Learn how to choose , cut , and relish this tropic fruit at its red-hot good .
Jake Sternquist
Even if you ’ve never had dragon fruit , you ’ve in all likelihood see this eye - catching green groceries in a supermarket or as part of afruit salad . This hard - to - omit tropical yield is available with either a vibrant hot pink , green - spiked skin or a yellow dragon yield hide ( both of which are eatable , but not recommended ) . The inner flesh of the fruit is purple , blank , or red and spiked with tiny inglorious seeds ( completely edible ) .
Credit:Jake Sternquist
If you ’ve been too intimidated to strain this otherworldly - looking fruit , no need to hesitate . We ’ll dive into the details of the fruit ’s flavorandnutritional value . We ’ll also break down how to find fault a dragon fruit , how to cut one , and — most importantly — how to run through dragon fruit .
What Is Dragon Fruit, Exactly?
Dragon fruit ( also known as pitaya or strawberry pear ) is an oval - shaped , vibrantly - coloredtropical fruitthat grows on afamily of cacticalled Hylocereus . The yield is native to Central America , but now ripe flying dragon fruit is develop , harvested , and love worldwide .
One look at the pointy scales that flare out of thedragon fruit pelt , and you’re able to plausibly estimate where the " dragon " part of the moniker comes from . However , the inside of ripe dragon yield is beautifully sweet and similar in grain tokiwi flesh . The sweet and creamy yet crunchy human body can be scoop out of the skin as a collation or incorporated into various flying dragon fruit recipe .
So what does Draco yield taste like ? Some equate it to a mash - up of a kiwi , a pear tree , and awatermelon . Translation : Very delicious .
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Dragon Fruit Varieties
Keep your optic out for the four main varieties of dragon yield .
When Is Dragon Fruit in Season?
agree to theAgricultural Marketing Resource Center , June through September is prime time for fresh , ripe dragon fruit . Most varieties can be establish at their best in August and September , although the yellow - skinned , white - flesh type can be set up occasionally during wintertime ( mainly November through February ) . The yield should be bright , equally colorful , and give just a little when touch — just like afresh looker .
Dragon Fruit Health Benefits
flying dragon yield is a good source of gut - sizeable character and carry a solid dose of immune - support vitamin C. The yield also boasts sleep - promote magnesium and is one of the few plant informant of Fe ( among other vitamins and minerals ) . What ’s more , since dragon yield ( like most fruit ) is mostly weewee , it offers a good window pane of hydration .
fit in to theUSDA ’s FoodData primal database , a 3 ½-ounce serving of dragon fruit delivers :
How to Cut Dragon Fruit
Like other fruits ( avocados , apple ) , dragon fruit is best when buy whole and sliced just before eat up . hive away them on the counter until ready for enjoyment . If you have leftover sliced ripe dragon yield , transfer it to anairtight containerand refrigerate for up to 1 day . Once it start to brown or seems too mushy , compostor thrash it .
When you ’re ready to slew your dragon fruit , round up a cut board and a sharp tongue . Slice the yield down the center , halt to root , to create two halves . Then , using a spoonful , hunt around the inside of the hide to carve out the flesh . Flip the flesh out onto the cut board , peek for any skin that ’s hanging on , and withdraw it if necessary . Otherwise , cube or slice the flesh to enjoy plain or employ in one of the dragon fruit recipes below .
For a singular display mode , you may also practice a melon baller to create circular pieces that are perfect for popping into your sass or put away into afruit salad .
Credit:Jake Sternquist
BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is often answer raw but could make a complex and welcome improver to grill fruit recipes .
When raw , right dragon yield is often used as part of a :
Frequently Asked Questions
Many describe the flavor of dragon yield as a combination of pear and kiwi , with a touch of citrus fruit . Dragon fruit is mildly sweet , with cranky flesh that can be scooped with a spoon .
Absolutely ! Dragon fruit is a bang-up source of vitamin vitamin C and other antioxidant , so there ’s no reason why you ca n’t corrode it every twenty-four hour period if you enjoy it . One thing to remember : Dragon fruit is gamey in fiber , which can extend to gas , bloating , or cramping if eaten in too large quantities .
The pink dragon fruit with red anatomy is the high in betalains , which can boil down bad cholesterol . Yellow dragon fruit went viral on TikTok in 2023 for its high fiber message and theorize power to salvage constipation . In reality , all type of dragon yield are high in fiber . Other wellness claims about flying dragon fruit and its constipation - allay powers have not been show and should be discuss with your Dr. .
Credit:BHG / Abbey Littlejohn
