How to Prepare and Use Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit's bright skin and many-seeded flesh make it distinctive.

Exotic and vibrantly colored, dragon fruit or pitaya grow on cactus plants originally from Central America. Red dragon fruit is most common, but pink and yellow varieties may also be sold in Asian and other specialty markets. Choose a fragrant fruit with a sweet, fresh smell. Before buying, inspect the very base of the fruit, which should yield slightly to pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Ice cream scoop

Instructions

1. Cut the dragon fruit in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.

2. Peel away the outer skin of the dragon fruit. Place the flat half on the cutting board and cut off the outer skin. Alternatively, lift the flesh of the fruit out of the skin with an ice cream scoop.

3. Slice the flesh and chill it in the refrigerator before eating it plain.

4. Place chunks of the fruit in a blender with 1/2 cup of pineapple or orange juice, or by itself with some ice cubes, to make a refreshing fruit drink.

5. Slice dragon fruit and add it to fruit salad for a sweet, exotic twist.

6. Puree dragon fruit and freeze it to make sorbet.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose dragon fruit with vibrant color and fragrant aroma.

References

• “The Illustrated Cook's Book of Ingredients”; Dorling Kindersley; 2010