Condor Dragon Fruit

Vibrant flavor profile, juicy blend of berries and grape, with a hint of watermelon-like freshness, balanced by a pleasant tartness and high sweetness known for its bright magenta flesh, crisp texture, and generally considered a superior, flavorful red dragon fruit with a richer taste than many common varieties, making it excellent for fresh eating.

Condor Dragon Fruit is considered to be one of the better tasting varieties at the Pitaya Festival held in Southern California. This variety is a cross between a Nicaraguan and Guatemalan Pitahaya. Condor is believed to be a cross between Selenicereus undatus (white-fleshed) and Selenicereus Guatemalensis.(purple-fleshed), resulting in a vigorous plant that produces large, beautiful purple-fleshed fruit with excellent flavor and texture.

The name “Condor” was reportedly chosen by Thomson for its bold, standout characteristics — much like the bird it’s named after. Today, Condor dragon fruit is prized by both home growers and commercial farms for its sweet, refreshing flavor, consistent yield, and strong growth habit.

The 'Condor' dragon fruit plant produces large, white, bell-shaped flowers that are typical of the S. Guatemalensis species. These striking blooms open only at dusk or night and typically last for just one night.

Key characteristics of the Condor flower include:

Color: The inner petals (petaloids) are primarily white, while the outer parts (sepals/calyx) have a white and yellow or light green and pinkish appearance.
Size: They are large, typically measuring between 10-14 inches (25-36 cm) long and across.
Scent: The flowers are described as having a nice fragrance.
Pollination: While many dragon fruit varieties require cross-pollination, the 'Condor' is generally considered self-pollinating or self-fertile, meaning it can set fruit using its own pollen.
Blooming habit: As is typical for dragon fruit, the flower blooms for a single night, attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats. The pollinated flower wilts and closes by the following morning, and the fruit begins to develop.

The robust nature and self-pollinating characteristic make the 'Condor' a popular choice for home growers.

The fruit is large with bright purple flesh. The exterior skin is light green and pink hues with the green turning pinkish-red as the bright purple flesh becomes ripe. Weighing 1 to 1.5 pounds, the fruit also matches its appearance with flavor and sweetness with an average brix rating of 19.

Key Flavor Characteristics:

Sweet & Tart: A balanced mix of strong sweetness with just enough acid.
Berry Notes: Prominent hints of raspberry or strawberry.
Fruity Undertones: Often compared to grape, watermelon, or even melon.
Texture: Juicy, crisp, with tiny edible black seeds for a slight crunch.

Why It Stands Out:

High Brix: High sugar content (around 19-20 Brix) for intense sweetness.
Rich Flavor: Considered one of the best red-fleshed varieties, surpassing many others.
Visual Appeal: Large fruit with beautiful magenta flesh.