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Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to its unique appearance, exotic taste, and numerous health benefits.
Dragon fruit is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a superfood that’s great for your health. In this post, VINUT will introduce all about this healthy fruit.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya, is a tropical fruit belonging to the cactus family. The fruit is oval, with a bright pink or yellow exterior covered with thorny scales. Inside, the flesh is white or pink and speckled with small black seeds. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is often compared to kiwi or pear.
This fruit is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It can be eaten fresh or added to smoothies, salads, and other dishes. It is also sometimes used as a natural food coloring. Overall, dragon fruit is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is becoming more and more popular all over the world.
Three Main Varieties of Dragon Fruit
Hylocereus undatus
This is the most common variety of dragon fruit, easily recognized by its bright pink skin and white flesh with black seeds. It has a mild, sweet taste and is often used in smoothies and desserts.
Hylocereus costaricensis
This variety is sometimes called the “red dragon fruit” because of its deep red skin and red or pink flesh with black seeds. It has a slightly sweeter taste than the Hylocereus undatus variety.
Selenicereus megalanthus
This variety, also known as the yellow dragon fruit, has yellow skin and white flesh with black seeds. It has a more tart taste than the other varieties and is often used in drinks and juices.
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Boosts Immunity
The fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which are essential for a healthy immune system. They can help the body make white blood cells, which protect against infection and disease; thereby, helping to strengthen the immune system and protect your body from harmful free radicals.
Improves Digestive Health
It is a rich source of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion by regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation, and reducing the risk of digestive disorders.
High in Antioxidants
The fruit is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and betacyanin. These natural substances help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation, preventing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Promotes Heart Health
It is also rich in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Fiber is essential for maintaining good digestive health and promoting regular bowel movements.
Promotes A Healthy Gut
Dragon fruit is rich in prebiotics, a type of fiber that promotes growth and improves the balance of good bacteria in the gut. In addition, some studies also suggest that prebiotics may reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.
Culinary Uses
Smoothie and Juice
Dragon fruit is a great addition to smoothies and juices, giving them a beautiful pink color and a sweet, tropical flavor. Simply blend the fruit with your favorite fruits and vegetables for a delicious and nutritious drink.
Salad
The fruit can be chopped up and added to salads and salsas for a refreshing and exotic twist. Its mild flavor pairs well with other tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple.
Dessert
Dragon fruit is a popular ingredient in desserts such as sorbets, ice creams, and cakes. Its sweet and tangy flavor adds a unique twist to traditional desserts, making them both delicious and visually appealing.
How to Select and Store Dragon Fruit?
When selecting dragon fruit, look for fruit that is firm and evenly colored, with bright green scales. Avoid fruit that is overly soft or has brown spots on the skin.
Dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To store dragon fruit, simply wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.
