Children Learn On Visit To Dragon Fruit Farm Singapore
Out in the wilderness of Kranji estate at Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, a pleasant surprise awaits any intrepid family with children looking to spend quality time on a fruit farm.
Spring Orchard is a small property that specializes in dragon fruit cultivation, a red-coloured fruit the size of a human brain (about two clenched fists put together). As the fruit is related to the cactus, it is no surprise to discover spikes sprouting from its fiery red skin. With pointed scales on a scarlet background, this fruit bears resemblance to a ball of fire from a mythological dragon’s breath.
Multiple names have been given to the Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus). In Malay, it is known as Kaktus madu, in Madarin Long guo and in Vietnamese Thanh long. Other colourful names include Strawberry Pear, Cactus fruit, Night blooming Cereus, Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant.
Growth Cycle of Dragon Fruit
One of the many lessons you can teach your children is the growth cycle of the Dragon Fruit. The plant produces a bud in the first stage, which turns into a flower that blooms only at night in the second stage. In the third stage, the petals dry up. In the fourth and fifth stages, the young fruit undergoes maturation until it becomes ripe.
Uses of Dragon Fruit
Another lesson to learn and teach your children is on the uses of Dragon Fruit. First and foremost, the dragon fruit is sold as a tropical delicacy. Its lotus-white flesh, speckled with small crunchy edible black seeds, tastes rather bland most of the time. Occasionally, I have tasted Dragon fruits with either a sweet or sour aftertaste.
The pulp of the fruit has been used as an alcoholic drink. One can also cook unopened flower buds like a vegetable.
Dragon fruits are said to improve eyesight and prevent hypertension although these claims remain unsubstantiated with proper clinical trials. Stomach and endocrine ailments have been treated with this fruit as well.
Other uses include the production of food colouring with certain plant parts, and provision as a climber to cover chainlink fencing.
Besides dragonfruit, one can also observe the growth of vegetables like long beans and fruits like pineapples. My children like the two small ponds on the property that are well stocked with koi fishes. The vibrant movement of lively fishes provides a pleasant exercise for the eyes, compared to the motion-less fruit trees and plants. Visitors can purchase dragon fruits and vegetables cultivated on site to sample in the comfort of their homes.
Out in the wilderness of Kranji estate at Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, a pleasant surprise awaits any intrepid family with children looking to spend quality time on a fruit farm.
Spring Orchard is a small property that specializes in dragon fruit cultivation, a red-coloured fruit the size of a human brain (about two clenched fists put together). As the fruit is related to the cactus, it is no surprise to discover spikes sprouting from its fiery red skin. With pointed scales on a scarlet background, this fruit bears resemblance to a ball of fire from a mythological dragon’s breath.
Multiple names have been given to the Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus). In Malay, it is known as Kaktus madu, in Madarin Long guo and in Vietnamese Thanh long. Other colourful names include Strawberry Pear, Cactus fruit, Night blooming Cereus, Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant.
Growth Cycle of Dragon Fruit
One of the many lessons you can teach your children is the growth cycle of the Dragon Fruit. The plant produces a bud in the first stage, which turns into a flower that blooms only at night in the second stage. In the third stage, the petals dry up. In the fourth and fifth stages, the young fruit undergoes maturation until it becomes ripe.
Uses of Dragon Fruit
Another lesson to learn and teach your children is on the uses of Dragon Fruit. First and foremost, the dragon fruit is sold as a tropical delicacy. Its lotus-white flesh, speckled with small crunchy edible black seeds, tastes rather bland most of the time. Occasionally, I have tasted Dragon fruits with either a sweet or sour aftertaste.
The pulp of the fruit has been used as an alcoholic drink. One can also cook unopened flower buds like a vegetable.
Dragon fruits are said to improve eyesight and prevent hypertension although these claims remain unsubstantiated with proper clinical trials. Stomach and endocrine ailments have been treated with this fruit as well.
Other uses include the production of food colouring with certain plant parts, and provision as a climber to cover chainlink fencing.
Besides dragonfruit, one can also observe the growth of vegetables like long beans and fruits like pineapples. My children like the two small ponds on the property that are well stocked with koi fishes. The vibrant movement of lively fishes provides a pleasant exercise for the eyes, compared to the motion-less fruit trees and plants. Visitors can purchase dragon fruits and vegetables cultivated on site to sample in the comfort of their homes.
Recommended for families with children and anyone who is keen to learn.
Take care, be happy.
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4 comments:
Wow, I didn't know that dragon fruit has so many fanciful names, with other parts that can be used too. This fruit farm sounds interesting! Glad that your family enjoyed. =)
My kids like farms a lot, more than the parks that I bring them to, except when playgrounds are present on-site.
Take care!
Thank you for your kind comments on my blog today =)
And what a terrific post!! Living here in Canada, I did not know about Dragon fruit and now I have learned something new. Yay. I think as an adult I would love to visit Dragon fruit farm as much as the children!!
I hope your weekend is going well!
~Michele~
Hi Michele
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts.
Take care!
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