Dragon Fruit
Recently while I was vacationing in beautiful Monterey, California I had the opportunity to purchase a dragon fruit at a local fruit market. It was truly an interesting experience!
Dragon Fruit is an exotic and delicious fruit. It is also known as pitaya or pitahaya and
strawberry pear. The peel of the dragon
fruit is used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical applications. Dragon fruit is a healthy fruit which is low
in calories and rich in antioxidants.
The fruit is rich in protein, fiber, lycopene and carbohydrates. Some health benefits are that it aids in
weight loss, controlling diabetes, improving digestion, lowering cholesterol,
and boasting energy levels.
When cut open, the texture of the meat is similar to kiwi,
and it is filled with small black seeds which help improve digestion. The meat of the fruit can be used to make
wine or can be strained into other beverages.
The leaves can be steeped for a healthy tea.
1. Find
Dragon Fruit – it may not be available at your neighborhood grocery, but you
can usually find them at Asian markets
2. Select ripe fruit – it should be bright red or
pink. Press the flesh of the dragon
fruit, and if it has a little give it is probably ripe
3.
Cut the fruit in half lengthwise from the stem,
using a sharp knife. You will find white
flesh inside with tiny black seed throughout the fruit
4.
Scoop out the flesh with a spoon. If the fruit is ripe it will separate easily
5. Eat the dragon fruit – quartered, mixed with
other fruits, in smoothies or sorbet
