Early in the morning, the MaMa Jean's crew set out on yet another visit to a local farm. Each member of the team had been eagerly looking forward to this particular tour since farms specializing in exotic fruits are quite rare. GC Riley & Co., a picturesque 30-acre farm nestled in Pierce City, Missouri, was our destination. Co-founder Colton Drollinger greeted us warmly in their spacious office, where our tour would commence.
Growing up in Pierce City, Colton initially pursued sports turf management after working with the Springfield Cardinals during college. However, everything changed when he stumbled upon a passion fruit flower while walking around the Missouri State University campus with his father. This curious plant ignited a deep interest in exotic plant research for his entrepreneurial dad, Greg. Just a month after graduating with a degree in Environmental Plant Sciences, Colton established the LLC of GC Riley & Company, aiming to establish Missouri's first dragon fruit farm.
In 2019, they started constructing their first greenhouse, renovating an old frame into a distinctive double-peaked structure. The plants were sourced from a nursery in Florida and relocated to the farm in September 2020. Despite being relatively young, the plants have already exceeded expectations in terms of yield. This father-son duo is truly at the forefront of exotic fruit farming in the Midwest, as they are currently the only farm locally cultivating dragon fruit.
"The downside of growing in a greenhouse is that no one has done it before, and there's no existing data on the production of this plant," notes Colton. While dragon fruit typically only produces in the summer, in Mexico, Colton aims to achieve year-round harvests in their controlled greenhouse environment. Most of the dragon fruit available in the U.S. is imported, so having local growers in Missouri is quite exciting.
The greenhouses are continuously monitored 24/7 by a computer-controlled system that Colton personally programmed. Humidity, sunlight, and water levels are meticulously tracked. If anything deviates from the norm, Colton receives alerts via text and email, allowing him to make necessary adjustments. In the future, Colton plans to build a second greenhouse for more dragon fruit cultivation and expand into passionfruit production.
Our group was taken to the Fertigation Room, where water is filtered and purified using UV light before being distributed to the greenhouse. GC Riley employs only natural pesticides and fertilizers without any chemicals. Organic practices and sustainable processes are prioritized whenever possible. Adjacent to this room lies the Production Room, where harvested fruit is cleaned and packaged before delivery to markets.
Inside the greenhouse, we encountered rows of climbing cacti carefully supported by wooden structures. Each evening, the dragon fruit flowers bloom, transforming the greenhouse into a hidden oasis. Colton and his team must rise early to manually pollinate each flower to ensure fruit production. As the morning progresses, these vibrant blossoms quickly wilt and close, replaced by vivid pink and purple scaled fruit. It’s easy to understand why this extraordinary fruit earned its name (well, except for the fire-breathing aspect!).
What makes dragon fruit so exceptional? Naturally high in fiber and packed with antioxidants, it may help reduce harmful free radicals. Fat-free and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, it’s ideal for breakfast or as a low-sugar snack. Its delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess makes it a perfect treat.
To enjoy dragon fruit, serve it chilled and cut in half. Simply scoop out the flesh and seeds similar to eating a kiwi.
Dragon fruit offers numerous health benefits:
- Hydrates and smoothes skin
- Lowers bad cholesterol levels
- Reduces blood glucose levels
- Prevents the formation of cancer-causing free radicals
- Boosts appetite
- Enhances metabolism
- Improves digestion and reduces fat
- Maintains healthy vision
- Strengthens bones and teeth
- Supports tissue development
- Promotes wound healing
- Improves memory
And there you have it—a fascinating glimpse into the world of exotic fruit farming right here in Missouri!
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