The cactus originally grew in southern Mexico and South and Central America. The French brought it to Southeast Asia in the early 19th century. Central Americans call it "pitaya." In Asia, it's a "strawberry pear." Today, you can buy dragon fruit throughout the U.S.

Where does pitaya grow?

A Dragon Fruit Cactus

The Hylocereus is a vine-y cactus native to Central and South America, but is now cultivated extensively throughout Southeast Asia for sweet, bright pink pitaya, commonly referred to as dragon fruit.

Where does a dragon fruit come from?

“It's a tropical fruit that comes from a cactus. It's available everywhere around the world, but it's indigenous to Mexico and South America,” Ilic notes. “If you like kiwi fruit and pears, then you'll probably like dragon fruit. It's sweet and crunchy.”