referred to as Pitaya, Pitahaya, Strawberry Pear in many countries
• In Southeast Asia, commonly called Buah Naga
Origin
• A selective hybrid developed by dragon fruit pioneer Paul Thompson in California
• Later spread globally due to its high reliability, excellent fruiting capacity and outstanding taste
Fruit Description
• Fruits typically weigh between ¾ to 1 pound, making them large and uniform in size
• Exterior skin showcases bright pinkish-red scales that complete the classic dragon fruit appearance
• The inner flesh is light pink, tender and succulent, known for its very sweet, refreshing and flavorful profile
• The variety was reportedly one of Paul Thompson’s personal favourites, which highlights its superior eating quality
Plant / Growth Characteristics
• A vigorous climbing cactus species that thrives when trained on supports or trellises
• Self-fertile type — able to use its own pollen to set fruit, eliminating the need for hand-pollination or multiple varieties
• Fast-growing and reliable fruit producer with high yield potential in tropical to subtropical climates
• Flowers are large, night-blooming and attract natural pollinators like moths and bats
• Stems are thick, fleshy and adapted to store moisture, making the plant tolerant to short dry spells
Health Benefits
• A natural source of antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress
• Vitamin C supports stronger immunity and rejuvenated skin health
• Contains magnesium and iron to promote energy, muscle health and good blood circulation
• High fibre content aids digestion and supports gut wellness
• Light natural sugars make it suitable as a healthier fruit option for weight-management diets
Nutritional Values (approximate per 100 g edible flesh)
• Vitamin C
• Dietary fibre
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Calcium
• Antioxidant compounds and natural hydration electrolytes
Culinary Uses
• Consumed fresh as a table fruit due to its distinctive sweetness and smooth texture
• Ideal for smoothies, fruit bowls, mocktails and sorbets
• Works well in jellies, yogurt toppings, chia puddings and dessert garnishing
• Freeze-dried and blended into health smoothies for natural colour and flavour enhancement
Traditional / Medicinal Uses
• Traditionally consumed for supporting digestive balance and gut cleansing
• Believed to assist in maintaining healthy metabolism due to antioxidant and fibre content
• In some cultures, the peel is used in herbal preparations for skin and hair-strengthening benefits
Cultivation & Maintenance Level
• Maintenance required: Moderate
• Grows best in well-drained sandy or loamy soil under full sun
• Requires support structures such as poles, trellises or concrete stands for vertical growth
• Watering should be moderate — avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
• Organic composting and occasional pruning help increase flowering and fruit production
Conclusion
• Delight Dragon Fruit is valued for its dependable yields, self-fertility and remarkably sweet, light-pink flesh that lives up to its name. With manageable care, it becomes one of the most rewarding fruiting cactus varieties for home orchards and collectors. Gardeners seeking a flavour-rich and reliable dragon fruit plant will find this cultivar an excellent addition — now available at Veliyath Gardens for those building a truly unique and productive fruit collection.
