Is it OK to eat pink dragon fruit? This article explores the benefits and what to look for in this exotic fruit.
Dragon fruit, also referred to as pink pitaya or pitahaya, is an iconic tropical fruit with a fleshy white or purple interior and an irresistibly crunch from tiny black seeds.
It is an excellent source of antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acid, that can protect your cells from free radical damage. Furthermore, it’s naturally fat-free and a high-fiber fruit.
Pink Dragon Fruit Benefits
Nutrition
You may have come across the odd-looking dragon fruit with artichoke-like scales protruding, but it offers more than just aesthetic appeal. Pink dragon fruit boasts high levels of fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C for optimal health benefits.
In a 6-ounce serving, you’ll get 13g of carbohydrates and 5 grams of fiber that help keep you full for longer. Plus, it contains some protein as well.
Fruit is an excellent source of vitamins C and carotenoids, which strengthen the body’s immunity by shielding white blood cells from damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, betacyanins, betalains and polyphenolic compounds in this fruit possess anti-inflammatory effects.
Prebiotics, also known as probiotics, nourish the beneficial bacteria called probiotics in your gut. This helps maintain a balanced ratio between good and bad bacteria and encourages the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacterium which may reduce the risk of disease-causing infections.
Flavor
Dragon fruit is a delectably sweet tropical fruit with notes of kiwi and pear. It also features tiny black edible seeds which give the treat its unique nutty taste and crunch.
Dragon fruit comes in four main varieties. The pink skinned, white flesh type is the most widespread and least sweet of them all; it may be sold under names such as Alice, Cosmic Charlie, David Bowie, Guyute, Harpua, L.A Woman, Neitzel, Seoul Kitchen or Thomson.
The pink skinned, red or pink flesh dragon fruit has a larger and sweeter flesh than its white flesh counterpart. They may be sold under names such as American Beauty, Makisupa, Delight, Makisupa cosmic Charlie, Voodoo Child, Bloody Mary or Purple Haze.
Storage
These exotic fruits may look intimidating, but they’re actually quite simple to store and prepare. When ripe, they make for delicious raw snacks or frozen smoothies – try throwing one into your fruit salad for something different!
Ripe dragon fruit should be stored in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for approximately one week. You may also freeze it for longer-term storage, but this requires additional steps.
First, check the fruit for ripeness. Look for bright, evenly-colored pink skin that feels soft but not mushy when touched.
Once your fruit is ripe, peel it like an avocado by taking off its skin.
Once your dragon fruit has dried, you can dice, slice or cube its vibrant flesh for various recipes. You could even use this technique to make salad dressing or salsa! Just be mindful when storing your fruits so they don’t get spoiled by other foods.
Preparation
Dragon fruit makes the ideal addition to a summery smoothie or sherbet. Add some pieces to your favorite sorbet recipe for an extra dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
It can also be added to a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, fruit pizzas and desserts. Its mild flavor and beautiful flesh make it versatile enough for incorporation into almost any recipe.
Pink dragon fruit tends to be sweeter than its white-fleshed counterpart. The flavor can be less intense and it may not always look as vibrant – though you may come across some varieties with red or yellow skins and fruit flesh that looks like a mix between kiwi and watermelon.
No matter which variety of dragon fruit you select, cutting it vertically or using a melon baller to scoop out its soft interior flesh is your preferred method. Once cut up into cubes, these snacks can be served as snacks or part of an elegant fruit plate presentation.
What to Look For When Shopping for Dragon Fruit
If you’re in search of dragon fruits, head over to your nearest supermarket or farmer’s market. Most stores carry a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes available for purchase.
When selecting dragon fruit, you should pay special attention to its stems and branches. Some varieties have extremely thorny stems which can be painful when chewed into, while others feature less-thorny branches for easier handling.
