Dragon fruit – Everything you need to know about this trending superfood

Dragon fruit – Everything you need to know about this trending superfood

You might have been wondering what on earth is the new fruit trend setter Dragon Fruit?

You may have seen some of these strange-looking tropical fruits at the grocery store and been curious about what it is.

This fruit, also known as Pitaya, is a trending new superfood that is starting to show up more and more often on supermarket shelves.

This article will tell you all about Pitaya: what it is, what it tastes like, and some of the health and wellness benefits that come with eating this nutrient-rich fruit.

What is dragon fruit?

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that is native to Central America and South America.

Dragon fruit is the fruit of the cactus plant that can grow up to 16 feet tall and produces large, bright fruit that resembles the skin of a mythical dragon.

The most common type of dragon fruit has pink skin with green scales, but it can also be found in red or white.

The flesh of the dragon fruit is soft and creamy with small black seeds throughout.

What does dragon fruit taste like?

Dragon fruit has a mildly sweet taste and a slightly chewy texture.

The flavor has been described as a cross between a kiwi, a pear, and a watermelon.

The taste can vary depending on the variety and ripeness when harvested.

What do different varieties of dragon fruit taste like?

There are three main types of dragon fruit:

Hylocereus undatus, Hylocereus costaricensis, and Selenicereus megalanthus.

Hylocereus undatus

pink skinned dragon fruit

Hylocereus undatus

Is the most common type and has pink skin with green scales.

The flesh of this variety is white with black seeds and has a mild sweet flavor similar to kiwi or pear.

Red dragon fruit

Hylocereus costaricensis (red dragon fruit)

Is native to Costa Rica and has red skin with yellow scales.

The flesh of this variety is also white with small dark seeds but the flavor is more tart than sweet.

Selenicereus megalanthus

Is native to Mexico and has white skin with purple scales which ripens to stunning yellow skin.

The flesh of this variety is also white with black seeds but the flavor is more watermelon-like and is thought of as the sweetest tasting variety by many.


Dragon Fruit Nutrition Facts

Dragon fruit is a low-calorie fruit that is high in fiber and antioxidants.

It is also a good source of vitamins C and B, phosphorus, calcium, and iron.

One cup of dragon fruit contains approximately:

  • 60 calories,
  • 15 grams of carbohydrates,
  • 2 grams of protein,
  • 3 grams of fat.

Health Benefits

The high nutrition provided by dragon fruit can offer an abundance of excellent health benefits for our body.

The high fiber content in dragon fruit can help to regulate digestion and the black seeds contain healthy omega-fatty acids that benefit heart health.

It is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, phosphorus, and calcium which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Dragon fruit is also known to boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and help to prevent certain types of cancer.

Dragon fruit is also a good source of antioxidants.

Antioxidants benefit our body by protecting us from cell damage and reducing the risk of some chronic diseases.

Some studies have shown that flesh may also have anti-inflammatory properties and be effective in reducing blood sugar levels.

This means they can be a great dietary addition to fight type 2 diabetes.

What are 5 health benefits of dragon fruit?

  1. The high fiber content in can help to regulate digestion and the black seeds contain healthy omega-fatty acids that benefit heart health.
  2. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, phosphorus, and calcium which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
  3. It is also known to boost the immune system, fight inflammation, and help to prevent certain types of cancer.
  4. Is also a good source of antioxidants.
  5. Some studies have shown that flesh may also have anti-inflammatory properties and be effective in reducing blood sugar levels.

Is dragon fruit a superfood?

YES!!!!

Pitaya is a trending new superfood that is starting to show up more and more often on supermarket shelves.

This exotic nutrition powerhouse is not only visually stunning but its white flesh is also packed with vitamin c, nutrients, and antioxidants that offer a multitude of health benefits.

If you are looking for a nutritious addition to your diet, this nature’s delight is a great option!

How to eat dragon fruit

The easiest way method for eating is to cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.

You can also cut into quarters, which makes it easier to peel the tough outer skin, leaving the delicious flesh ready to eat as you please.

The flesh dragon fruit may be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or salads.

If you want to get creative, you can even use the flesh to make cocktails or desserts!

Is dragon fruit good for weight loss?

Yes, it is definitely good for weight loss!

Pitaya is low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to lose weight.

The antioxidants and vitamin C that it contains also help boost the immune system and fight inflammation, which can lead to weight gain.

Thus, eating pitaya is a great way to not only lose weight but also improve overall health!

Can you eat the peel of Pitaya?

The skin is edible but it can be quite tough.

If you choose to eat the skin, it is best to cut the fruit into quarters or slices first to make it easier to chew.

The skin of the dragon fruit contains many nutrients, so it is definitely worth eating if you can!

What are the side effects of eating dragon fruit?

There are no known side effects of eating Pitaya.

However, as with any food, it is possible dragon fruit may cause an allergic reaction.

If you experience any symptoms after eating dragon fruit, such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Other than that, enjoy this delicious and nutritious fruit!

What is the price of dragon fruit?

The price of dragon fruit can vary depending on the time of year and where you purchase it however it is generally considered rather expensive for a piece of fruit (superfood or not).

In general, dragon fruit costs about $0.50-$0.70 per ounce.

So, a typical dragon fruit would cost between $7.00 – $12.00 each.

However, prices may be higher or lower depending on the season and availability.

Dragon fruit is typically available year-round in most supermarkets.

If you love to eat dragon fruit but don’t appreciate the high price to buy one, it is possible to grow your own if you live in the right kind of climate to do so.

How to grow dragon fruit

Dragon fruit is a tropical plant that requires warm weather and lots of sunlight to grow.

It is not possible to grow dragon fruit in cold climates.

If you want to try growing dragon fruit, you will need to start with a cutting or seedling from a mature plant.

Plant the cutting or seedling in well-drained soil in an area that gets full sun.

Water dragon fruit plants regularly and fertilize them monthly to encourage growth.

It will take about three to five years for a dragon fruit plant to mature and produce fruit.

Once it begins bearing fruit, a dragon fruit plant can produce several pounds of dragon fruit each year.

What are the disadvantages of dragon fruit?

While dragon fruit is generally considered to provide health benefits, there are a few disadvantages to eating it.

Dragon fruit contains high amounts of sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike if eaten in large quantities.

It is also important to note that the seeds of dragon fruit contain oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones if consumed in large amounts.

If you are concerned about either of these issues, it is best to moderate your intake of dragon fruit or speak with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet.

However the health nutrition facts far outweigh the disadvantages and providing medical advice, diagnosis or treatment says otherwise, consuming this should not cause any problems.


Conclusion

Eating this magical fruit is a great way to provide health benefits and lose weight.

The fruit contains many vitamins and minerals, plus antioxidants that can improve overall health.

This delicious fruit is low in calories and high in dietary fiber making it a great choice to add to a weight loss diet.

Dragon fruit is also relatively easy to grow, making it a fun plant to have in the

This delicious, nutrient-rich fruit is also relatively easy to grow at home if you live in the right climate!

So what are you waiting for?

Give eating dragon fruit a try today!

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Check out our smoothie recipe below that features dragon fruit!

Ingredients:

– ½ cup dragon fruit, cubed

– ½ cup strawberries, cubed

– ¼ cup blueberries

– ½ banana, sliced

– ¾ cup almond milk or water

– ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Method

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy as-is or pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings!

Finally

We hope you enjoyed this post on everything you need to know about dragon fruit!

If you have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible!

Thanks for reading as always

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