Dragonfruit: An Introduction

Grown in Southeast Asia, Mexico, Israel, and Central and South America, the dragonfruit, or pitaya, is being touted as a superfood. Some are already familiar with the unique fruit, but I know many are unaware of this delicious tropical fruit. For those who are unfamiliar with this exotic fruit, here's a little introduction to get you acquainted.

Some people claim it tastes like a kiwi/pear hybrid, although I believe the delicate flavor of pitaya cannot be summed up so easily. The spiked fruit can be anywhere in the white to red range, with varying shades of pink, with black speckled pulp inside.

Claims that pitaya is a superfood are attributed to its high nutrient content, potent dose of antioxidants, the fact that it is loaded with fiber (healthy prebiotic fiber that helps promote gut wellness), and its ability to stabilize blood sugar and boost immunity.

Dragonfruits are actually the fruit of a cactus species. They grow on the overhangs of these adaptable, sturdy plants.

image via wikimedia commons

When selecting a dragonfruit, make sure that the hue of the dragonfruit is bright and uniform, although some blemishes are unavoidable. A ripe dragonfruit can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but to make it last longer, seal it in an airtight bag or container and place it in the fridge.

To enjoy this tangy and sweet fruit, slice it in half and scoop out the innards. From there you can dice it or scoop it with a melon baller, and enjoy it in smoothies, salsas, salads, by itself or as an accompaniment to almost any dish.