What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit grows in Mexico, Central, and South America and is quite a lot of prickly pear cactus fruit. It will get its identify from its look, with its vibrant, scaly pores and skin resembling that of a dragon. It appears spectacular and a bit daunting however could be very straightforward to work with and is scrumptious. In Spanish, dragon fruit is known as the pitaya or pitahaya.
In Mexico, many cactus fruits are eaten just like the “tuna,” the candy fruit of 1 kind of prickly pear cactus and the xoconostle, the bitter fruit of one other. The two commonest varieties of dragon fruit are the white-fleshed and red-fleshed varieties. The white-fleshed dragon fruit, also called Hylocereus undatus, is characterised by its creamy flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. On the opposite hand, the red-fleshed dragon fruit, generally known as Hylocereus costaricensis, has a colourful magenta inside and a barely sweeter style. Both varieties are visually interesting and have a refreshing, mildly candy taste that’s usually likened to a mix of kiwi and pear. The seeds are edible.
How to Cut Dragon Fruit
The fruit appears a bit of scary and hard however it’s straightforward to chop and clear. Slice the fruit in half lengthwise.
Use a small knife to separate the flesh of the fruit from the outer pores and skin. Discard the pores and skin.
Once you might have eliminated the flesh from the outer pores and skin, lower the fruit into slices or cubes relying on how you propose to make use of it.
Dragon fruit slices with the pores and skin on make an exquisite garnish.
How to Choose Dragon Fruit
Look on the exterior of the fruit. A ripe dragon fruit can have a vibrant and evenly coloured pores and skin, free from any blemishes or mushy spots. The coloration can range between vibrant pink, yellow, or crimson, relying on the variability. Choose a fruit with a pores and skin that feels agency however not overly arduous. Give the fruit a delicate squeeze. A ripe dragon fruit ought to give barely when pressed, however it shouldn’t be too mushy. If the fruit feels too mushy or mushy, it could be overripe.
Pay consideration to the scales or spikes on the fruit’s pores and skin. The scales must be agency, with none indicators of wilting or drooping. Avoid fruits with scales that seem shriveled or withered, as they could be previous their prime..
How to Use Dragon Fruit
One of the best methods to take pleasure in dragon fruit is by slicing it open and scooping out the flesh with a spoon. The vibrant magenta or white inside of the fruit is mushy and juicy, with a texture harking back to kiwi or pear.
Dragon fruit will be blended into refreshing smoothies, aquas frescas or added to selfmade sorbets and ice lotions. Its naturally creamy texture lends itself effectively to frozen desserts. Experiment with mixtures of dragon fruit, coconut milk, and different fruits like mango or pineapple. It’s additionally an ideal addition to a Mexican fruit salad.
