Dragon fruit is the outcome of the mixing up of several cactus species. Although it originated in Central and South America it is now grown commercially in many Asian and Pacific countries with Vietnam being one of the more prolific growers.
Binh Thuan Province in which Mui Ne city is located is synonymous with dragon fruit or Thanh Long. Being the cash crop of over 10,000 small farmers in the province it is found mostly in 1 ha gardens with the largest going up to about 10 ha. The gardens are found besides the main highway leading to the city which is lined with dragon fruit vendors. Once farmers in the area realised the potential of dragon fruit, thousands of small holdings were put under it and now it is one of the most extensively grown crops in the Bin Thuan Province.
Originally a seasonal fruit once farmers understood that it is a night pollinating plant they have taken to shining lights on the trees at night ensuring year long multiple harvests. Dragon fruit flowers are large and fragrant and are known as moon flower of Queen of the Night and last only for one night. Every tour operator stops at a dragon fruit plantation so that visitors may enjoy the sight of acres and acres of orderly cactus plants normally found in dry environments growing in a lush tropical landscape.
The trees are rather bush like in appearance as they are climbing plants and are provided with supports so they can put down aerial roots. Red dragon fruits can be seen peeking between the long leaves. The fruit which is rather spiky in appearance, hence the name, is fleshy and can be eaten straight away peeled or sliced and is a good thirst quencher. The type of dragon fruit found in Mui Ne is the red skinned variety that is the most commonly seen. The produce can reach really large proportions weighing anything between 150 to 600 grams. There are some farms in the Binh Thuan province that produce 30 tons of fruit per hectare year after year. Dragon fruit is served in many ways in Mui Ne. While eating it after taking off the skin is the most popular way, other options include smoothies and purees and even kebabs together with other kinds.
Overlooking a swathe of sandy beach on Vietnam’s southern coast, Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa offers well appointed, spacious and modern rooms, suites and pool villas with ocean and garden views that set the tone for idyllic beach vacations. Other much appreciated facilities and services at this popular resort in Mui Ne include dining venues that serve an excellent selection of seafood and fusion cuisine, a spa that provides an exceptional combination of scrubs, oil treatments and herbal baths and a range of in house leisure facilities to suit guests of all ages. Stay at this wonderful Vietnam hotel to experience the many natural attractions of the country’s southern coast.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+