Shayna dragon fruit variety is a cross between the Condor (Hylocereus guatemalensis) and the White Vietnamese (Hylocereus undatus). It has sweet purple flesh and weighs between 8 and 10 ounces. It grows a perfectly round fruit that weighs one pound. The skin of the fruit is reddish to pink and has small green fins on the outside. The flesh inside is a bright purple color and has a semi-firm, juicy texture.
Description
Shayna dragon fruit is a hybrid variety that was developed in Israel by the Agriculture Research Organization (ARO) in the 1990s.
As we say, this sort is a cross between two dragonfruit species, the H.Guatemalensis and the H.Undatus, which are native to Central and South America. The ARO scientists were looking for a way to develop a pitahaya variety that would be more resistant to pests and diseases, and that would have a better flavor and higher yield than the existing varieties.
| Pollination: | Self-fertile |
| Brix: | 19-20 |
| Skin color: | Red/pink |
| Flesh color: | Purple |
| Average fruit weight: | 300 to 450 g |
| Weather tolerance: | 5 out of 5 |
| Fruit production: | 5 out of 5 |
| Flavor: | 5 out of 5 |
| Growing: | 5 out of 5 |
The Shayna dragon fruit variety has several unique characteristics that make it stand out from other varieties. Firstly, it has a bright red skin that is covered in green scales. The skin is thin, but tough, which helps to protect the fruit from damage during transportation. The flesh of the fruit is purple with tiny black seeds, and it has a sweet, juicy flavor that is similar to that of watermelon.
Another unique characteristic of the pitaya is that it has a higher sugar content than other varieties. This makes it an ideal fruit for making juice, smoothies, and other beverages. In addition, the fruit is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy snack option.
Shayna dragon fruit is also known for its ability to grow in a variety of environments. It can be grown in both tropical and subtropical regions, and it is resistant to pests and diseases that commonly affect other dragonfruit sorts. This makes it an ideal choice for growers who are looking for a low-maintenance crop that can produce high yields.
The Shayna: A Dragon Fruit Fit for Royalty (and My Backyard)
Let me tell you, folks, growing dragon fruit is an adventure. It’s like nurturing a prehistoric relic, a spiky, vine-wielding beast that rewards you with the most otherworldly fruit. But among the many varieties I’ve tried, the Shayna holds a special place in my heart, and on my taste buds.
Now, I’m not gonna lie, when I first heard about the Shayna, I pictured a ferocious dragon with shimmering purple scales. Maybe that’s a tad dramatic, but the reality is pretty darn cool too. The Shayna fruit itself is a stunner. Imagine a ruby-red jewel box, adorned with emerald scales – that’s the outer skin. Crack it open, and you’re met with a burst of vibrant purple, like twilight captured inside. Those tiny black seeds sprinkled throughout? Think of them as constellations in this celestial fruit.
Growing the Shayna is like watching a slow-motion fireworks display. This variety is a vigorous grower, its long, segmented arms reaching out like eager dancers. Every few weeks, these magnificent white flowers unfurl, their fragrance as intoxicating as the fruit itself. They’re self-fertile too, which means no need for any fancy pollination techniques – the Shayna takes care of business.
Then comes the moment of truth: fruit set. Those little green nubs on the vine slowly swell, morphing into the dazzling jewels I described earlier. The waiting game can be agonizing, but the payoff is worth every second. Picking a perfectly ripe Shayna is an art form. You want it to give slightly when you press it gently, a sign that the sugars have reached their peak.
Now, here’s the best part: the Shayna’s versatility is mind-blowing. Slice it up and let it be the star of a fruit salad. Puree it and create the most stunning smoothie you’ve ever seen. Dehydrate it for a burst of sweet and tangy in your trail mix. Heck, I even tried throwing some cubes in a glass of sparkling wine – instant party punch!
The Shayna has become the star of my farm, not just for its beauty and flavor, but for its resilience. It thrives in our hot, humid summers, needing just enough water to keep it happy. It’s even surprisingly cold-tolerant for a tropical fruit, bouncing back from occasional dips in temperature. This is a dragon fruit that isn’t afraid to get its metaphorical claws dirty.
So, if you’re looking for a dragon fruit that’s as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate, the Shayna is your knight in shining armor (or should I say, scales?). It’s a conversation starter at any gathering, a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day, and a testament to the wonders that nature can produce. Give the Shayna a try, and you might just become a dragon fruit believer, just like me.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shayna dragon fruit is a unique and popular variety that has gained a following among growers and consumers alike. Its vibrant red skin, sweet flavor, and high sugar content make it a sought-after fruit in the market.
Additionally, its ability to grow in a variety of environments and resistance to pests and diseases make it an ideal choice for growers. The benefits of growing “Shayna” make it a worthwhile investment for any grower looking for a high-yielding, low-maintenance crop.
