Have You Come Across Dragon Fruit in the Store?

If you happen to come across any unique dragon fruit in the store, do not pass it up! It is difficult to overlook with its seductive brilliant magenta skin and green leaves that resemble the scales of the mythological beast. This tropical fruit, which belongs to the Cactaceae (cactus) family, is also known as pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear.

The leaves may appear thorny and forbidding, yet they are easy to cut through. When you rip it open, you’ll discover flesh sprinkled with small black seeds. The pulp might be white, red, or purple depending on the kind. The fruit is considered a superfruit, and its peak season is from late summer to early fall. When you open it, you may simply eat it sliced, add it to a salad, smoothies, or even grill it.

How To Cut Dragon Fruit

To begin, we must state unequivocally that dragon fruit is one of the most visually arresting fruits available. If you have teens, particularly teenage females, you may be familiar with the word “extra.” Extra is exactly what it sounds like — above and beyond, a little more than the standard. This is a word used to describe someone who is a little too theatrical, emotional, needy at times, or has pain in the buttocks. Anyway, I don’t want to attach human characteristics to the product, but if the fruit were to be designated extra, dragon fruit may be such fruit. Or, at the very least, arrogant.

Although the surface appears strong with its scaly projecting leaves, it is easy to cut through. The skin’s surface is thin and smooth, similar to that of a mango. Underneath is a thicker, soft, waxy, and malleable peel that readily peels from the pulp.

1. Split In Half

On a chopping board, place the dragon fruit. Cut the apple in half lengthwise using a sharp chef’s knife. I recommend beginning at the top and working your way down towards the thicker stem. With a spoon, you may consume the pulp directly from the half.

2. Take Off The Skin

• Scoop it out

You now have two alternatives because there are two halves. Just like avocado, scoop out the flesh with a big spoon.

• Exfoliate the skin

Alternatively, you may use your fingers to peel the fruit’s thick skin away. It’s easier to accomplish this if the potatoes are sliced into fourths.

3. Separate Into Tiny Bits (3 ways)

• Slices

You may chop the dragon fruit into thick or thin slices depending on how you intend to utilize it. I prefer to chop it into pieces with the skin on, like oranges, for a nice presentation.

• Cubes

Begin with slices, then cut lengthwise, then flip and cut in the opposite direction to form cubes. To make a dragon fruit smoothie, I like to freeze 34-inch cubes in a single layer.

• Spheres

For spherical spheres, I find it simplest to use a melon baller to scoop out the meat while the skin is still attached.

How to Store Dragon Fruit

Keep the dragon fruit whole at room temperature. If it’s ripe but you’re not ready to eat it, keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag for up to a week. This method keeps it from taking up odors from other meals.

If it is underripe, put it in a paper bag with an apple or a banana. The ethylene gas released by these fruits hastens to ripen. Store sliced portions in an airtight container for 2 to 5 days, but discard if the flesh becomes dark or mushy.

Uses For Dragon Fruit

• Frozen red dragon fruit can be added to a smoothie.
• Top an acai bowl with sliced or cubes.
• Create spheres with a melon baller and add to a fruit salad.
• Grill the thick slices or big chunks on a skewer.
• Small chunks can be sprinkled on top of oatmeal, overnight oats, or yogurt.
• Toss with mango or pineapple salsa.

How Do You Consume Dragon Fruit

Do not cut dragon fruit until you’re ready to use or consume it, otherwise, it will dry out and discolor. To prepare dragon fruit, just split it in half and scoop out the slightly hard flesh with a spoon to eat directly out of the shell, or carefully use a sharp spoon to cut and remove the flesh from the skin, then slice or chop it whatever you prefer. Dragon fruit puree can also be used in sauces, puddings, frozen desserts, and beverages.

You should not eat the skin, but you may keep it and use it to serve your dragon fruit creation.

Nutritional Value Of Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is also known as a super fruit because of its nutritional benefits. These beauties are packed with fiber, vitamin C and B vitamins, and antioxidants. Here is the nutrition information for about one dragon fruit (about 3.5 ounces, or 100 grams).

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1.2 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbs: 13 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Vitamin C: 3% of the RDI
• Iron: 4% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 10% of the RD

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the color of Dragon fruit?

Ans: Dragon fruit is bright Pinkish Red with Green spikes outside. Inside, dragon fruit has tiny black seeds suspended in the white flesh.

Q2: How can we know if the Dragon fruit is ripe?

Ans: Ripe dragon fruit will have a smooth, pinkish-red peel with green spikes and few to no blemishes. The ripe fruit will feel heavy for its size in your hand and yield slightly when you apply gentle pressure with your thumb.

To Wrap it All Up

Dragon fruit may seem exotic, but it could not be easier to prepare. Once you have located a ripe fruit, all you have to do is chop it in half or quarters. The skin is easily removed by hand or by scooping out the edible fruit. There is no need for washing or any other further processes. Eat it raw, chilled, or in a smoothie, since it tastes like a crunchier, less sweet kiwi.