What is Dragon Fruit? What does Dragon Fruit taste like? So many people want to know the real taste of Dragon Fruit. In this article you will explore all the details about Dragon Fruit you need to know.
What Is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit originates from Central America, Southern America, and Mexico. It is, however, widely cultivated in other Asian countries, including China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. It is also possible to hear people calling it Pitaya, Pitahaya, also known as a strawberry pear.
Dragon fruit is unique in its appearance. Like its exotic non-round fruit cousins, the dragon fruit also has unique characteristics like a bright red rind with attractive green scales. This is because it came from the genus of the cactus called Hylocereus.
The skin of the Dragon Fruit is green when not yet ripe and pink when it’s ripe. The scales of the dragon are green. ” Is the skin of a dragon fruit edible?” You might be thinking. It is a fact if you can cook it correctly.
The flesh color could be pink, white, or red. Dragon fruit is typically picked when it is mature since it can barely ripen the plant.
Dragon Fruit Varieties –
Dragon fruit varieties can be best described by their appearance. It is because it looks attractive or is considered a more striking fruit due to its vivid color, sweetness, or juicy aspect. Each variety has black seeds that are also edible.
- White Dragon Fruit/Pitaya Blanca
- Pink Dragon Fruit
- Red Dragon Fruit/Pitaya Roja
- Yellow Dragon Fruit/Pitaya Amarilla
- Sour Dragon Fruit
White Dragon Fruit/Pitaya Blanca –
It is a bright pink skin with white flesh, with black seeds complimenting the white color. It is a well-known dragon fruit that is easily accessible in supermarkets.
It is a popular variety like Vietnamese Jaina, David Bowie, LA woman, Seoul kitchen, Thompson, Alice, and guyete, among others. While it is a well-loved type, it’s thought to be the least sweet.
Pink Dragon Fruit –
This particular variety has pink skin and soft or hot pink rose flesh. It’s bigger and sweeter than the dragon fruit with white skin. You can find it in stores that sell brands like American beauty Makisupa and delight Makisupa cosmic Charlie Voodoo child dark star and purple Haze.
Red Dragon Fruit/Pitaya Roja –
The red dragon fruit has pink skins with pulsing red flesh. It also features characteristics like being sweeter and juicier and can be used to blend. It is available in various flavors, including the Zamorano, costa Rican sunset, and the red Jaina organic mystic (named after the Bob Marley tune).
Yellow Dragon Fruit/Pitaya Amarilla –
It is thought to be the sweetest fruit and has a delicious smell. It has yellow skin as well as white flesh. It’s covered in threatening, sharp thorns, making it look like the traditional cactus.
The best things are scarce in their own right; Just like gold, this is also the case with this variety of fruit. While there is only one variety of its kind, it’s believed that before taking the fruits to the supermarket when harvested, it can be pretty strenuous to remove the spikes; because of this, they’re rarely in stock.
Sour Dragon Fruit –
This type of dragon fruit is popular in the south and central America and is typically found in areas of extreme drought. In contrast to other types of dragon fruit, this kind is sour; however, it is the juiciest. This is the most popular choice for natives who live in the areas.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
The main question is What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like? So if it’s ripe, the dragon fruit has a slightly sweet taste that is commonly described as a blend of kiwi and pear and a soft texture comparable to a mature Kiwi. The under-ripe dragon fruit is, however, essentially tasteless.
The plant is native to Mexico, Central and South America. The dragon fruit plant can be described as a Cactus. Every fruit begins as a short flower that blossoms only once at night. However, you’ve likely seen dragon fruit that’s bright inside and pink outside.
The dragon fruit is available in various colors, including pink on the outside and inside, orange on its outside, white inside, and white on the outside and inside. Each has tiny edible black seeds similar to Kiwi seeds.
Cacti are thorny, and their dragon-fruit plant, with thorns all over its branches, is not an exception. The fruit is different in that just the variety with yellow bears thorns that grow on the fruit, and anyone can remove them easily.
White Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Undatus) –
This is the most prevalent variety of dragon fruit. You can find it frequently in the grocery store. It has a pink peel as well as white flesh. When it’s ripe, it’s got sweetness; however, it’s the second most sour of the five varieties. This popular kind is the most suitable if you’re following a diet plan.
Pink Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) –
The second one appears pink on the exterior to the inside. The flesh looks more appealing than the white-flesh fruit. The pink dragon fruit is more delicious.
It is frequently utilized to make smoothies and cocktails because of its stunning pinkish color. Even without sweetness or sugar, this fruit is among the most loved dishes throughout Asia. Cut the fruit in half, then use an eating spoon to enjoy the inside flesh.
Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Guatemalensis) –
The red dragon fruit is slightly different from the pink flesh color. It can range from red to deep red. It’s the sweetest when the skin is deep red, like pink dragon fruit. This one is typically used in desserts. However, it’s more difficult to find than the white variety.
