One of the most attractive and delicious super fruits is Pitaya, commonly known as dragon fruit. Native to Mexico, Central and South America, dragon fruit has become increasingly popular not only for the sensational sweet flavor but for its abundance of health benefits.
Dragon fruit is beautifully colored and has a thin rind with scales that resemble reptile skin. The flesh can be white, red, magenta or anything in between and contains tiny black seeds, much like the seeds of a kiwi fruit. Both the flavor and texture are similar to something between a kiwi and a watermelon. The white fleshed varieties seem to be a bit more bland in flavor than the brighter magenta colored fruits. The darker, brighter varieties have more flavor and are surely packed with more nutrients.
Kids love it! Shopping for and trying new fruits like this is a great way to get kids involved in trying new foods, as well as incorporating the benefit of finding good seasonal fruits. There are reasons for seasons and nature offers us great foods during each.
Health Benefits
Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C, rich in phosphorus and calcium, and good source of antioxidants as well as dietary fiber.
The edible seeds offer a good balance of protein and mono-unsaturated fats. These seeds also contain high levels of phytoalbumins, which offer amazing antioxidant powers by destroying free radicals. (Phytoalbumin is a type of phytochemical, which is a naturally occurring chemical in plants that are widely known to be essential in maintaining good health).
The red fleshed varieties contain a good amount of lycopene, an antioxidant known to help fight cancer, heart disease and lower blood pressure.
Dragon fruit is also known to help combat type 2 diabetes by helping lower blood glucose levels.
The Legend
According to the Asian legend, dragon fruit was created by fire-breathing dragons. During a battle, the fruit would emerge from the dragon just after the fire. The dragon would be slain by soldiers and the fruit collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure. Soldiers would then eat the flesh of the dragon, believing that they would possess the strength and ferocity of the dragon. Whatever the story, this power-packed fruit cannot go unnoticed.
Get it while you can!
Dragon fruit is generally in season from mid June through mid December. It may be difficult to find but if you do find it, try it! The fruit is a bit expensive, costing $9.99 per pound (prices vary, of course), which is about $6.00 for a single piece of fruit. The price sounds outlandish. But think of how often we spend at least that on even the occasional frozen yogurt treat (for example) which is full of high fructose corn syrup, food coloring and artificial flavors among other additives. Dragon fruit is naturally colorful and full of fiber, protein and countless antioxidants.
Like any popular super fruit, some major food and drink companies have already begun to use dragon fruit in products if for no other reason than marketing. Much like the “fad” fruits and berries that pop up in cereals, energy bars, drinks, waters, liquors, etc., most of these companies want to use the power of the superfood to sell a product, while the majority of the time not including much of the fruit at all. If you can find a good organic dried dragon fruit, snack or juice, go ahead and give it a try. But if you come across the actual fruit, don’t pass it up!
How do you eat it?
Dragon fruit can be scooped right out of the rind, much like a kiwi fruit. Be careful not to eat the skin as it is not edible. It can also be cut in half or quartered with the rind peeled away and the flesh sliced or diced. Here are some useful suggestions:
Salads – It is easily combined with any salad and can be used as a substitute for other fruits such as melons, strawberries, pears or some citrus.
Smoothies – Although it is a shame to hide this fruit in the midst of a smoothie, its sweet flavor and bright color is a great addition.
Frozen – You can cut the fruit in half, freeze it and eat it as a sorbet directly from the rind. Dice and freeze for a bite sized frozen treat by itself or to use in smoothies or drinks.
BBQ – Yes. You can stick the dragon on the barbie! Slip good-sized chunks on a skewer with any combinations of other fruits and vegetables.
Drinks – Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages can definitely benefit from this fruit and give a good “wow” factor on presentation, even if not actually in the drink, but as an edible garnish. The rind can also be used as a cup or holder for a drink by carefully cutting the top off and scooping out the flesh. (It is advised by some not to put the beverage directly back in the rind without a small cup or liner of some sort).
Perfect Balance
Much like any whole food, the vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and antioxidants found in dragon fruit are by far more potent and effective than any supplement or pill. Granted there are excellent sources for supplements, but not everyone needs a concentrated form. Taking high doses of just one or a few without knowing you are indeed deficient can cause more harm than good. Organic, non-GMO whole foods are the best way to get the perfect balance of nutrition. Try a dragon fruit today!
