Dragon fruit farming in South Africa has been challenging, with many projects being abandoned. However, Freddie Steyn has achieved success through perseverance and fine-tuning.
The unique appearance of dragon fruit has attracted many consumers, but the taste can be disappointing if not produced optimally. The right variety and production methods are crucial to delight consumers.
Dragon fruit originated in South America, but Vietnam is currently the largest producer. Limited production information is available in English, and South Africa's production conditions differ significantly from those in the Americas and Asia.
Having bitten into bland fruit, the appeal of dragon fruit's unique appearance quickly fades.
Local producers face the challenge of selecting the right varieties and management methods. Freddie Steyn shared his recipe for success to address this conundrum.
Author's summary: Growing dragon fruit requires careful variety selection and management.