Everything You Need to Know About Dragon Fruit

Overview

Native to Central America, South America, and Mexico, dragon fruit is now grown across the globe and known by a number of names, including moonlight cactus, cactus fruit, pitahaya, pitaya, Belle of the night, and strawberry pear. This fruit gets its name from its unique appearance; it has red skin and green scales that make it appear like a dragon. Dragon fruit plant is a fast-growing crop and once established it can give good yield for over 20 years. It comes in many varieties and looks quite exotic. However, its taste is sweet and a combination of the flavors of a pear and a kiwi.

Varieties of Dragon Fruit

• Hylocereus megalanthus (Also known as pitaya Amarilla)

Native to South America, it features yellow skin with white pulp and black seeds.

• Hylocereus costaricensis(Also known as pitaya Roja)

Native to Costa Rica, it is also known as Costa Rican Pitaya. It features red/pink skin with red pulp and black, pear-shaped seeds.

• Hylocereus undatus(Also known as pitaya blanca)

It features red/pink skin with white pulp and black seeds.

• Hylocereus polyrhizus (Also known as Red Pitaya)

Native to Mexico, it features pink skin and red flesh.

Nutritional Value

Per 100 grams of dragon fruit has:

• Calories: 60
• Carbs:13 grams
• Protein:2 grams
• Fibre:3 grams
• Fat:0 grams
• Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
• Iron:4% of the RDI
• Vitamin C:3% of the RDI

Informational Facts About Dragon Fruit

• There are many different varieties of Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit plants are grown in various parts of the world and the fruit comes in many varieties. The commonly available varieties of dragon fruit include pitaya Amarilla, pitaya Roja, and pitaya Blanca.

• It is rich in Iron and Fibre

A number of studies have brought to light that dragon fruit is rich in fiber and iron. Hence, adding dragon fruit to your daily diet is quite important for your health.

• It is Packed with Vitamins

It is a matter of fact that dragon fruit is a powerhouse of vitamins. According to studies, it has a rich content of vitamin B2 and vitamin C. Including dragon fruit in your regular diet can give a boost to your daily intake of vitamins.

• It is a Powerhouse of Antioxidants

Dragon fruit is packed with many types of antioxidants. Some of the key antioxidants found in the pulp of the dragon fruit include Betalains, Flavonoids, and Hydroxycinnamates.

• It is Very Easy to Eat

Eating dragon fruit is super easy, though it may seem otherwise. You can cut the fruit into two halves and just scoop out the pulp with a spoon. You can then eat the fruit directly or add it to your salad bowl.

• It Can be Added to Savoury Dishes

Though dragon fruit is sweet and makes for a great addition to your desserts, it can also be an excellent ingredient to use in savory dishes. This versatile ingredient can be used in a number of savory delicacies, including dragon fruit salsa, dragon fruit vinaigrette, and vegan fried rice. Dragon fruit balances sweetness and savouriness in certain recipes and adds to the taste. You can also use dragon fruit powder in your sweet and savory dishes.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are not intended to cure any disease or comply with any health benefits. This is solely for information purposes. Please consult your doctor/health practitioner before consumption of the product. Although we take efforts to keep our website informative, we do not guarantee any medical benefits.