The Essential Guide to Enjoying Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit has become quite popular in recent years. Although it has a unique look and flavor, its nutritious qualities make it a welcome ingredient in many recipes.

This guide will help you get to know dragon fruit better. You’ll learn how to find the best ones at the store, how to prepare one for eating, and fun recipes to try.

You’ll also find some knife recommendations to help with preparation.

What Is a Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit is sometimes called strawberry pear, pitahaya, or pitaya. It grows on a cactus called the “Honolulu Queen,” which is unique because its flowers only open at night.

 Although dragon fruit is now grown worldwide, it was originally native to Central America and Mexico. ^[]

Types of Dragon Fruit

You can find two main types of dragon fruit in most markets. The most common has green scales and bright red skin on the outside. 

The inside of the fruit has white pulp and black seeds. Another common type has red pulp and black seeds with the same outer skin.

 A third, less common variety has white pulp and black seeds with yellow skin.

How to Choose a Dragon Fruit

The best dragon fruits have brightly colored skin with even tones.

 Avoid choosing one with a dry, shriveled stem or many brown spots. These signs mean the fruit is overripe. ^[]

How to Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe

The flesh of a dragon fruit should have a slight give when pressed. If it feels as firm as an apple, it probably needs a few more days to ripen.

 If the dragon fruit is overripe, it will be softer. At that stage, it feels more like a ripe avocado.

What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?

The flavor of ripe dragon fruit is similar to pear or kiwi. Since the flesh is firm, you can eat it when ripe without much trouble. It’s mildly sweet, with a texture like watermelon.

 All the different types have a similar flavor. It isn’t strong, but the fruit stands out when used in various recipes.

Why Is Dragon Fruit So Expensive?

Dragon fruit is an imported product for most consumers. That means the price at the store includes transportation and labor costs related to shipping. ^[]

It’s also an exotic fruit, which increases demand. Since supplies are somewhat limited, scarcity drives up prices.

After planting, the cactus that produces dragon fruit can take 2.5 years before the first fruit develops. Part of the cost includes the growing expenses for farmers.

Since dragon fruit is believed to offer several health benefits, its popularity can create micro-markets where prices rise even higher.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Dragon Fruit?

A typical dragon fruit serving provides several nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, and iron. The following nutritional facts are based on a standard 100g serving. ^[]

Calories Per Serving:	60
Protein Content:	1.2 grams
Fat Content:	0 grams
Carbohydrates:	13 grams
Fiber:	3 grams
Vitamin C:	3% of RDI
Iron:	4% of RDI
Magnesium:	10% of RDI

 

RDI stands for “recommended daily intake.”

Dragon fruit also contains betalains, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids. These antioxidants protect cells from unstable molecules linked to aging and chronic diseases. ^[]

How to Cut Dragon Fruit

You don’t want to eat the skin of a dragon fruit. That’s why it’s sometimes compared to a kiwi or an avocado.

These steps will help you access the inner pulp quickly and easily so you can enjoy the flavors and nutrients of dragon fruit.

Step #1: Cut It in Half

Place the dragon fruit on a stable cutting board. You’ll want a sharp knife to slice through it. You’ll notice the skin’s texture is similar to a mango.

 

Step #2: Remove the Skin

When you remove the skin from a dragon fruit, you can use two proven methods for a successful result.

•  Peeling the skin is possible if you cut the fruit into quarters. You can remove it the same way you peel a banana.
• You can scoop the pulp out of the dragon fruit just like you would with an avocado.

 

Step #3: Cut into Smaller Pieces

You can slice the dragon fruit thinly or thickly. It all depends on how you plan to serve and eat it.

•  Slicing the fruit is the easiest method. You can scoop out the pulp and cut it into whatever size you prefer.
• Cut the slices into cubes if you want a more uniform presentation with the dragon fruit.
• You can use a melon baller to create smooth spheres of pulp to enjoy.

 

Dragon Fruit Recipes: 10 Ways to Eat Dragon Fruit

It can be a lot of fun to experiment with dragon fruit in the kitchen. Here are some of the best ways to use this product right now.

1. Blend into Smoothies

Dragon fruit works in almost any smoothie. Since it adds texture and dimension, it works well as a banana substitute. You can also pair it with coconut, strawberry, or matcha flavors. If you prefer green smoothies, try adding some to freshly processed kale.

2. Make Stunning Bowls

You can turn dragon fruit into an ice cream-like treat by mixing it with almond milk. Add a little ice to the mixture for extra texture. Once you reach the right consistency, pour it into a bowl with some granola, shaved coconut, and local honey.

3. Add to Salads

A sweet summer salad with dragon fruit can be refreshing without being overpowering. Any recipe that includes strawberries can use this ingredient as a substitute. 

For an extra burst of flavor, try using a pomegranate vinaigrette for a touch of acidity that adds depth to the flavor profile. 

4. Make a Sweet Dragon Fruit Salsa

Enhance a main dish featuring seafood by adding a dragon fruit salsa. You can chop some grilled pineapple to add to your white cubes while finishing the mixture with lime juice, lemon juice, cilantro, and olive oil. 

