The last time I planted something that bore fruit, or didn’t die was in high school when we were required to plant pechay in the garden for Home Economics. And since then, all my attempts were futile. They either drown in water, die of starvation or get cancer from staying out in the sun for too long.

Since then, I have accepted the fact that I’m no plantita. But my Tatay is a different breed. Every plant, or tree that he cares for flourish and blossom into something that we all can enjoy. He has many vegetables like okra, eggplant, calamansi, sili, malunggay, and kamoteng kahoy. He also has herbs like oregano, lemon grass. Fr fruits, he has papaya, catimon mangoes, rambutan, and pineapple in his humble garden. But would you believe he has dragon fruit in his garden?

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit that comes from a type of cactus plant. It looks really unique! It has a bright pink or yellow skin with green spiky leaves sticking out. Inside, the flesh can be white or red with tiny black seeds, similar to a kiwi. The taste is sweet, but a bit mild, and some people say it’s like a cross between a pear and a kiwi.

It’s not just tasty; it’s also good for you. Dragon fruit is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and has fiber which helps with digestion.

You can eat dragon fruit by cutting it in half and scooping out the flesh or you can add it to salads, smoothies, and other dishes. It’s a fun and healthy addition to meals!

My sister Mel, harvesting some ripe dragon fruit in her backyard

Now, we’re enjoying these sweet, tasty, and nutritious tropical fruit at home.