Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a captivating and vibrant fruit with unique appearance and refreshing taste. This tropical fruit, native to Central America and now cultivated worldwide especially in tropical countries, comes in several different types, each with its own distinctive characteristics. Let’s explore all types of dragon fruit, their differences and benefits.
Types of Dragon Fruit
There are 3 types of dragon fruit: Red flesh, White flesh and yellow. The main differences between these are the color of the skin or the flesh and the nutrition facts. However, the taste is quite similar.
Red Flesh Dragon Fruit
One common dragon fruit is the one with red flesh. This variety is known for its vibrant magenta or deep purple flesh, which is visually striking and often described as having a subtly sweet taste. The exterior of the fruit is covered in a vibrant red or pinkish skin. The red flesh dragon fruit is not only visually appealing but also packs a nutritional punch, as it is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which are beneficial for the immune system and digestive health. The vibrant red color is a great component for a red smoothie or dessert.
White Flesh Dragon Fruit
In contrast to the vibrant red flesh dragon fruit, the white flesh variety offers a pure white flesh with black seeds yet a similar flavor. The inner flesh of this type is white with tiny black seeds spread throughout. The taste of white flesh dragon fruit can be described as mildly sweet, with hints of pear and kiwi. Like its red counterpart, white flesh dragon fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making it a healthy choice for those seeking a nutritious snack or an ingredient for your smoothie without changing the its color.
Yellow Dragon Fruit
Another type of dragon fruit that stands out from the rest is the yellow dragon fruit. It has a bright yellow skin and white or pale yellow flesh, in a relatively smaller size as compared with red or white flesh ones. The taste of yellow dragon fruit is often described as subtly sweet, with hints of citrus and floral notes. This variety is described as a slightly less tangy version of dragon fruit. Like other varieties, it is rich in vitamin and antioxidants, beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and promoting eye health.
How to cut a dragon fruit
Cutting a Dragon Fruit is quite similar to cutting a watermelon but pretty easier thanks to its soft skin. Total time to cut a dragon fruit into bite-size pieces is only 3 minutes. Before we begin, gather the following items:
- A ripe dragon fruit
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
Now, let’s get started:
Step 1: Select a Ripe Dragon Fruit
Choose a dragon fruit that is fully ripe, as an unripe fruit may lack the desired sweetness and flavor. Look for a fruit with vibrant colors, whether it’s a bright red, pink, or yellow variety. The skin should be firm but not too hard, and it may have a few slight blemishes, which is normal.
Step 2: Wash the Fruit
Before you begin cutting, wash it under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue that may be present on the skin.
Step 3: Cut the Fruit in Half
Hold the dragon fruit upright on the cutting board and make a vertical cut down the middle, splitting it into two halves.
Step 4: Cut the Flesh into Cubes or Slices
Now you can further cut it into bite-sized cubes or slices if desired.
If you prefer semicircle slices, you can cut the half horizontally into several smaller pieces. Otherwise, proceed to cut it in half again, creating four parts in total.
Now, it’s time to peel the skin. Hang the piece in one hand and use your finger tips of the other hand to peel it easily. If you would like to cut into cubes, just continue to cut the cubes from slices you have done above.
Now that you have successfully cut the dragon fruit, it is ready to be served and enjoyed. You can add the fruit to fruit salads, smoothies, or even enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack.
Remember, the skin of the dragon fruit is not typically eaten, so it is important to focus on cutting and enjoying the juicy flesh inside. With a little practice, you’ll become an expert at cutting dragon fruit and can savor this exotic fruit whenever the craving strikes.
How to cut a Dragon Fruit
Cutting a Dragon Fruit is quite similar to cutting a watermelon but pretty easier thanks to its soft skin. Total time to cut a dragon fruit into bite-size pieces is only 3 minutes.
Materials
- Ripe dragon fruits
Tools
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
Instructions
Step 1: Wash the Fruit
- Before you begin cutting, wash it under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue that may be present on the skin.
Step 2: Cut the Fruit in Half
- Hold the dragon fruit upright on the cutting board and make a vertical cut down the middle, splitting it into two halves.
Step 3: Cut the Flesh into Cubes or Slices
- Now you can further cut it into bite-sized cubes or slices if desired. If you prefer semicircle slices, you can cut the half horizontally into several smaller pieces. Otherwise, proceed to cut it in half again, creating four parts in total.
- Now, it's time to peel the skin. Hang the piece in one hand and use your finger tips of the other hand to peel it easily. If you would like to cut into cubes, just continue to cut the cubes from slices you have done above.
- Now that you have successfully cut the dragon fruit, it is ready to be served and enjoyed. You can add the fruit to fruit salads, smoothies, or even enjoy it on its own as a refreshing snack.
Other how-to instruction to cut fruits: