By: Ani Lam Lu Torres
Source: Agraria.pe
Lima, 12 February 2013 (Agraria.pe) Peruvian exports of pitahaya or “dragon fruit” will continue to decline this year, estimated Pronatur, company and exporter of the fruit hoarder.
The fruit produced by coffee and passion fruit farmers of Chachapoyas (Amazonas), is very appreciated abroad for use in decorations and gourmet salads. Despite its appeal, the last season (October to January) was not exported. In 2009 Peru exported 38 kilos of product and in 2008, 1,314 kg
The decline in exports is associated with the lack of demand for Peruvian foreign pitahaya, since according clarified one representing Pronatur, fruit sales are made to order.
In this regard, he noted that its main consumers are France and the Netherlands, but also demand China, Indonesia and the United States.
Until 2008 the company exported the two varieties of the fruit, the red and yellow. In 2009 only the yellow exported, the report of the Research and Development Macroregional Producers Association (AMPEX).
The price of a kilo of yellow pitahaya between U.S. $ 8 to U.S. $ 12.5 and the average red $ 6.1. Only a mid-sized pitahaya weighs 200g. In Lima, is available in the Fruit Market at a cost of S /. 15 per kilo.
The export values in different presentations pitahaya added $ 1.6 million in 2011, according to figures from AMPEX.
Data
– Thanks to the contribution of the fruit liquid (90% is water with a sweet taste) also serves as food diuretic. It is characterized as one of the fruits with the highest amount of vitamin C (55% of its composition). It can be used to make jelly, ice cream, yogurt, syrup, candy, jam, jelly or soda.International markets the request as fresh fruit and canned pulp.
– Production. The fruit grows in temperatures ranging between 19 º C and 28 º C, in clear and subtropical environments, between 700 and 1,500 meters. On the ground you can get 40 to 70 fruits. Its yield is 8 to 11 MT / Ha. The plant should be watered twice a week and the initial investment is possible to recover the third year of production.