Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit:

About:

A pitaya or pitgahaya is the fruit of several cactus species indigenous to the Americas.  Pitaya usually refers to the fruit of the genus Stenocereus , while pitahaya also called "Dragon Fruit" refers to the genus Hylocereus.  

Sweet pitahayas come in 3 types all with leathery, slightly leafy skin. 

• Hylocereus undatus: white-fleshed pitahaya has a pink skinned fruit with a white flesh.  This is the most commonly seen dragon fruit.
• Hylocereus costarecenus, red fleshed pitahaya has red skinned fruit and red flesh
• Hylocereus megalanthis has yellow skinned fruit with white flesh.

The dragon fruit's texture is sometimes likened to that of a kiwi fruit because of the black crunchy seeds.  The flesh is mildly sweet and low in calories.  The seeds have a nutty taste and are rich in lipids.  The taste of the dragon fruit has been describes as a bit like a cross between a kiwi fruit and a pear.  The dragon fruit can be eaten and is also used to flavor and color juices and alcoholic beverages.  The flowers can be eaten or steeped to make a tea

History:

Pitahaya, producing a cacti of the genus Hylocereus, is originally native to a region including Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador and were transplanted to Central America probably by seed dispersal over centuries by European explorers in the 16th century.  The dragon fruit is also cultivated in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Australia and throughout tropical and subtropical areas around the world.

Nutrition:

The dragon fruit contains around 60 calories each and is rich in vitamin C, B1, B2, and B3 also containing minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus.   Dragon fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, helping the heart stay is great condition.   The dragon fruit is high in fiber and can help regulate diabetes by supressi8ng sugar level spikes.   It also has active antioxidants to rid the body of free radicals and cancer producing properties. 

Health Benefits:

Dragon fruit contains a number of phytonutrients and is also loaded with antioxidants.   A phytochemical called "captin" is present in dragon fruit.  Captin is typically used in medicines that may help alleviate heart problems.  Other known benefits of dragon fruit include boosting the immune system, promoting quicker recovery from wounds and bruises, and reducing the risk of respiratory problems..  

Eating dragon fruit may help the body maintain its normal function by eliminating toxic heavy metals and improving eyesight.  Lycopene in dragon fruit w, which gives it its red color has been linked with lower prostate cancer risk.  Seed extracts from dragon fruit are high in polyunsaturated fats (omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids)that may help reduce triglyceride levels and lower the risk of cardio-vascular disorders.

Moderation should be used, however, in consuming dragon fruit because it contains fructose , a type of sugar that may be harmful to your health if consumed in excess. 

Season:

Dragon fruit can be found year round though the season peeks in summer and lasts into early autumn.

How to Prepare Dragon Fruit to Eat:

1. Place the dragon fruit on a clean cutting board
2. Cut the fruit straight down the middle with a sharp knife
3. The fruit is then separated into 2 sections  and a spoon is used around the circumference to separate the flesh from the skin

So..... Eat up !  Enjoy !  I'll show you how.

Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl:

2 cups frozen dragon fruit cubes

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 banana

In a blender liquefy the ingredients.  Serve into 2 bowls (one can be frozen and kept for later).  Add the topping of your choice and enjoy.

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