Konnichi wa / Great Outdoors

Introduction

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit native to Central America and South America, Southeast Asia, and other tropical climates.

It is a beautiful, exotic fruit that is becoming increasingly popular due to its sweet flavor and health benefits.

Whether you’re looking to make a delicious fruit salad, smoothie bowl, or smoothie, cutting a dragon fruit is an essential first step.

Here’s how to do it.

Watch this video on how to cut a dragon fruit!

What You Need Before getting started, gather the following supplies:

Sharp chef's knife
Paring knife
Melon baller
Cutting board
Baking sheet
Airtight container

Types of Dragon Fruit

There are two main types of dragon fruit plant: yellow and pink. The yellow dragon fruit has a milder flavor, while the pink dragon fruit is sweeter. Both types have a white flesh dotted with tiny black seeds.

Selecting a Ripe Dragon Fruit

When selecting a fresh dragon fruit, look for one that is slightly soft to the touch and has a vibrant, smooth skin. Avoid any that have bruises, dark spots, or a wrinkled appearance.

Cutting a Dragon Fruit

Once you’ve selected a ripe dragon fruit, it’s time to start cutting.

Begin by washing the dragon fruit under cold water and patting it dry with a paper towel.
Next, use a sharp knife to cut the dragon fruit in half lengthwise.
Then, use a paring knife to cut each half into smaller pieces.
If desired, you can also use a melon baller to scoop out the flesh in neat, round balls.
Once the dragon fruit is cut, place the pieces on a cutting board or baking sheet.
Transfer the pieces to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Benefits of Dragon Fruit

Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

In addition to being delicious, dragon fruit is also packed with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and is also rich in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in the body.

Dragon Fruit Taste

Dragon fruit has a sweet taste with a mild flavor. It is often compared to kiwi fruit in terms of flavor. Some people find the tiny black seeds to be slightly crunchy.

Using Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is often used in fruit salads, smoothie bowls, and smoothies. It can also be used to top yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream.

Dragon Fruit Cuttings

Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus that can be propagated from cuttings. To take cuttings, use a sharp knife to cut a section of the stem that has at least one node (a bump where leaves or branches will grow). Place the cutting in a pot filled with soil and keep it in a warm, sunny spot until it takes root.

Ripening Process

If you have an unripe dragon fruit, you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas released by the other fruits will help the dragon fruit to ripen and become a fresh fruit faster.