A Picture Guide to Dividing a Dragon Fruit

Follow this easy tutorial to master the art of dragon fruit slicing. This tropical fruit comes in a variety of colors and is great for snacking, decorating smoothie bowls and other bowls of fruit, and adding a pop of color to fruit salads.

Explaining Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit, also known as thanh long, pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit. In nature, it is found on the Hylocereus cactus, also called the Honolulu Queen or the Queen of the Night.

Although native to Mexico and Central America, you can now find this plant being cultivated in many other countries, including Malaysia, Australia, and the Philippines.

At least three distinct dragon fruit species exist:

• Fruits with pink skin and white flesh are called white dragon fruits. This type is the most prevalent type
• Fruit with a bright magenta interior, known as the "Red Dragon Fruit."
• Fruit with a yellow skin and white flesh, also known as a "yellow dragon fruit."

The name "dragon fruit" was given to this fruit because of its bright skin and spikey protrusions. ”

To those who have never tried dragon fruit, what is it like?

You may be skeptical of the taste of dragon fruit if you've never had the chance to try it.

The taste isn't nearly as exotic as you'd expect. Some have likened it to a hybrid of kiwi, pear, and watermelon. The sweetness is just right, and the crunchiness of the seeds adds a nice texture.

Exactly How to Segment a Dragonfruit

Don't let the wacky pink and green projections on this fruit throw you off your guard. Given its supple skin and kiwi-like flesh, it's surprisingly simple to peel and slice. Okay, then, why the delay? Chopping up some dragon fruit sounds like a good idea.

I'd rather watch something than read it.

First, divide the phrase in two.

Put your dragon fruit on a level surface. Half it lengthwise with a chef's knife. Don't let go of the fruit until you've cut it in half, and hold on to one half tightly as you do.

The meat is ready to be eaten with a spoon after being cut into manageable chunks. Dragon fruit can be eaten whole or sliced after the pink skin is removed.

Scoop Approach

Like a kiwi or a mango, the dragon fruit can be eaten without peeling by simply running a spoon along the edge of each half, where the flesh meets the peel. Flesh should easily separate from the skin.

It's a Peel

This is the approach I like best because more of the fruit is kept intact. Dragon fruit should be cut in half lengthwise, then each half quartered. Pull the peel away from the flesh (they should come apart easily) and eat!

Please take note that the lingering pink aftertaste can be bitter for some. Once the fruit has been peeled, if you find the taste to be unpleasant, simply remove the remaining pink flesh.

Third, sever the fruit into slices, cubes, or balls.

Dragon fruit can be cut in three different ways.

Slice

You can now cut it up after peeling it. Each half can be sliced into quarters for a snack. On a flat surface (countertop or cutting board), use a chef's knife to cut it into slices of any thickness.

Cube

Using the same method, cut dragon fruit into 1/2-inch thick slices, and then cut those slices into cubes. Use a chef's knife to cut each slice in half lengthwise, then into 1-inch cubes by laying them on their sides. Cubes can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet and used in smoothies or smoothie bowls later.

Sphere

Don't remove the dragon fruit's skin for an Instagram-worthy smoothie bowl or morning fruit salad. Create spheres by using a melon baller to remove the pulp from both halves.

Recipes for Using Dragonfruit

As a result of its high water content, dragon fruit can be enjoyed in a variety of forms, including fresh snacks, drinks, smoothies, and more. What about trying out these suggestions?

• Frozen dragon fruit cubes are a great addition to any smoothie or smoothie bowl.
• Fresh dragon fruit, water, sugar, and ice make a refreshing Mexican-style agua de pitahaya. The only thing more invigorating
• Salsas: Combine diced dragon fruit with diced jalapeo, lime, onion, and salt for a spicy salsa.
• Papaya, banana, mango, pineapple, and watermelon are all excellent additions to fruit salads, whether you cut them into cubes or roll them into balls.
• Yogurt bowls, oatmeal, overnight oats, and granola would all benefit from having it sprinkled on top.

Dragon Fruit Preservation

Some suggestions for preserving your dragon fruit:

• Put the dragon fruit on the counter at room temperature for two to three days if you want to eat it right away.
• Dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to delay ripening. Store it in an airtight container or sealable bag to prevent it from taking on the flavors of nearby foods.
• Putting peeled and cubed dragon fruit in a freezer-safe bag or container will allow you to keep it for up to three months. The texture of dragon fruit slightly changes when frozen, so using frozen dragon fruit in smoothies is recommended.

Predicting When Something Is Ripe

Dragon fruit is available pretty much all year long, but June through September is when you can get the freshest varieties. Dragon fruit can be enjoyed outside of these months by eating it frozen or freeze-dried. However, here are some things to look for when selecting a fresh dragon fruit:

• The skin of a dragonfruit, which should be bright pink, shiny, and smooth, looks like this. The projections ought to be a pastel green. Avoid fruits with a lot of dark spots, blemishes, or wrinkles on the skin; some light beige spots are acceptable.
• In the palm of your hand, a ripe dragon fruit should yield slightly when gently squeezed, like a ripe kiwi, avocado, or mango. It is overripe if you press on it and it gives a mushy sensation.
• Don't expect to be able to tell if a dragon fruit is ripe based on how it smells. In contrast to other tropical fruits, it does not have a strong scent. Just by looking at it and feeling it, you can tell if it's ripe.

Dragon Fruit's Health Perks

Dragon fruit has many health benefits in addition to its delicious taste. Some of the vitamins and minerals that can be found in a cup's worth are as follows:

Only 3 Grams of Protein
To a lesser extent than jackfruit, dragon fruit is also one of the few fruits to contain more than 1 gram of protein per serving. Every 8-ounce serving contains nearly 3 grams.

Fiber Content: 7 Grams
Dragon fruit is a great low-cal snack because it contains 7 grams of fiber per cup. For a healthy heart, fiber is also crucial.

Vitamin C 8% Daily Value Iron 8% Daily Value
Beneficial levels of iron can be found in dragon fruit. Proteins like hemoglobin, which help carry oxygen throughout the body, can't be made without this nutrient.

Magnesium Provided at 18% of the Daily Value
Magnesium plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation and muscle contraction and relaxation. One cup of dragon fruit provides nearly 20% of the recommended daily allowance.

Antioxidants
Flavonoids like phenolic acid and betacyanin can be found in abundance in dragon fruit. Antioxidants shield cells from damage caused by free radicals, which have been linked to numerous inflammatory diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dragon Fruit