Ever come across a bright pink or yellow spiky fruit at the market and wondered what it is? That’s dragon fruit, also called pitaya or pitahaya in Spanish. But do you know how to eat dragon fruit?
This unique fruit has thick, leathery skin in vibrant pink or yellow shades, with green scales that give it its distinctive name. Inside, the flesh can range from white to pink or deep red, speckled with tiny black edible seeds that offer a delightful crunch.
Dragon fruit grows on a cactus called Hylocereus. It’s one of those fruits that looks almost too beautiful to eat, but once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved worldwide. Here’s everything you need to know!
Before learning how to eat dragon fruit, let’s talk about how to pick the best one and store it properly. You need to pick the right one because it can make a big difference in taste and texture. Here are the tips:
A ripe dragon fruit should have vibrant skin that’s evenly colored whether it’s pink, red, or yellow. Avoid fruits with dull, dry, or overly wrinkled skin because those are usually overripe.
Try to give it a gentle squeeze. It should be soft enough to press slightly, like a ripe avocado, but not mushy. If it’s rock hard, it’s not ready yet.
The green scales a.k.a tips should still look fresh and not too brown. A few small spots are normal, but large dark patches mean it’s past its prime.
If your dragon fruit isn’t ripe yet, keep it on the counter for a few days. Once it’s ripe, you can refrigerate it to slow down the ripening process. An uncut dragon fruit can last about 3–5 days in the fridge.
After cutting, store the flesh in an airtight container and eat it within two days for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze cubed dragon fruit to use later in smoothies.
Another basic step before you learn how to eat dragon fruit is understanding how to prepare it. But don’t worry, cutting dragon fruit is easier than it looks.
You don’t even need fancy tools, just a sharp knife and a clean cutting board. Follow these steps:
If you want to make your presentation fancier, keep the skin intact and serve the diced fruit inside it as a natural bowl. It’s colorful, eco-friendly, and always impresses guests.
Fun fact: The skin isn’t toxic but is not usually eaten because it’s thick and leathery.
Also read: 10 Fruit High in Protein to Keep Your Body Energized
Once you’ve prepared it, there are countless ways to enjoy dragon fruit. Here are six simple and tasty ideas:
The easiest way to enjoy dragon fruit is to eat it as it is. Just scoop it straight from the skin with a spoon. Add a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime juice if you want a brighter flavor.
One of the most popular uses for dragon fruit is in smoothies or smoothie bowls. Blend it with bananas, mango, or yogurt for a creamy texture.
Add coconut milk for a tropical twist. You can even freeze cubed dragon fruit first to make the drink thicker.
Another idea for how to eat dragon fruit is to use it in fruit salads. Try combining cubed dragon fruit with other tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, and kiwi. For a simple dressing, mix honey with a bit of lemon or mint leaves.
Who said dragon fruit only belongs in sweet dishes? Try dicing it and mixing it with diced mango, cilantro, red onion, and lime juice. This makes a refreshing tropical salsa that pairs perfectly with grilled fish, shrimp, or tacos.
Because dragon fruit is naturally sweet and watery, it’s perfect for frozen treats! Blend the flesh with coconut milk or banana, pour it into molds, and freeze overnight to get a refreshing, dairy free ice cream alternative.
For breakfast or a quick dessert, layer dragon fruit cubes with yogurt and granola. You can also sprinkle chia seeds or shredded coconut for extra texture. It’s a small, satisfying way to enjoy it daily without getting bored.
Ready to experiment? So, which one is your favorite way of how to eat dragon fruit? Just pick a ripe one, wash it, slice it open, scoop the flesh, and enjoy!
