EXPLORING KAMALAM FRUIT (HYLOCEREUS SPP.): CULTIVATION, NUTRITIONAL VALUE, AND HEALTH BENEFITS. A REVIEW

Abstract

This review aims to cover the cultivation techniques, nutritional content, and health advantages of Kamalam fruit. Kamalam fruit plants exhibit remarkable adaptability and thrive in slightly heavy-textured soils. Typically, these plants are propagated through stem cuttings. After approximately 15–18 months of planting, flower buds emerge, taking about 28–30 days to bloom. Kamalam fruit is renowned for its nutritional richness, being a valuable source of minerals, glucose, fructose, dietary fiber, and various vitamins. It contributes to fortifying the human immune system and is utilized in managing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, while also assisting in maintaining a healthy body weight. The yield and nutritional content of Kamalam fruit can fluctuate based on factors such as species, cultivation practices, geographic location, and harvest timing. Notably, the peel of Kamalam fruit shows significant potential as a natural dye. The number of commercial growers in various countries is steadily rising, driven by the attractive prices their products fetch in the market. At present, there is limited information available on the production aspects of Kamalam fruit. Research across different facets of cultivation and the health benefits of this fruit holds the promise of maximizing advantages for growers and consumers worldwide, thereby expanding the Kamalam fruit market.