In this article, we will tell you about a hybrid H. polyrhizus/costaricensis called Armando.
Description
Armando is a type of Dragon Fruit that comes from the Hylocereus genus and the costaricensis x polyrhizus species. This variety was found in its natural habitat near the border of Honduras and Nicaragua and was first collected there. DNA tests show that this variety is related to San Ignacio, a commercially grown Dragon Fruit variety in Nicaragua.
| Origin/source: | Nicaragua |
| Days to harvest: | 41 |
| Size: | 4-40+ feet |
| Sun: | Full to part sun |
| Hardiness: | Around 30 degrees |
| Water: | Medium (2-3 times weekly during dry months when established) |
| Flowers: | White, short bloom duration (at night) |
| Flavor: | 4 out of 5 |
| Fruit production: | 4 out of 5 |
| Growing: | 3 out of 5 |
The plant can handle cold and heat very well because it has a thicker waxy layer on the outside than other varieties. Flowers bloom at night and close up in the morning. For this variety to set fruit, it needs to be pollinated by hand or by mother nature.
Once the flower is pollinated, the fruit is a good size and taste, and it weighs about a pound on average. Like most varieties with deep red flesh, this one has firm flesh with a hint of sweetness at the end of the taste. Based on our tests, the sweetness was a 17 on the Brix scale.
Plant facts
- Medium-sized fruit with red skin and red flesh;
- Origin: collected by R. Lobo in Las Manos, near border of Honduras and Nicaragua;
- In Southern California, it takes 41 days from bloom to harvest;
- The fruit is harvested from mid-June to January. It is round, medium in size, and weighs ~ 390 g. Its quality is acceptable;
- The flesh is very firm and red. The skin is purplish-red and of average thickness;
- Good commercial potential;
- Tolerates both cold and heat;
- Grows well in direct sunlight.
The Armando’s Allure: A Dragon Fruit Love Story
For years, my farm has been a canvas of vibrant greens, a symphony of rustling leaves punctuated by the cheerful hum of bumblebees. But a few seasons back, I craved a splash of something new, a burst of color that would set my heart racing like a hummingbird after a sugar fix. That’s when I stumbled upon the Armando dragon fruit, and let me tell you, it’s been a love story ever since.
The real magic, though, happens when you crack open an Armando. Unlike its pastel-fleshed cousins, the Armando boasts a heart of deep pink, the color of a flamingo at sunset. It’s a feast for the eyes even before you take that first bite. And the taste? Oh, the taste! It’s a subtle symphony of sweetness and tartness, like a perfectly ripe pear kissed by a kiwi. The flesh itself is firm, a nice departure from the mushy disappointment you sometimes get with other dragon fruit varieties. It holds its shape beautifully in salads, adding a pop of color and a burst of unexpected flavor.
But the Armando’s versatility is what truly blew me away. You see, dragon fruit often gets relegated to the “fancy fruit” category, something you admire from afar but wouldn’t dare incorporate into your everyday meals. The Armando, however, shatters that stereotype. I’ve tossed it into smoothies, where its vibrant color turns the whole concoction into a tropical dream. I’ve diced it up for salsas, adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements savory dishes. And let’s not forget desserts! The Armando shines in everything from fruit salads to tarts, its vibrant pink a showstopper against a backdrop of creamy vanilla or rich chocolate.
Now, some folks might be intimidated by the thought of growing something so exotic. But fear not, my fellow farmers! The Armando, despite its impressive looks, is surprisingly low-maintenance. Sure, it needs a trellis to climb on (think of it as its personal jungle gym), and a little hand pollination never hurts (a gentle paintbrush does the trick!), but for the most part, it’s a happy-go-lucky plant that thrives with minimal fuss.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of the extraordinary to your farm, or simply want to shake things up in the kitchen, then the Armando dragon fruit is your answer. It’s a plant that rewards you with beauty, flavor, and the satisfaction of cultivating something truly unique. Trust me, one bite of this ruby-red wonder, and you’ll be hooked too. And who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself writing your own love letter to the Armando, just like I have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that this is quite a good dragonfruit variety with normal yields, but if there is a choice, it is better to give preference to other variants for commercial activities.
