Undoubtedly one of the most colorful, vibrant and visually appealing fruits. Dragonfruit belongs to the cacti or cactus family hence name Pitaya. They are grown in areas such as Mexico,South Americas, South east Asia, Australia and are of three types, namely –
- Pitaya blanca or white-fleshed pitaya – Pink-skinned fruit with white flesh. Commonly seen “dragon fruit”
- Pitaya roja or red-fleshed pitaya – Red-skinned fruit with red flesh
- Pitaya amarilla or yellow pitaya – Yellow-skinned fruit with white flesh.
Dragon Fruit is a variant of the cactus family and has many healthy properties associated with it. It strengthens your immune system and provides the body with a great amount of fiber conent. Dragon fruit is also rich in magnesium which is responsible for breaking down food in the body aiding the digestion, it also helps in muscle contraction, bone formation and even the creation of DNA. Other dragon fruit facts are –
- ‘Dragon fruit’ is also known as ‘pitaya’, ‘nanettika fruit’, ‘strawberry pear’ and ‘pitahaya’.
- The weight of dragon fruit ranges from 150 to 1000 grams (5 to 35 ounces), although more commonly they range from 150 to 600 grams (5 to 21 ounces) and they are usually an ovoid or round shape.
- The skin of dragon fruit is usually, pink, red or yellow in colour, often with spiky leaf-like appendages generally tipped with green, and a red or white coloured flesh that contains numerous small, black, edible seeds.
- Dragon fruit has a mild flavour and is often compared to passionfruit, watermelon, raspberries and other fruit, depending on the species, and are usually sweet; though those from the Stenocerus are mostly sour.
- The large dragon fruit flowers require pollination during the night as they generally whither in the day and only last up to 24 hours, after which the fruit develops and is ready for picking from 30 to 50 days.
- Commonly, dragon fruit is eaten fresh or as an accompaniment to ice cream or other desserts, and it can be frozen, or used in drinks, jams and jelly.
- Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, and is a good source of iron and fibre.
Benefits Of DragonFruit !
SeQuential Eaters! 