On the outside, it’s got a tough, bright pink skin with some spikey green scales. On the inside, you get tender flesh in either white, pink, magenta, or red, and brimming with tiny black seeds. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never tried this foreign fruit, but with its myriad of healthful benefits (from Vitamin A to Omega-3s), you may want to reconsider! While it is more widely consumed in Southeast Asia and Latin America, dragon fruit has also become quite popular in the United States in recent years. Want to get in on this delicious trend? You’ve come to the right place. From what it tastes like, to what to eat it with, we’ve compiled all there is to know about dragon fruit.
What is Dragon Fruit?
Also known as pitahaya, dragon fruit grows on certain cactus species native to the Americas. However, the fruit has also been cultivated in Southeast Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, and the United States.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
There are a variety of ways to describe what dragon fruit tastes like. As we’ve mentioned – there’s nothing quite like it, so it’s not a simple task. But the majority of its consumers agree that it tastes like a cross between a kiwi, watermelon, and a pear. Because of its highly intriguing appearance, you might think dragon fruit has an equally out-of-this-world flavor profile. But it’s actually quite the opposite. It has very mild flavors, the most discernible being sweet. Some say its sweetness resembles that of a watermelon, albeit more subtle. The flesh is tender, you can scoop it out with a spoon. It has a somewhat gritty texture – much like a pear. And, just like kiwi, it’s got tons of tiny black edible seeds that offer a nice crunch. Overall, eating a dragon fruit gives a nice tropical and refreshing vibe.
How to Make Dragon Fruit Taste Better
While there’s nothing wrong with eating dragon fruit on its own, its mild flavor could be a little boring to some. So, here are some ways to make things more exciting: Drizzle with honey. This simple approach makes a huge difference. The sweetness in honey makes up for the flavor lacking in dragon fruit. Top it with yogurt. A simple Greek yogurt will give this watery fruit some creaminess. You may even top it with some toasted almonds and macadamia nuts to give it a nice crunch. Turn it into a smoothie. Enhance its subtle flavor by mixing it with bananas and berries. To make a dragon fruit smoothie, place some slices of dragon fruit, banana, and berries into a blender. Then add your choice of base – yogurt, cow milk, soy milk, or nut milk are all great options. Next up, add the sweetener – this could be sugar, syrup, or honey. Blend those ingredients using the “pulp” function until smooth. Finally, pour into a glass and drink up! Make fruit kebabs. This is a perfect healthy snack for summer! Slice your dragon fruit into small bite-sized cubes. Then do the same with your choice of fruits – we highly suggest ripe mangoes and pineapples. Thread the fruits onto wooden skewers and then lay them on the grill. Cook over medium-high heat until brown on one side. Flip them over and cook until the other side turns brown. Sprinkle with some sugar and serve this tasty treat.
Is Dragon Fruit Good For You?
Absolutely, 100% yes. Dragon fruit is chock-full of vitamins and nutrients including Vitamins A and C, Calcium, Iron, protein, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s low in calories – just 60 calories per 100 grams – making it a fantastic snack for all you weight-watchers out there. Eating dragon fruit on a regular basis offers a ton of health benefits. Plus, it’s packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Because it contains Vitamin C, dragon fruit also helps boost your immune system. Which can help prevent a common cold or flu. This awesome fruit also contains lycopene – an antioxidant known to help reduce cancer cells in the body. Since it’s also packed with fiber, dragon fruit promotes healthy digestion too. A serving of dragon fruit (100 grams) gives you 2.9 grams of fiber, which is already 11% of your daily fiber requirement. Not only does the fiber aid in digestion, but it also helps lower your blood sugar, making it an ideal snack for those with type-2 diabetes. Dragon fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s ideal for those who suffer from arthritis. It works as a natural pain killer! As if it couldn’t get any better, dragon fruit is also good for the skin. The Vitamin C, fiber, and minerals in the fruit help repair cell damage, which can add to a youthful glow. Click on a star to rate it!
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