BELIZE PITAHYA FRUIT APPROVED FOR EXPORT TO THE USA, BY USDA.

PITAHYA, OR DRAGON FRUIT APPROVED FOR EXPORT TO THE USA!

The USDA has approved the importation of PITAYHA, or DRAGON FRUIT from Central American countries.  The specialist fruit grows on a cactus type plant.  There is estimated to be less than 5 acres planted in Belize and it is sold ALL on the local market.  Mostly in the twin towns of Western Belize.  In order to take advantage of the export opportunities for this well paid commercial crop, much more acreage has to be planted.  A task force of IICA, USDA, BAHA, and the Republic of Taiwan are investigating the current small local production and the public out West and to the North of the country await the commercial assessment in dollars and cents, to see if expansion of this easily grown crop of dragon fruit is worthwhile.  The fruit was introduced to Belize by the TAIWANESE AGRICULTURE TECHNICAL MISSION TO BELIZE, five or so years ago, when we realized, the PITAHYA at that time was retailing for $10 USA a pound in New York, and Montreal.

  We have learned to love this strange fruit at home in Hillview, in Western Belize and buy it every week when it is in season.  We cut it in half and eat it, like ice cream, with a spoon.  The health aspects are many.