The country grows around 1 million metric tons each year, with most production concentrated in the southern provinces of Binh Thuan, Tien Giang and Long An.

Among them, Binh Thuan is the country’s largest dragon fruit-growing region and is often called Vietnam’s “Dragon Kingdom.” Its hot, dry climate provides ideal conditions for the cactus fruit to thrive, Mashed reported.

Although dragon fruit is also cultivated in countries including China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Colombia, Mexico and parts of the U.S., Vietnam remains the industry’s dominant player. The U.S., despite growing some dragon fruit in California, Hawaii and Florida, still imports much of its supply from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.

Despite its close association with Vietnam, dragon fruit is native to the Americas. It was introduced to Vietnam by the French in the 19th century, likely as an ornamental plant. Commercial cultivation did not begin until the 1980s, when economic reforms fueled agricultural exports.

To meet rising demand, Vietnamese farmers adopted techniques such as using artificial lights at night to stimulate year-round flowering and fruiting. Today, the illuminated orchards have become a distinctive feature of southern Vietnam’s countryside.

Dragon fruit is now one of Vietnam’s most valuable fruit exports. China is its biggest export market, while the fruit is also widely consumed domestically. It is eaten fresh, dried, brewed into tea and used in dishes ranging from salads to soups and stir-fries. Although other countries have expanded production, Vietnam continues to lead the global dragon fruit industry.