The Exotic Taste of Dragon Fruit: A Simple Guide to Eating
Dragon fruit, also called pitaya or pitahaya, is an exotic fruit known for its fiery pink skin and speckled flesh. Apart from being visually unique, dragon fruit offers a lot of health benefits, including vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. But how exactly do you eat this mesmerizing fruit? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
1. Picking the Right Dragon Fruit:
When shopping for dragon fruit, pick one that feels slightly soft, similar to a ripe avocado. The skin should be bright, even-colored without too many blotches. There are varieties with both white and red flesh, each offering a subtly distinguishable taste.
2. Preparing the Fruit:
Cutting: Using a sharp knife, slice the dragon fruit in half lengthwise.
Scooping: Gently scoop out the flesh from each half with a spoon. The fruit’s interior texture resembles a kiwi, with tiny black seeds distributed throughout the soft, juicy flesh.
3. Eating Dragon Fruit: Raw:
The most typical way to enjoy dragon fruit is raw. After scooping out its flesh, it can be eaten straight away. The taste is mildly sweet, with a slight crunch from the seeds.
In Salads: Dice the scooped-out flesh into cubes and toss them in a fruit salad for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Smoothies: For a thirst-quenching tropical drink, blend dragon fruit with other fruits like banana or mango, adding a dash of yogurt or almond milk.
Grilled: Though unconventional, grilling dragon fruit slices can enhance its natural sweetness. Set it on a hot grill for a few minutes before repeating on the other side
4. Storing Leftovers:
If you don’t consume the entire fruit immediately, store the unused portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Incorporating dragon fruit into your diet not only adds a splash of color to your meals but also provides a nutritional boost. Whether eaten raw, in a salad or as part of a smoothie, the versatility and benefits of dragon fruit make it a worthy addition to any fruit bowl.