If you want salsa with a kick, try adding a pinch of ground cayenne to the mix. 

5. Toss a Dragon Fruit Salad

You can add dragon fruit to any fruit salad recipe you like. One of the best options is an ambrosia salad, which includes pineapples, mandarin oranges, fresh coconut, and marshmallows.

6. Prepare Dragon Fruit Poke

Poke is taking the world by storm. You can replace the ahi tuna in a bowl with dragon fruit to create a vegan-friendly recipe. Add some edamame, avocado, cucumber, radishes, carrots, and brown rice for a satisfying dish.  

7. Make a Dragon Fruit Kebab

The different shapes you can carve out of dragon fruit make it an attractive addition to any kebab. For a fun and healthy snack, use a sturdy skewer with your favorite fruits, including apples, pears, and others with firm flesh.

 8. Prepare Dragon Fruit by Itself

You can eat dragon fruit without any preparation. Slice it in half with a sharp knife, scoop out the flesh, and enjoy!

If you want to add flavor complexities to this snack, try dipping it in a little honey, followed by a touch of chili powder.

9. Make a Dragon Fruit Sorbet

You can make a dragon fruit sorbet by mixing about five cups of it with one cup of sugar. Blend it together to create a base. It should be completely liquefied. You can strain it to remove the tiny seeds if you want. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice, then chill it overnight.

You’ll need to churn it in the morning for about 15 minutes. Transfer the sorbet into containers and freeze for about four hours.

10. Create Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

You can make no-churn ice cream with dragon fruit that will have all the neighbors talking! Here are the steps to follow.

• Pour a prepared ice cream base (heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and dragon fruit extract) into a freezer bag.
• Place that bag into a larger one. Place ice and rock salt around the mixture before sealing it.
• Shake the bag for about ten minutes.

Where to Buy Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is exotic enough that it isn’t always available at local grocery stores. If you have an import market in your community, there’s a better chance of finding something fresh there.

You can also buy dragon fruit online from some marketplaces. It is a bit more expensive to shop online because of the extra shipping costs.

How to Select and Store Dragon Fruit

The leathery and colorful skin of a dragon fruit indicates that it is an excellent specimen to select.

If the flesh feels firm, you can store it on the counter for a few days to help it ripen.

Once a dragon fruit becomes soft, it’s time to transfer it to your refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Storing it in a plastic bag or container can preserve its quality for a few extra days.

When Is Dragon Fruit in Season?

Since dragon fruit comes from equatorial climates, it’s a fruit that can be grown all year. Anywhere with a hot summer and a warm winter is a great place for this crop. ^[]

That’s why you’ll see the biggest dragon fruit producers are in the Americas, the Caribbean, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Crops grown in the United States are in season during the summer months.

Knife Recommendations for Cutting Dragon Fruit

 A sharp knife is essential for those who want to enjoy dragon fruit. Although it slices relatively easily, a dull blade can cause bruising or create unwanted textures on the pulp.

That’s why SHAN ZU knives are the preferred tool to use when you want to enjoy dragon fruit more often.

Here are the best knives to consider using from SHAN ZU.

1. 3.75-Inch GYO Series Paring Knife

This knife does an excellent job of producing precision cuts. It slices with fantastic detail, delivering the speed needed for hand peeling when preferred. The blade is made with 67 layers of Japanese AUS-10V high carbon steel. Since it uses a thin double-bevel design, it’s exceptionally thin for sharpness.

2. 15-Centimeter SUN Series Utility Knife

This authentic Damascus knife offers a beautiful pattern that quickly processes dragon fruit. You’ll find the size creates efficient work, using a full tang design that works well in either hand. Once you’ve finished your slicing work, you can easily transition to the other ingredients in your recipe.

3. 18-Centimeter Classic Series Santoku Knife

When held in your hand, this knife is a multifunctional masterpiece for the home. It cuts, dices, and slices with simple precision. It’s tough enough to carve meat from the bone, yet it is gentle enough to preserve the best attributes of a dragon fruit. The blade contains up to 18% chromium to prevent tarnishing and corrosion.

4. 8-Inch Pro Series Chef’s Knife

With exceptional precision and sharpness, this knife is a multipurpose workhorse for the kitchen. It easily handles every task, including preparing a dragon fruit for smoothies, fruit salads, and more. The hammered tsuchime pattern adds visual value to this investment while offering a rust-resistant finish you’ll appreciate.

Are You Ready to Enjoy Some Dragon Fruit Today?

Dragon fruit is a versatile ingredient that works well by itself or in numerous recipes. You can treat it as a healthy snack, a sweet dessert, or a critical addition to a salad or a main course.

After selecting your dragon fruit, it helps to have a reliable knife available to cut, slice, and dice to your heart’s content. SHAN ZU knives deliver a consistent result time and time again.

The only question that remains is this: are you ready to start eating more dragon fruit?