What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit grows in Mexico, Central and South America and is a type of prickly pear cactus fruit. It gets its own name from its appearance, with its vibrant, scaly skin resembling that of a dragon. It looks impressive and a little intimidating, but it’s very easy to work with and it’s delicious. In Spanish, dragon fruit is called pitaya or pitahaya.
In Mexico, many cactus fruits are eaten like “tuna”, a sweet the fruit of one kind of prickly pear cactus and xoconostli, the sour fruit of another. The two most common types of dragon fruit are the white-fleshed and red-fleshed varieties. The white dragon fruit, also known as Hylocereus undatus, is characterized by its creamy flesh that is speckled with tiny black seeds. On the other hand, the red fleshed dragon fruit known as Hylocereus costaricensis has a colorful purple interior and a slightly sweeter taste. Both varieties are visually appealing and have a refreshing, mildly sweet flavor that is often likened to a mix of kiwi and pear. The seeds are edible.
How to cut a dragon fruit
The fruit looks a little scary and hard, but it’s easy to slice and peel. Cut the fruit in half lengthwise.
Use a small knife to separate the flesh from the outer skin. Remove the skin.
Once you’ve removed the flesh from the outer skin, cut the fruit into slices or cubes, depending on how you plan to use it.
Slices of dragon fruit make a nice garnish with the skin.
How to choose Dragon Fruit?
Look at the appearance of the fetus. A ripe dragon fruit will have bright and evenly colored skin, free of any blemishes or soft spots. The color can vary between bright pink, yellow or red depending on the variety. Choose a fruit with a firm skin, but not too hard. Gently press the fruit. Ripe dragon fruit should give slightly when pressed, but should not be too soft. If the fruit seems too soft or crumbly, it may be overripe.
Pay attention to the scales or spikes on the skin of the fetus. Scales should be firm with no signs of wilting or sagging. Avoid fruit with scales that appear cracked or wilted, as they may have finished their blooms.
How to use Dragon Fruit?
One of the simplest ways to enjoy dragon fruit is to cut it open and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The bright purple or white interior of the fruit is soft and juicy with a texture reminiscent of a kiwi or pear.
Dragon fruit can be blended into refreshing smoothies, aqua frescas or added to homemade sorbets and ice creams. Its naturally creamy texture lends itself well to frozen desserts. Experiment with combinations of dragon fruit, coconut milk, and other fruits like mango or pineapple. It is also a great addition to a Mexican fruit salad.
