Dragon Fruit

Also Known As : Pitaya, Pitahaya, Strawberry pear, Fire dragon fruit, Dragon crystal

Technical Name : Hylocereus undatus

Descriptions
details

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Dragon fruit is mildly sweet in taste and crunchy in texture. It tastes similar to a cross between a kiwi and a pear. If eaten before it is ripe, it tends to taste bland and slightly sour.

Usage Tips

Dragon fruit is usually eaten fresh. Be sure to consume the white part of the fruit containing the seeds, and discard any pink portions, as they tend to be bitter. It can be chilled and sliced or it can be scooped out with a spoon. Ripe dragon fruit can be kept at room temperature for 4-5 days. To store it longer, place it in a sealed plastic bag (as dragon fruit can pick up the flavours and odours of other food) and store it in the refrigerator.
Dragon fruit can be chopped into small pieces and added to yogurt and salads.
Dragon fruit pairs perfectly with fish especially varieties like cod, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Dragon fruit can also be drizzled with a sauce or chunky salsa and served.
Dragon fruit can be made into marmalades, jellies, popsicles and soft drinks.

Common names and forms

Dragon Fruit Pitaya

Description

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that grows on the Hylocereus cactus, otherwise known as the 'Honolulu Queen'. The cactus has a succulent stem bearing the dragon fruit, which is rich in moisture in the arid climates where it typically grows. Dragon fruit derives its name from the flower that grows from the fruit which looks like a breath of fire. Also, the two most popular types of Dragon fruit have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon — hence the name, 'Dragon fruit'. This cactus grows in Mexico, Central, and South America, but it is also grown in Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam. The flesh is white, pale yellow, or red, depending on the cultivar/variety, with numerous tiny black seeds. Dragon fruit is available year-round, though it is abundantly available in summer and lasts into early autumn.

Health benefits

Heart Health – It is abundant in antioxidants and fiber which help reduce clotting in the arteries thus improving heart function and preventing any heart problems such as stroke, heart attack and high cholesterol.⁽¹⁾
Bone Health – It contains essential minerals like potassium which builds bone density and bone strength and thus helps to avoid any fractures and bone ailments.⁽¹⁾
Anaemia - It improves the hemoglobin level in the body and thus treats anaemia due to the high amount of iron present in it.⁽¹⁾
Improves digestion - Dragon fruit when eaten regularly enhances digestive health as it contains a high amount of fiber which helps in binding the body waste and eliminates it.⁽¹⁾
Promotes gut health - Dragon fruit contains Oligosaccharides that act as prebiotic (food) for the gut bacteria thus causing an environment for gut bacteria to thrive leading to good gut health.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

When selecting dragon fruit, choose a ripe one. A few blemishes on the skin are normal, but if the fruit has a lot of patches/blotches, it may be over-ripe. Hold the dragon fruit in your palm and put slight pressure on the skin with your fingers. It should get pressed a little, but shouldn't be too soft or mushy. If it's very firm, it will need to ripen for a few days. Also, choose dragon fruit with a bright, red and even-colored skin.

Note

Excess intake of dragon fruit may give rise to problems such as poor absorption of nutrients by the intestines, intestinal gas, intestinal blockage, stomach pain, and flatulence due to ingestion of too much fibre. Individuals can be allergic to dragon fruit and on consuming may have symptoms like swollen lips and tongue, itchy throat, burning sensation in the throat, etc.⁽²⁾

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.bloomingyourlifestyle.com/dragon-fruit-benefits-side-effects/

(2) https://goodhealthall.com/side-effects-of-eating-too-many-dragon-fruits/

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