What Exactly Is It?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit from the cactus family that looks quite special. There are lots of healthy fruits on the market. Bananas, green grapes, Red Delicious apples, and oranges are some common ones. Other fruits may be less familiar, such as dragon fruit.
What Does It Look Like?
It can have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon or can be yellow-skinned with white pulp and black seeds. Though both look exotic, their taste is similar and best described as a cross between a kiwi and a pear.
Is Dragon Fruit Healthy?
Per Healthline, a dependable leading source of health and wellness information, dragon fruit contains a variety of nutrients, including 3% of the RDI for vitamin C and 4% of the RDI for Iron-based on a serving of 3.5 ounces or 100 grams. Dragon fruit is rich in fiber (3 grams) and magnesium (10% of the RDI) and is also low in calories (60); thus, it is categorized as a highly nutrient-dense fruit. It also contains chemicals that act as antioxidants, and those compounds are thought to help protect the body.
Where Is This Fruit From?
Dragon fruit is native to Mexico and Central America but can be grown throughout the world. In the USA, it can be purchased in Asian markets and in most grocery stores. Dragon fruit can be expensive and thus may be considered an indulgence.
What Does It Taste Like?
This cool and somewhat intimidating-looking fruit can be served alone, paired with meats such as pork tenderloin, added to fruit salads or smoothies, and be used in place of tomatoes in salsa, as some recipe examples. The refreshing and slightly sweet fruit can also be made into wine or desserts and is easy to ripen on the countertop. Like most fruit, it grows sweeter as it softens. Prior to serving, it can be washed, dried, and cut in quarters. While the skin is generally not edible, the flesh and seeds are quite tasty.
Is It Safe To Eat?
Though dragon fruit is generally safe to eat and is well-tolerated by most individuals, those with fruit allergies should exercise caution. Anyone experiencing rare symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the tongue, or hives, should seek medical help immediately. As always, if taking medications, be sure to ask your doctor or check for drug and food interactions before trying new foodstuffs.
Can Diabetics Eat Dragon Fruit?
For example, medications for diabetes may interact with dragon fruit thus it is best for those on certain diabetes medications to avoid the fruit to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low. Remember that education and health always go hand in hand.
Fun Fact
Did you know that dragon fruit grows on the Hylocereus cactus, also known as the Honolulu queen, whose flowers only open at night? I’m not sure if real dragons are nocturnal, but if they are, this fruit sure holds up to its name!
