How To Eat Dragon Fruit
The dragon fruit is known by a variety of names such as pitaya, strawberry pear, or huo long guo, to name just a few of the monikers this cactus-like fruit is called. There are several species that are native to both Central and South America, especially Mexico. There are other varieties that have been cultivated in southeastern Asian countries such as Taiwan, China, Okinawa, Vietnam, and a few others. The dragon fruit is considered a healthy low-fat treat that is rich in vitamin c, fiber, antioxidants, and an abundance of minerals.
Step 1: Choosing The Perfect Fruit
The sight of a dragon fruit is one to behold. It is a beautiful fruit and typically comes in one of three colors. Two types of dragon fruit have similar pink-hued skin, but the flesh on the inside is either white or red. The third type is typically yellow and has white flesh. The taste of the dragon fruit is sweet and can be compared to a blend of the taste of a pear and a kiwi.
Look for a fruit with brightly colored skin. If you notice the fruit has a lot of blotches - having a few is fairly normal - it may be that your dragon fruit has overripened. Keep an eye out for dragon fruit that have a brown and brittle stem. This is another indication that the fruit may be overripe. Place the dragon fruit in the palm of your hand, and press the skin with your finger. A ripe dragon fruit will have some give to it, but it shouldn't feel mushy or soft. If you choose a firmer fruit, you will have to let it ripen over the next few days.
Step 2: Cutting The Dragon Fruit
Cutting the dragon fruit is fairly easy. Lay it on a flat surface or cutting board. Take a sharp knife, and cut it down the middle. Slice it through to the other sides so that the fruit can be separated into two sections. Inside you will see that the flesh will be either red or white, and both will have black, tiny seeds that will remind you of kiwi fruit.
Step 3: Getting To The Good Stuff
There are a few ways to get your dragon fruit ready to eat. We will use a method that utilizes a tablespoon to separate the skin from the flesh. You can run the spoon around the outside of the first section to get to the good parts. Once you have separated skin and flesh, lift it out and put it on a cutting board. Remember that the skin is not edible. Turn the dragon fruit around and remove any leftover skin. Slice the dragon fruit into cubes and eat. You will be amazed at the flavorful sensations that burst in your mouth and tickle your taste buds. So, the next time you are at the grocery store and you notice a prickly, cactus-like dragon fruit, pick one up and bring it home as a new taste sensation for your family.