Yellow Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus Megalanthus) –
Yellow dragon fruit is difficult to come across because it is grown primarily within Central America and is not widely available for commercial use. The name itself suggests that it has yellow skin and white flesh. It is, in fact, the most delicious; however, it is the smallest size.
Sour Dragon Fruit (Stenocereus) –
Dragon fruit can be sour, too, although it is not very commonly seen. The variety that is grown is consumed predominantly in America. Its appearance is identical to the white dragon fruit, which has pale pink skin with white flesh. But sour dragon fruits are much juicier than white dragon fruits.
How Do You Know When Dragon Fruit Is Ripe?
To determine if a dragon fruit is at its peak, begin by picking the fruit. If it is heavier in proportion to its size, you’ll know it’s mature and sweet.
For those with a pinkish skin tone, the skin should have uniformly pink throughout with no bumps. If you gently press the skin surface, it ought to be able to give a bit.
Also, look at the tips of scales or leaves. They should be yellowish or brownish, dry. This signifies that the fruit has reached its peak and is ready for consumption.
If the dragon fruit feels hard, it’s not ripe enough. If you slice one open and taste it, you will find it very tasteless and taste like nothing. But, you might be able to detect a slight acidic under-ripe flavor.
How To Peel And Cut Dragon Fruit –
There are many methods to peel pitaya fruits. Here’s how to cut the dragon fruit –
- Method 1 – Clean the Pitaya, then place the Pitaya on your cutting table. Cut off its crown. Then gently pull back the rest of the skin using your hands. Make sure to remove any remaining skin. Slice the pulp into smaller pieces, and enjoy.
- Method 2 – With a sharp knife, cut the Pitaya into two equal pieces; if the fruit is large, cut it into four pieces. Utilizing a clean spoon, take the pulp, scoop it into a bowl, mix it with strawberries, and make the salad.
How To Eat Dragon Fruit –
- Method 1: After peeling off the skin, Cut the pulp into large cubes and consume it raw. A majority of people have reported that it is a bit tasteless when consumed raw. If you’re not a fan of this, here’s another method to add spice.
- Method 2: Blend it up.
You’ll need a cup of frozen dragon fruit cubed.
2 Bananas
1 cup almond or coconut milk,
A few cubes of ice (optional)
Add the ingredients to the blender and blend. You can add milk as you have the texture you want. In this smoothie, you can add other fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, and strawberries.
- Method 3: Do you have a dehydrator for food and more dragon fruits you can eat? To make a powder, you can store it conveniently to use later. Here’s how to make powder from dragon fruit at home.
Cut the fruit into strips. Make sure you have thin strips.
Place the strips into the dehydrator on the lowest setting for the duration of the night.
The strips should be dry enough to can have a smooth time mixing.
Once you’re done, mix and put the powder into zip-lock bags.
More Tips On Eating Dragon Fruit –
There are other ways are possible to make eating Dragon fruits enjoyable:
- Make a jam, preserve, chutney, or jell-O.
- Puree your fruit. With pear and apple, create a Margherita.
- Create fruity ice cream.
- Make a fruit salad making a mix of the dragonfruit with different fruits.
- Dragon fruit can be eaten by itself But add chili powder or black pepper.
- Make a delicious fruit salsa using dragon fruits.
Is Dragon Fruit Healthy?
It is important to emphasize that we’re not doctors or nutritionists. If you want to find out whether there are benefits to eating something, you need to talk with your physician rather than make a decision based on Internet information.
We do know the fact that there are ample amounts of Vitamin C as well as Vitamin B in dragon fruits. You probably know that Vitamin B is vital to the general functioning of our bodies. Vitamin C is required to prevent the development of Scurvy ( which can be fatal).
The tiny, black seeds are packed with fiber, and the flesh contains some fiber. They also claim that the seeds offer “prebiotic” benefits.
What Are The Benefits Of Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, folate, protein, and other nutrients. There are numerous varieties of dragon fruit, such as those yellow fruit, pink dragon fruit and red dragon fruit, and white dragon fruit. Each kind has distinct characteristics.
For instance, the dragon fruit in pink is tart and sweet, and the white dragon fruit is bland and sweet and sour. The yellow dragon fruit is the sweetest.
The red dragon fruit is very delicious. The dragon fruit is an excellent option if you’re trying to get your daily vitamin and mineral intake.
It’s Great For Your Skin –
This fruit is a fantastic supply of Vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. Vitamin C and other vitamins aid the body in fighting free radicals, which can cause the skin cells to be damaged.
Vitamin C helps to prevent wrinkles. Potassium keeps your blood pressure in check. Fiber keeps you regular and also prevents constipation.
Folate enhances the brain’s function and helps reduce depression. Antioxidants safeguard your body against cancer as well as heart disease.
