The dragon fruit is ripe when the skin is smooth, bright pink, and slightly puffy when squeezed. It should not be hard or mushy. Fruit usually ripen 27-33 days after flowering.
Dragon fruit are tropical delights with sweet, juicy flesh. But how do you know if the dragon fruit you purchased is ripe enough to enjoy?
First, check the color of a ripe dragon fruit. Ripe dragon fruits tend to have saturated fuchsia or red with scales tipped in lime green or yellow.
How to Tell If Dragon Fruit Ripe
Sweetness
Dragon fruit varieties vary in sweetness; yellow dragon fruits tend to be the sweetest, while white and pink varieties have less sweetness.
When a dragon fruit is mature, it should have an attractive shiny appearance with bright lime green to yellow scales and glossy skin. Furthermore, it must remain firm without becoming hard.
Additionally, squeeze the flesh with your thumb or finger and it should give a little. A fruit that feels too mushy or has no give will be overripe.
To enjoy ripe dragon fruit, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon or melon baller. Eat as you would a baby watermelon slice; alternatively, you can incorporate it into fruit salads or smoothie bowls for added nutrition and flavor.
Flavor
Ripe dragon fruit has a mildly sweet flavor, often described as being similar to pear or kiwi with an extremely soft texture.
Not only is this tropical fruit super nutritious and delicious in smoothies and other drinks, but it’s also super healthy – but to ensure you buy only ripe one, be sure to know how to tell when it’s ready for consumption.
To determine if a dragon fruit is ripe, pick it up and press your thumb against its skin. It should feel soft but not mushy when pressed against.
Your fruit should have a firm, juicy interior that contains purple, dark pink or white flesh as well as tiny seeds of black color.
Dragon fruit can be cut into slices, cubes or balls to serve with dinner or as a garnish on salads. It makes an excellent addition to any summer or fall meal; however, its flavors are best enjoyed fresh so eat it soon after cutting.
Texture
When dragon fruit is ripe, its creamy flesh reminds you of a kiwi. Inside are small black edible seeds that contain heart-healthy fats.
When shopping for ripe dragon fruit, look for brightly-colored fruits with no bruises or dark spots. Additionally, their skin should be smooth and glossy.
When selecting fruit for baking, look for those that give slightly when squeezed. Avoid those that appear shriveling, soft or mushy.
Ripe dragon fruit has a delicate, sweet flavor that’s often described as a cross between pear and kiwi or watermelon. It makes an excellent addition to salads, smoothies and shakes.
Cutting a dragon fruit is simple: split it in two and scoop out the flesh – similar to how you would peel an avocado.
Color
Dragon fruit ripeness can range from bright yellow to red, depending on the variety. It should have an even hue without blemishes or knife marks.
If the fruit appears discolored or has many dark spots, it may be overripe and not worth purchasing. Look for softness that yields to light pressure – like an avocado or ripe mango.
Another way to determine when a dragon fruit is ripe is by inspecting its wing tips, which curl outward from the fruit. Fully mature dragon fruits will have relatively even plates with wings that have begun to dry and turn brown.
Dragon fruit flesh is firm, juicy and slightly soft when touched. You can easily remove it from its skin and enjoy plain or in smoothies, jams or sauces.
How Long Does Dragon Fruit Take to Ripe?
Dragon fruit usually ripens 27-33 days after flowering. To determine when your dragon fruit is ripe, look for red or yellow fruit with a soft, fleshy skin.
You can also measure the ripeness by pressing the skin of the fruit with your thumb.
Harvested dragon fruit should be refrigerated for up to 3 months before eating.
