The Robinsons are the only family growing dragon fruit in the country.

Emily,5, Mikey,9, Alison, Abi,2, and Wayne Robinson love their dragon fruit. Photo by: Daniel Hines.

Te Puke grower Wayne Robinson and his family took over the 14-year-old business from an elderly couple in 2011 – now, his greenhouses home more than 1700 dragon fruit plants.

Although dragon fruit has been growing in New Zealand for around 14 years Wayne says the fruit is still a mystery to most people.

Until about five years ago the industry was export only. Today Wayne distributes the fruit on cruise ships, to supermarkets, and to those who seek it directly.

'We get people coming down here just to find it. (But) It's a bit of a mystery fruit to most people.

Dragon fruit is a cactus plant. Grown without sprays or chemicals the fruit has many health benefits. Because it is low in sugar and carbohydrates Wayne says dragon fruit is proven to help with diabetes.

He says the fruit can also improve memory and help to reduce effects of asthma.

Because dragon fruit is a mystery to most New Zealanders Wayne is looking to educate more people about the fruit.

'We don't have the solid research done in New Zealand yet to market it and that is what we are aiming at.

'It's a tricky crop to work with. There're just prickles galore. We've learnt a lot. There's not really any experts in any part of the world on it. It's quite a new crop just about everywhere as a commercial crop.

'It's quite an acquired taste for some people. You can chill it down or eat it at room temperature or put it in smoothies or ice-cream.

'You can also make muffins with it. They're particularly nice dried because it intensifies the flavour a lot.”

Wayne and his family sometimes make jams out of the fruit.

For recipes visit www.dragonfruit.co.nz