Dragon fruit, a tropical fruit is gaining popularity among the farmers, fruit vendors and the general public in Kenya.
The fruit which is native to the native Mexico and Central America goes by many names including Pitaya, Pitahaya and Strawberry pear.
Hannah Muthaki, a fruit vendor in in her 60’s has been selling the fruit for the past three years in Naivasha town. She was attracted to the business after discovering that the fruit had immerse healing property when it relieved her stomach ulcers symptoms years back.
“I was experiencing painful stomach ulcers for more than a decade before I started to consume the fruit. In fact, I attribute my miraculous healing to this dragon fruit”, stated Hannah.
According to Hannah, most of her customers are patients suffering from different chronic health conditions and diseases like cancer and some of them have experienced similar health benefits from dragon fruit.
Hannah observes that in a good day, she may make more than 3,500 Kenyan shillings from selling the fruit and on a bad day Ksh1000. Her customers are mostly through medical referrals from doctors in local hospitals.
Agnes Wanjiru sells dragon fruits in Naivasha town. Her store is in-front of Naivasha sub-county hospital since she is also targeting patients with chronic conditions who have been referred by medical doctors inside the hospital to consume the fruit.
Wanjiru said that she was attracted to venture in of selling dragon fruit 2 years ago after discovering its nutritious value. She said that an average red dragon fruit costs Ksh 150 per piece and on a good day she can earn Ksh 3000 from the venture.
However, Wanjiru observes that the main challenge of selling dragon fruits is its seasonal attribute.
“There are times when dragon fruits disappear from the market, especially during rainy seasons. That is the main challenge that I face as a vender and that is why I decided to incorporate other fruits on my business” Stated Agnes Wanjiru.
Cecelia, a nutritionist at Naivasha sub-county hospital on the other hand denied that the hospital has been telling its patients to buy dragon fruits. She believes that in as much as dragon fruits seem nutritious, every fruit is parked with a distinct nutrition value to the body.
Cecelia also observed that the dragon fruits are not only new in the market but they are also highly priced and that most local people can’t afford it.
Medical research online shows that dragon fruits are packed with several antioxidants properties which reduces the level of cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart related diseases in a person.
Jane Wanjiru
Rongo University.