The Pitaya is an ideal source of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and thiamine: niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and B6.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Pitaya are helpful to those suffering from arthritis or Gout. Pitaya has trypsin inhibitors which reduce swelling and inflammation.
It Helps Fight Against Chronic Diseases –
Dragon Fruit contains many nutrients that can help keep you well. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that kill harmful free radicals, also known as free radicals. The free radicals could cause harm to your body and can lead to disease. Dragon fruit is rich in betalains, compounds that function as antioxidants.
These substances also aid in the suppression of cancerous cells. Vitamin C can reduce the chance of developing cancer. Foods rich in carotenoid antioxidants help to prevent cancer and heart diseases.
Vitamin C can help prevent cancer by boosting the immune system. Red dragon fruit is rich in Lycopene, an antioxidant that provides red fruits, such as tomatoes, their hue. Lycopene has been found to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the blood.
According to reports, red dragon fruit extracts may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Researchers should examine this further before confirming its efficacy in fighting breast cancer.
A Rich Source Of Magnesium –
Dragon fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, E, folate, K, B6 ferrous, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc, as well as vitamins B12, D, and B5.
These nutrients aid in maintaining bone and skin health, increase energy levels and fight diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.
It Promotes A Healthy Gut –
It’s more than just having dragonfruit for breakfast. The microbiome in the gut plays a crucial role in digestion, the development of the immune system and function, the function of the brain, hormone production, and the metabolism of energy.
Probiotics can help maintain healthy gut flora. Probiotics can also prevent digestive illnesses such as constipation and diarrhea.
It Can Help Boost Your Immune System –
Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, B1 and B2, B3 and B6, and Folic acid. These nutrients boost your immune system.
They shield white blood cells from damage. They also have Lycopene which helps protect your heart and assists in losing weight.
Dragon fruit is an excellent supply of Vitamin C and other nutrients. The high levels of antioxidants assist in fighting against chronic diseases and aging. Dragon fruit also has Betalains, which account for the vibrant red hue.
Betalains are a plant pigment shielding the plant from UV radiation. Betalain pigments also are believed to possess anti-cancer properties. Vitamin C helps keep your skin healthy and fights against bacteria and viruses.
It Can Help To Boost Your Iron Levels –
Dragon fruit is a fantastic supply of Vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. It also is a fantastic potential source. Potassium is essential to maintain fluid levels in the bloodstream, keeping your heart well-maintained.
Dragon fruit is high in antioxidants and fibers, which makes it a healthy snack.
How To Grow A Dragon Fruit Plant At Home?
Purchase a dragon fruit cactus and then sowing seeds is an excellent method to begin cultivating yourself a dragon-fruit Cactus.
To plant the dragon fruits at your home, follow these easy steps –
- Ensure the soil is prepared since dragon fruit needs the direct sun to bear fruit. It must plant in a complete sunlight zone.
- Cut an adult dragon fruit into two halves and scoop out the black seeds to form the seeds. Take the flesh of the fruit and the pulp out of the seeds, and soak the seeds for at least twelve hours on a damp paper towel.
- The seeds must be planted. If you’re planning to place your fruit seeds in the soil, be sure that the soil is well-drained with a slight acidic.
- Always spray or water the soil to keep it evenly wet.
- Trim As your dragon fruit seedlings develop, cut them down to make enough space for each new plant.
- The Dragon Fruit is one of the cactus species that loves climbing. It can climb up to 10 feet. Therefore, make sure you have the trellis or stakes to control it. Because the plant may get overloaded by fruits, ensure that the support system you choose to use is sturdy.
- Be on the lookout for tiny pests such as mealybugs and aphids and larger animals such as bats and birds that enjoy the fruit.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Dragon Fruit Plant?
The plants can bloom six to eight months after being planted. Container-grown plants may take up to 2 years before they produce results.
The positive side is that a plant capable of producing fruit for 20-30 years will produce between 4 and 6 cycles of fruiting each year once it has reached the point of maturity.
The Easy And Effective Methods To Store Dragon Fruit –
While this food that starts in “D” is quite costly, it’s simple to keep. You can store it just like avocados and bananas. It will stay fresh in nearly all storage conditions.
At Room Temperature –
You can keep dragon fruit in a cool and dark location for 2-3 days. Ripe dragon fruits can remain at room temperature for a brief duration.
If you have a dragon fruit that is not ripe, keep it in a cool place until it is ripe and ready to be eaten.
Don’t place it in proximity to other odorous fruits, as the flavor and smell of the fruit can be affected.
In The Fridge –
Be sure only to place fresh dragon fruit in the refrigerator. Ripe dragon fruits can safely stay at room temperature for a short time.
It is recommended to keep unpeeled dragon fruit in your refrigerator. It can be kept there for up to two weeks. Please place it in a bag or other sealed container and put it in the drawer crisper of your fridge.
