Dragon fruit: everything you need to know about this exotic fruit

Mar 15, 2023Lou Chardin0 comments

Dragon Fruit Varieties and Uses

Dragon fruit , or pitaya, is an exotic tropical fruit distinguished by its vibrant flesh and crisp texture. Native to Central America and widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, it is gaining popularity in cuisines around the world every year.

Origin and varieties

There are mainly two varieties of dragon fruit :

White pitaya : white flesh with small black seeds, delicate and slightly sweet taste.
Red pitaya : bright red flesh, sweeter and tangy flavor, ideal for adding color.

You will also sometimes find them with yellow flesh, which is rarer, cultivated in certain regions of Mexico and Israel.

Cultivation and harvesting

Dragon fruit grows on an epiphytic cactus, which can reach 6 to 7 m in height. The large white flowers open at night and are pollinated by bats or certain moths. They are mainly grown in:

Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia
Mexico and Central America
Israel and Australia

Harvesting is done by hand, when the skin takes on a bright color and the scales begin to rise slightly.

How to Choose and Store Your Dragon Fruit

To choose your dragon fruit well:

Go for deep red or pink skin, without dark spots or flabby areas.
The flesh should give slightly under pressure, like a ripe avocado.

Storage: Refrigerate in the fruit drawer for up to 5 days. If not refrigerated, consume within 2 days to enjoy its full freshness.

Preparation and culinary uses

Dragon fruit lends itself to many preparations:

Cut into cubes in an exotic fruit salad ( See the recipe ).
In a smoothie , combined with banana and coconut milk (detail: Dragon fruit smoothie bowl ).
As a sorbet : blend the flesh with a light syrup and place in an ice cream maker.
In fish tartare : combine red pitaya with fresh salmon and coriander.
As a coulis for toppings: heat the flesh with a little sugar, then filter.

You can also incorporate the flesh of the dragon fruit into your sauces and dressings, for an astonishing visual and taste contrast.

Simple recipes to try

1. Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl

Blend: 1 dragon fruit, 1 banana, 200 mL of almond milk and 1 tbsp of honey. Pour into a bowl and garnish with granola and berries. See the detailed recipe .

2. Exotic salad

In a large bowl, combine the pitaya flesh, mango, pineapple, kiwi, and a few mint leaves. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with shredded coconut. See the full recipe .

3. Sautéed shrimp with pitaya

Fry 200g of peeled shrimp in olive oil, add garlic, soy sauce, and honey. At the end of cooking, stir in diced dragon fruit for a sweet and savory combination.

Tips and tricks

Easy cutting : cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
Mix & match : For a creamier smoothie, add avocado or Greek yogurt.
Tasting : Serve chilled, with a hint of lime to awaken the aromas.
DIY : Freeze the flesh into cubes to use as ice cubes in your summer drinks.