Dragon fruit may sound exotic. However, it’s actually quite easy to prepare. Once you’ve found the fruit that is ripe, the only thing you need do is cut the fruit into half or quarters. The skin is simple to remove by hand or by scooping the fruit out. There’s no need to wash or any other actions required. It tastes similar to a smaller, more succulent Kiwi, which is why it’s best eaten fresh, chilled, or blended into a smoothie.
What Is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, which also can be referred to as thanh long pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear, is a kind of tropical fruit. It is a part of the Hylocereus cactus, which is called Honolulu Queen or Queen of the Night.
Although this species of plant is indigenous in Mexico as well as Central America, you can be able to find it in different areas all over the world, like Malaysia, Australia, and the Philippines.
Three main varieties of dragon fruits:
- White Dragon Fruit: A pink-skinned, ripe fruit that has white flesh. It is the most popular type.
- Red Dragon Fruit A bright red-skinned fruit that has magenta flesh.
- Yellow Dragon Fruit: Yellow-skinned fruit that is white in the flesh.
Thanks to its bright and shiny skin and the spikey protrusions that are visible on the outside, this fruit earned the title “dragon fruit.”
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
If you’ve not had the possibility to experience dragon fruit, you might be thinking about whether this bizarre food item actually tastes great!
It’s surprising that the taste isn’t as exotic as you might think. The term is often used to describe it as being a hybrid of fruit like a kiwi, pear as well as watermelon. It’s extremely sweet, slightly hard from the seeds as well as extremely refreshing.
How do you cut the dragon fruit?
Though the outer appearance is rough with its protruding scaly leaves, the inside is easy to cut through. The skin’s surface is smooth and thin, similar to the mango. The underside is thicker flexible, waxy, and soft peel which easily separates with the pulp.
Step 1: Cut in half
Set the dragon fruit down on the cutting board. Utilize a sharp knife to slice the fruit lengthwise in half. I suggest starting from the top and working your way to the lower part of the larger stem. It is possible to eat the pulp directly from the halve with an ice cube.
Step 2: Take off the skin (2 methods)
Method 1: Scoop it out
With two halves, there are two choices. Utilize a big spoon to remove the flesh. This is similar to an avocado.
2. Peel off the skin
You can also employ your fingers to scrape the skin off the fruit. It’s much easier in the case of cutting into quarters.
Step 3. Cut to smaller parts (3 different ways)
Method 1: Slices
Based on the way you want to utilize the dragon fruit, you may slice the fruit into thin or thick slices. If you want to make it look fancy, I would suggest cutting sections with the skin still on, like oranges.
Method 2: Cubes
Begin with slices, after which you cut them lengthwise, then turn, then cut in the reverse direction to make cubes. I prefer freezing 3/8-inch cubes in one layer for use to make a drink with dragon fruits.
Method 3: Spheres
I have found it easier to employ a melon baller to remove the flesh when the skin remains in good condition to make round spheres.
Is Dragon Fruit Healthy?
Yes! As with other fruits, the dragon fruit has vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants as well as minerals. Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C, fiber as well as magnesium.
The beautiful tropical fruit might appear a bit shady, and perhaps it can be a bit scary. However, once you’ve gotten to know what it is, you’ll be able to see the ease with which it’s to slice, eat and enjoy the dragon fruit.