Dragon Fruit Fun Facts
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that is native to Mexico and Central America. The taste is like a combination of a kiwi and a pear.
Dragon fruit is also known as a strawberry pear or pitaya. The interior color of a dragon fruit ranges from white to pink to magenta. All three types have tiny, edible black seeds (just like a kiwi).
Dragon fruit grows on a cactus that blooms for one night per fruit cycle.
A concoction made of dragon fruit, honey, and cucumber juice can moisturize and soothe sunburned skin.
How to Select a Dragon Fruit
To choose a ripe dragon fruit, look for bright, even-colored skin. A few blemishes on the skin are normal, but if the fruit has a lot of blotches, it may be over-ripe. Hold the dragon fruit in your palm and try pressing the skin with your thumb or fingers. It should give a little, but shouldn’t be too soft or mushy. If it’s very firm, it will need to ripen for a few days before eating.
5 Ways to Eat Dragon Fruit
- Scoop: Take the dragon fruit and cut it in half. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh and enjoy it fresh or drizzle it with honey. The outer skin is inedible though, so avoid that!
- Slice: Peel off the scaly outer layer and slice the inner flesh for the perfect pieces of dragon fruit to add to a salad or refreshing fruit salad.
- Blend: Once you have peeled the fruit, use the flesh to make breakfast smoothies and refreshing juices at home!
- Grill: Grilling cubes of dragon fruit is another way to enjoy this exotic fruit. The caramelized sweet flavor can be balanced with a sprinkle of chili powder, and the result is a delicious treat.
- Freeze: Juice the Dragon Fruit (along with other fruits), transfer it to a mold and freeze until it’s set. Feel free to add in honey to sweeten the treat!
