On 19 January 2021 Gujarat’s CM Vijay Rupani announced that from now Dragon fruit will be renamed as “Kamalan”. According to him the name Dragon Fruit is associated with China. But the outer shape of this fruit resembles Lotus and in Sanskrit Lotus is called “Kamalan”.
According to CM, his government has applied for its patent which is now grown in many states but mostly it is imported from South America. The Lotus or I should say Kamalam is also the symbol of the ruling party of Gujarat and more than it, Lotus is the national flower of India.
When this announcement came, there was a flood of reaction on social media. According to many people, there is no need to change the name, this is the only sheer wastage of money and time and there are many other fruits also which have a foreign name, so will you change the name of all those fruits. But the BJP supporters called this step a “masterstroke”. There are a few posts and tweets given below.
What Is Dragon Fruit?
Like we have “Kamalam” in Gujarat India, it has also other vernacular names besides Dragonfruit like Pitahaya which is derived from Mexico and Pitaya Roja in South America’s northern part and Central America.
Due to its external appearance, leathery skin with scaly spikes and oval shape resembles a dragon’s reminiscent that’s why it is popularly known as Dragonfruit.
It tastes sweet with little bit crunchy side due to its seeds which are very minute and edible, having white and purple flesh and magenta exterior. It is made doing cross between kiwi and pear or kiwi and watermelon. Now, you can estimate how much it is healthy and full of nutritions as it contains both kiwi and pear or kiwi and watermelon features.
3 Common Varieties Of Dragon Fruit
1. Hylocereus Undatus
Flesh- White Color and Skin- Magenta or Red Color. It is the most common type.
2. Hylocereus Polyrhizus
Flesh-Red Color and Skin-Red Color
3. Hylocereus Megalanthus
Flesh-White Color and Skin-Yellow Color.
Nutritional Value Of Dragon Fruit
Nutritional value per 100g (Source- Fruit research and Development Institute (FRDI))
- TOTAL FAT- 0.21-0.61 g
- PROTEIN- 0.159-0.229 g
- DIETRY FIBER- 0.7-0.9 g
- ENERGY- 50 kcal
- VITAMIN C- 8.0-9.0 g
- CALCIUM- 6.3-8.8 g
- IRON- 0.55-0.65g
- PHOSPHORUS- 30.2-36.1 g
- CAROTENE- 0.005-0.012g
- THIAMIN- 0.28-0.043g
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
1. Fit for Diet
Dragon fruit is modest in calories. It carrying about 50 Calories per 100g.The Kiwi contains almost double of its calories. This naturally fat-free and nutritional fruit is very advisable to those people who want to reduce body weight.
2. Good for Skin and Hair Health
Phyto albumins are that sought of chemicals that help us to improve appetite. It works as a laxative and very beneficial for skin and hair cells. The thing is that the crunchy black seeds of Dragon fruit are full of an antioxidant compound Phyto albumin.
3. Help Body to Fight with Infections
The immune system is boosted antioxidant molecules and we know that Dragon fruit is full of powerful antioxidant that is Vitamin C. Dragon fruit contains 8-9 mg per 100g which is about 12-15% of daily recommended intake. It strengthens our body’s natural defence because it protects our cells from harmful free radicals.
4. Helps to Improve Vision
Dragon fruit which has red flesh and red skin carry a healthy level of carotenes and Vitamin A. These compounds are known to have powerful antioxidant properties and these are very essential for vision. Vitamin A helps in maintaining healthy mucosa and skin.
5. Protect From Lung and Oral Cavity Cancer
IF we consume which are rich in carotenes, it helps in protection from lung and oral cavity cancer. Dragon fruit contains 0.005-0.012mg per 100g carotenes.
It has also a good amount of minerals like phosphorus, manganese, iron and calcium. Manganese is used by the human body as co-factor of an antioxidant called superoxide dismutase. It helps in better functioning of the kidney also.
Side Effects of Dragon Fruit
The daily recommended value is 25g for adults. If we take in excess then it ca our blood sugar level and too much fibre content can cause abdominal pain, bloating, etc.
A person who is allergic to Dragon fruit, If consume it, then it will be harmful to its throat, lips and tongue.
The high amount of potassium in our blood, create a situation of hypotension.
So, why should we take the risk? , it is good to be on the safer side and consume the recommended value.
Price of Dragon Fruit in India?
The current price of Dragon fruit in India (1 unit, 520-630g) is Rs. 70.
In August, September and October the prices reach the sky, Rs. 120 per unit.
Now, if we concentrate on prices, one question is rising for Gujarat’s CM that the production of Dragon fruit is ongoing in Gujarat and other states then why the prices are not coming down?
