Dragon Fruit Information

The dragon rruit is exotic in taste and appearance.

Dragon fruits are available only a few months of the year. Their brightly colored appearance makes them as decorative as they are delicious, while their exotic flavor stands on its own or as an addition to mixed drinks, salads or other dishes.

Appearance

Dragon fruits are reddish in appearance, with long yellow sections that resemble scales. This is where they get their name; the outside of the fruit looks like a dragon's scales.

Taste

The dragon fruit is juicy and sweet, with pinkish red or white pulp that has a spongy texture. It works well in tropical combinations with ingredients like banana or coconut but is equally delicious all on its own; just cut and eat.

Availability

The dragon fruit grows on a large cactus. It is available during September and October and is approximately the size of a grapefruit when ripe.

Plant Origins

The Spanish word for this fruit is "pitaya." The plant itself is native to Mexico and Central America.

Flowers

The flowers of the dragon fruit plant are also edible; sometimes people will boil the unopened flowers and eat them as vegetables. The flowers only open one night.

References

• Specialty Produce: Dragon Fruit