If you’ve already cut it into smaller pieces, Place the pieces in an airtight container, squeeze out the air, and keep them refrigerated. Sprinkle some lemon juice over the fruits to keep them fresh for longer. Be aware that dragon fruit that has been peeled has a shorter shelf time. It is best to consume it immediately.
In The Freezer –
You can freeze Dragon fruit to last around three months. There are more steps to take, but they’re simple ones. Cut the flesh of the dragon fruit into smaller or even cubes.
Place them on a baking tray. Make sure to leave space between each of them. Then, place the baking sheet with the dragon fruit cubes on it and place them in the freezer.
After a couple of hours:
- Wait until the cubes have entirely frozen.
- Once they are, please remove them and place them in an empty plastic container.
- Place the container filled with dragon fruit cubes frozen in the freezer.
What Is The Texture Of Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit has a smooth fleshy texture, with tiny black seeds. These tiny seed pods are delicious but may be a bit chewy.
The skin of the dragon fruit is soft, leathery, and edible. However, most people would instead remove the skin before eating the fruit.
What Does A Dragon Fruit Smell Like?
Dragon fruit does not have a scent. If you inhale the fruit in its own right, you could detect a hint of sweetness, but not much other than that.
However, it tastes tropical with sweet and citrus tastes. The Dragon Fruit is renowned as refreshing and succulent.
When Is Dragon Fruit In Season?
Dragon fruit is cultivated throughout Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Mexico and Israel, Australia and the Caribbean, and more temperate US states such as Texas, California, and Florida (pretty international, isn’t it?) It is in bloom in the summer months of these climates; however, it is available throughout the year.
Is Dragon Fruit Nutritious?
Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C. It is also a great source of antioxidants and fiber. It also provides calcium.
Conclusion –
Hope so you all are like our post about what does Dragon Fruit taste like? Dragon fruit is an exotic and delicious fruit. It is packed with nutrients. Dragon fruit is available in five varieties: white, red, pink, yellow, and sweet. Each variety has distinct characteristics and a distinct flavor. Dragon fruit is an amalgamation of pear and kiwi, making it super sweet and refreshing!
If you cannot eat this fruit in its raw form, then plenty of creative methods exist to include it in your cooking. If you’re reading this list, you’ll be tempted to take your basket and run to the nearest supermarket to purchase this fruit since few tropical fruits offer more flexibility in taste, color, flavors, and health advantages than dragon fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
What Is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is an exuberant fruit that is grown in tropical and subtropical areas all over the world.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
The Dragon Fruit has a slight sweetness and tastes fresh. Its flavor is called the ideal mix of pear and kiwi.
Is Dragon Fruit A Citrus?
Dragon fruit isn’t an orange. The fruit’s origin is Central America; dragon fruit is a tropical fruit. It is part of the Cactaceae family.
Can I Eat Dragon Fruit Every Day?
Dragon fruit contains many nutrients necessary for your body’s daily consumption. But, it is essential not to consume too much since excess consumption could cause adverse effects on your body, like hypertension and diarrhea.
Are Pink And Red Dragon Fruit Better In Comparison To White Dragon Fruit?
Yes, pink and red dragon fruit is proven to have more nutrients than white fruit. They have more antioxidants. But white dragon fruit has less sugar and is a good option for those with diabetes.
Is Red Dragon Fruit Sweeter Than White?
The red dragon fruit tastes sweeter than the white one. The sugar content of the red variety is generally higher, and it has more antioxidants.
A possible exception could be the white flesh Ecuador Palora. It’s hands-down the sweetest dragon fruit, much more than the ones with red skins. The BRIX (sugar score) is about 23, while others hover between 15 and 15.
What Kinds Of Fruits Are Compatible With Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is a fruit with a delicate sweetness that is compatible with various fruits, including bananas. Kiwi oranges, pineapples, and strawberries
How Long Does Dragon Fruit Last In The Refrigerator?
Generally speaking, Dragon Fruit can stay the same for as long as one week in the refrigerator. Be sure to place Dragon Fruit in a plastic bag or a container (if you’ve made pieces) before placing it in the fridge.
Eating it within ten days is best to prevent any unpleasant situation.
The shelf duration is longer for Dragon Fruit than other fruits due to the farmer’s knowledge. Farmers pick the Dragon Fruit before it ripens. This is because the mature fruit doesn’t get easily spoiled and is simple to move from one location to another. Since the not-yet ripe Dragon Fruit is hard, it doesn’t suffer from bruises.
Where Did Dragon Fruit Come From?
Dragon Fruit (also known as Pitaya originates from Mexico, Peru, and additional South American areas. Mexico has the best environment for cultivating this tropical fruit, while Central America can also grow these fruits with no natural obstacles.