Pitahaya (pitaya) (Hylocereus spp.)

While pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) was originally domesticated by pre-Columbian Americans, it was still practically unknown until the mid-1990s in most parts of the world. Pitahaya is now a member of the `small exotic fruits' category in many shops, though it remains a minor player. This is chapter gives an initial evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of this new fruit. Commercially, pitahaya appear to have numerous selling points; pitahaya's fruit is attractive in shape and color, and it has very good internal properties of high interest for the food industry. (Résumé d'auteur