For years I’ve been obsessed with a tiny red fruit called the dragon fruit. You probably have at least heard of it since it’s all over Instagram. So why is it that so many people put it on their Instagrams but I had never tasted dragon fruit in my life? The question popped out like: Why is a Dragon Fruit So Expensive?
Because in some countries dragon fruit is so expensive and hard to find.
Have you ever wondered why a dragon fruit is so expensive? Most people probably haven’t. In this article, you’ll learn about the cost of dragon fruits and why they are so expensive.
1. Supply and Demand Ratio
The dragon fruit faces the same phenomenon as other commercial products. Particularly, the relationship between supply and demand determines its price – so expect it to be quite expensive.
The New York Times has reported recently about how dragon fruit grew highly popular among American citizens in recent years. And these statistics from the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center suggest there is currently a demand exceeding the supply for this fruit in the USA.
The result? A higher price tag for dragon fruit in many states!
Is dragon fruit hard to get? Yes. Many consumers cannot find it in their local grocery store, and those that do find it will often have to buy it at a specialty store and purchase it quickly as the supply is so limited.
It is not surprising then that demand quickly outpaced supply.
Why? There are a number of reasons, and we will discuss some of them later in this report…
The market for dragon fruit is increasing rapidly. Not only does it taste delicious, but according to many health experts it has a whole load of health benefits too. The result — not only can stores barely keep them on the shelves, but supply simply cannot meet demand.
This translates into high prices never falling, because they go up as soon as stores get more stock in.
Unfortunately, this is a rare fruit that isn’t easy to grow. Therefore, supply won’t be changing quickly.
2. Massive Health Benefits
Typically, organic vegetables and fruits cost more than ordinary varieties. Well, the organic dragon fruit might go even up to double its price. However, dragon fruit fans are willing to pay such a steep price for its multiple health benefits.
Avocado, berries, soy, and even dragon fruit are healthy foods. They have a higher price tag because of this factor, but do not worry. Just browse your local stores or supermarkets for these colorful fruits and vegetables for an excellent price.
You are able to get some very healthy choices at only a fraction of the cost you would have had to pay if you lived in a tropic area where there are no supermarkets nearby.
Look at the health benefits of dragonfruit. This will help you see why so many people claim it is the epitome of health. In this way, we can identify the necessary nutrients in this fruit, such as Vitamin C and various minerals and how they affect our immune system, digestive system, etc.
Besides, it’s high in dietary fiber, which is well-known for helping to regulate digestion.  Are you getting enough? In addition to this, the dragon fruit contains useful plant compounds such as carotenoids, betacyanins, and polyphenols that have been found to play a significant role in fighting chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems.
Also, recent research from the New York Times and other sources shows that over the last decade, there has been a growing trend to investigate fissures in dragon fruit’s place as an important contributor to our digestive health. And you may wondered delightful recipes of dragon fruit taste?
This fruit is rich in prebiotics, which can have a multitude of benefits for health. For example, they have been shown to positively affect the balance of beneficial bacteria in your intestines and can lead to less diarrhea or fewer infections.
Here the health benefits of dragon fruits:
1.Dragon fruit is a very good source of vitamin C, one of the most important nutrients for your body.
2.Every 100 g of dragon fruit delivers more than the daily recommended intake of vitamin C (or 30 ml). A 15 g serving also contains a significant amount of vitamin B1.
3.The fruit’s high water content (92%) means it has only a small number of calories and no saturated fat or cholesterol.
4. It is commonly used for the natural treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity.
5. It can effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
In conclusion, dragon fruit seems to be a healthy food item not only to entertain your eyes but also your body.
3. Takes a Long Time to Grow
Sad to say, dragon fruit differs from other produce in a fundamental sense. After planting dragon fruit seeds, one must wait approximately half a year for the plant to emerge.
Henceforth, you wait roughly three years before seeing your first batch of dragon fruit on sale.
During the planting season, farmers don’t have any income. Obviously, this is still a time of high expenses while not producing anything.
Anytime you see prices attached to out-of-season fruits and vegetables (or just food in general), you’ll be paying higher price due to the market demand outweighing supply.
Waiting for a plant to produce is excruciatingly difficult to overcome. Nature is patient, but businesses need quick production. Production speed can’t sink and product quality has to remain the same or business profitability will fail.
Long story short, a farmer growing dragon fruit is going to shell out a lot of money during the months (and years!) it takes for the crop to reach maturity and start making money.
4. It’s an Exotic Fruit
Dragon fruit. A gorgeous, exotic fruit that originated in South America and grows well in tropical climates like Indonesia produces the most delicious dragon fruits.
These delights find their way into grocery stores around the United States, but these are imported and often highly expensive because of shipping costs from an overseas location.
Some states grow dragon fruit, but they don’t produce enough of it to supply the entire country.
Likewise, importing food from other countries means extra charges to cover shipping costs and customs expenses. Does this information change your view on which types of fruit you choose?
If you like other exotic fruits, you know they are often hard to find. Nice Dragon Fruit may be a small selection in the store, but it is an excellent choice regardless.
Is your taste changing? Are you falling into a food rut and tired of eating the same fruits and veggies over and over again?
Well, look no further than an exotic fruit like dragon fruit. It has variety, excitement, and many unique flavors to give people a tasty change from everyday fruit. Do not be surprised when people are happier with the variety that it brings to their dinner table!
Most of the time, exotic fruits cost more than native or locally grown fruits.
Conclusion
So, Why is a Dragon Fruit So Expensive?
In summary, dragon fruit is not as cheap as other fruits. That said, its exotic look and multiple health benefits are worth the extra cost. As a result, if you’re looking to add in different kinds of produce to your diet, this exotic fruit would be the best choice for you.
