TIMPLA'T TIKIM
By SOL VANZI
August 25, 2010, 11:14am
We all know what doctors advise: exercise, reduced meat intake, and increased consumption of fish, vegetables, and fruits.
This healthy lifestyle not only contributes to a longer life; it also usually accounts for youthful looks.
One of the exemplary individuals illustrating this is Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, whose svelte figure and flawless skin are the envy of women half her age.
Known to be a health buff, she uses exercise facilities at home to squeeze workouts in between official appointments and inspection trips. Vegetables and fruits are the mainstay of her daily fare. This diet includes a colorful exotic fruit that will soon be one of her province’s major crops: dragon fruit.
In Ilocos Norte, dragon fruit is locally called saniata and is now considered one of the favorite fruits of many Ilocanos because of its therapeutic properties. Known in many parts of Asia as pitahaya or pitaya, it is beautiful and full of color, with flesh and skin that vary from bright yellow to deep red. The oval-shaped fruit is about the size of an orange and is covered with spikes that sometimes resemble scales, resembling a dragon’s. The semi-translucent pulp is crisp and sweet, dotted with tiny black edible seeds.
A vine-like species of cactus that thrives in hot climate, dragon fruit is native to Central and South America. In Asia, it was first cultivated in Vietnam. It is now planted in Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Southeast China, and in a few provinces in the Philippines.
PARCHED LAND SOON TO BLOOM
The picturesque towns of Burgos, Pasuquin, Paoay and Currimao will soon have 50 hectares planted with cuttings which produce bountiful crops in 24 months and will continue to be productive for 20 years before replanting. Initially, 25 hectares have been planted to dragon fruit cactus by 127 growers who belong to the Saniata Growers Association.
Imee has commissioned a team to work out for more areas to be devoted to dragon fruit cultivation. These are mostly parched, non-irrigated land that would otherwise remain uncultivated but which could net the farmer P200,000.00 per year once the dragon fruit harvests begin.
The national government is also engaged in the distribution of dragon fruit cuttings, especially in Mindanao. In the Metropolitan Manila area, backyard gardeners can purchase cuttings and raise a few vines for family consumption. Cuttings are available at garden shows and the Manila Seedling Bank or through ads in Buy and Sell, and through the internet. The town of Indang, in Cavite, is one of the pioneers in the production of fruits and the sale of cuttings.
VERSATILE AND DELICIOUS
Dragon fruit can be served in different ways: sliced fresh as dessert, blended into juice, jelled, fermented as enzyme health drink, dried as snack, The juice produces a healthful wine and strong vinegar.
The pulp can substitute for other fruits and cooked into chutney. Cubed dragon fruit is used in place of berries on cheesecakes, shortcakes, and muffins. It can also be diced into salsa and other salads.
Crushed fruit are mixed into ice cream or poured over shaved ice to make granita.
When plentiful, unopened dragon fruit flowers are cooked like vegetables. Dragon fruit, cut in half and scooped out, makes colorful cups to hold salads and ice creams.
Mashed and simmered with sugar and other fruits, dragon fruit produces colorful healthy jams and jellies.
PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS
Dragon fruits are rich in Vitamin C, minerals and high fiber content. They are also high in antioxidants, which help to fight carcinogenic free-radicals. Also present in the flesh are minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus. They are also low in calories, while the seeds are have high polyunsaturated fatty acids.
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Published in Manila Bulletin August 25, 2010.
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