What is Dragon Fruit?
A dragon fruit is a cactus-grown fruit from tropical regions of the world. Dragon fruits are oval-shaped and are covered in spiky curls that are referred to as scales. The outside of a dragon fruit is pink with spiky green scales, but some dragon fruits are yellow with green scales. The skin of a dragon fruit looks tough but it is not hard. The inside of traditional dragon fruit is white with many small black seeds inside, but some varieties are bright pink inside. The inside is soft and has a creamy texture, similar to a kiwi. Ripe dragon fruit will give slightly when squeezed.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
Dragon fruit has a mild flavor. It tastes somewhat like a delicate pear and is lightly sweet, though dragon fruit can be described as having little to no taste at all. Because of this, dragon fruit easily blends into dishes without adding an overpowering flavor.
How Do You Eat Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit is usually eaten raw. The skin is not edible, but the seeds are edible and are eaten with the fruit. Because dragon fruit has a light flavor, people often choose to use pink dragon fruit to change the color of their foods. A popular way to enjoy dragon fruit is blended, raw or frozen, into smoothies and smoothie bowls. When spooned out with a melon baller, dragon fruit balls to garnish salads. Salsas also sometimes contain dragon fruit balls. Dragon fruit is sometimes used in cakes and cheesecakes, but usually with other fruits. Dragon fruits with pink flesh are blended into popsicles and sorbets. Some savory fish dishes are served with dragon fruit.
How to Prepare Raw Dragon Fruit
- Place the dragon fruit on a cutting board.
- Cut the dragon fruit in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the fruit with a spoon.
- Slice the fruit into smaller pieces, if desired.
Where Can You Buy Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruits are usually in season from July to December, but they can be found almost year-round. Look for dragon fruit in the produce section of the grocery store.
How Do You Store Dragon Fruit?
Store whole dragon fruit at room temperature for 2-3 days. To store whole dragon fruit in the refrigerator, seal the fruit in a plastic bag. To store leftover dragon fruit, place the leftovers in a sealed plastic bag for 3-5 days.
Fun Fact About Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit flowers are made into teas and herbal drinks.
Did You Know?
The cactus that bears dragon fruit only blooms for one night.
Recipes Using Dragon Fruit
Fruit Salad
Enjoy a refreshing fruit salad with the addition of dragon fruit. Combine dragon fruit balls, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and bananas in a bowl. Sprinkle fresh mint over the top.
Dragon Fruit Popsicles
Blend ingredients together and freeze to turn them into refreshing popsicles. You can either us a blender or a food processor, but a blender is easier to handle. Add dragon fruit, bananas, coconut milk, maple syrup, and strawberries to a blender. Blend ingredients until smooth. Pour ingredients into a popsicle mold and freeze until solid.
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Create a delicious smoothie full of fruits and tasty flavors. Place dragon fruit, raspberries, a banana, guava juice, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Fruit Tart
Use store-bought pie crust to save time on making a tart. Roll the crust into an even thickness with a rolling pin and carefully press into a round baking dish. Poke holes in the crust with a fork. In a large bowl, mix dragon fruit, papaya, vanilla, milk, eggs, and sugar together. Pour fruit mixture on top of the crust and bake.
Savory Dragon Fruit Salad
Add a light sweetness to savory salads. Toss leafy greens with dragon fruit, avocado, goat cheese, and a vinaigrette of choice.
