Yellow Dragon Fruit (Health Benefits and How to Eat It)
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit that is gaining popularity in North America. It is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack, and can be found in many grocery stores. But what exactly is dragon fruit? And what are the health benefits of eating it? In this article, I’ll answer all of your questions about dragon fruit!
What is dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that is native to Central and South America. The dragon fruit plant grows on a cactus, and the fruits can be either red, yellow or white.
The most common type of dragon fruit in North America is the red dragon fruit, which has a bright pink skin, tiny black seeds, and white flesh. Dragon fruit is often eaten raw, and has a slightly sweet taste.
Hylocereus megalanthus is a species of cactus that is native to Central America. It is also known as the giant dragon fruit, and can grow up to 3 meters in height! The dragon fruit from this cactus plant is red or yellow, and has a pink flesh. Sometimes the yellow skin can have green scales.
Hylocereus undatus is a species of dragon fruit that is native to Mexico and South America. It is also known as the white dragon fruit, and has a white skin and white flesh. The dragon fruit from this cactus is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack, and has a slightly sweet taste.
Hylocereus costaricensis is a species of dragon fruit that is native to Costa Rica. It is also known as the red dragon fruit or strawberry pear dragon fruit, and has a bright pink skin and red flesh. This is the most common type of dragon fruit varieties and is the one most often found in North America.
It can take up to 3 years for a dragon fruit plant to mature and produce fruit. Dragon fruit is ripe when it is soft to the touch and has a sweet taste.
Dragon fruit nutrition
Dragon fruit is a good source of vitamins C and B, as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. One cup of dragon fruit provides about 60 calories and 15 grams of sugar.
There is limited research on the prebiotic potential of dragon fruit, but some preliminary studies suggest that dragon fruit may contain prebiotic compounds. Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and can have a number of health benefits. More research is needed to determine the prebiotic potential of dragon fruit.
You may like my related article with the best natural probiotics.
Health benefits of dragon fruit
The health benefits of dragon fruit include its ability to boost immunity, improve digestion, and aid in weight loss. Dragon fruit is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, and may help to lower blood sugar levels.
The yellow skinned variety of dragon fruit should yield the same healthy benefits as the other types.
Dragon fruit season
Dragon fruit is in season from June to August. However, it can be found year-round in most grocery stores.
How to store dragon fruit
Dragon fruit can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store dragon fruit for a longer period of time, it can be kept in the fridge for up to one week.
Tropical fruits are best eaten when they are at the height of their ripeness. But, don’t let them get over-ripe or they can become mushy.
How to eat dragon fruit
Dragon fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. When eating raw dragon fruit, you can simply cut it in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The dragon fruit skin is edible, but some people prefer to remove it before eating (the skin is tasteless and can be bitter).
Dragon fruit can also be used in cooked dishes or salads. It can be added to smoothies, ice creams, juices, or desserts. Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, so it’s a healthy addition to your diet.
See my recipe for a Dragon Fruit Smoothie.
Flavor
Dragon fruit tastes sweet, juicy, and a little tangy. Some people say that dragon fruit tastes like a cross between a kiwi and a strawberry. It is juicy and has a slightly tangy taste with a sweet flavor. Some people also say that it has a berry-like taste.
Yellow pitaya (also called yellow pitahaya) tastes similar to the ones with bright red skin. Try to avoid unripe dragon fruit as it won’t taste as good.
See my related list of yellow fruits.
FAQs
Yes, dragon fruit can be frozen. To freeze dragon fruit, first wash and slice the fruit. Then place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze overnight. Once the slices are frozen, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Dragon fruit is not expensive, but it can be depending on the season and where you are located. It can be found in most grocery stores, and the price varies depending on the type of dragon fruit.
There is no definitive answer, but dragon fruit is definitely a healthy fruit that provides a variety of nutrients and health benefits. It is a good source of vitamins C and B, as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Dragon fruit also contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
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Conclusions
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that is gaining popularity in North America. It can be found at many grocery stores, and it is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Yellow dragon fruit is especially exotic in appearance but has many of the same health benefits as regular dragon fruit.
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