"Dragon fruit is a fruit of a vining cactus plant," explains Robert Schueller, director of public relations at Melissa’s Produce. "In Central and South America, it is called 'pitaya.' However, now it is only referred to as 'dragon fruit' in the U.S." David Dudley, senior category manager of produce at Sprouts Farmers Market, adds that it’s the edible fruit of several species of climbing cacti in the Cactaceae family, with leathery, scale-like skin "resembling a dragon’s skin (hence the name)." Dragon fruit is native to the Americas, specifically southern Mexico and the Pacific coasts of Central American countries like Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Ecuador, where it has been consumed by indigenous peoples for centuries. It also has a pretty unique life cycle. Schueller notes that "the flower blooms at night and is pollinated by moths, bug and bats." Dragon fruit is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie fruit with proven benefits for digestion, immunity, heart health and more, particularly when consumed as part of a balanced diet, says Dudley. Its benefits stem from its rich nutrient profile, including vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, with slight variations between white-fleshed, red/pink-fleshed and yellow-skinned varieties.Related: The One Fruit a Gastroenterologist Is Begging People To Eat More Of
Types of Dragon Fruit
White Flesh (White Dragon Fruit): Pink skin, white flesh, mild sweetness (Brix: 8–12).Red Flesh (Red Dragon Fruit): Pink skin, red flesh, sweeter than white (Brix: 10–14).Yellow Dragon Fruit: Yellow skin, white flesh, much sweeter (Brix: 18–22).
"Its flavor is generally refreshing but not overpowering, making it versatile for pairing with stronger-tasting ingredients," says Dudley. "Dragon fruit, in general, has a mild, subtly sweet flavor that’s often compared to a cross between kiwi, pear and watermelon."Dudley gives Parade the breakdown of each type of dragon fruit: "The white-fleshed variety is more neutral, with a faint sweetness and earthiness with occasional hints of floral or citrus notes. The red- or pink-fleshed variety is sweeter, juicier and sometimes carries berry-like undertones due to higher natural sugar content. Its flavor is generally refreshing but not overpowering, making it versatile for pairing with stronger-tasting ingredients." He adds that the yellow-skinned dragon fruit is the sweetest variety, with notes of kiwi, pineapple and mango.
Where Can You Buy Dragon Fruit?
Seasonal crops from California and Florida typically arrive to stores in late summer through early fall, but if you’re near a Sprouts Farmers Market, Dudley says you can "almost always find dragon fruit" there, noting that Sprouts is a pioneer in the tropical fruit category and even air-freights in yellow dragon fruit to keep it available for its customers. Fresh is in with the fruits, and frozen dragon fruit can be found in with the frozen fruit. Schueller adds that Melissa’s Produce has been distributing dragon fruit in almost every state and major city for the past 18 years, and that it’s always available from multiple growing regions, including Vietnam year-round and seasonally from Ecuador, California, Florida, Nicaragua and Honduras.
Frozen Dragon Fruit at TargetRelated: The One Fruit a Neurologist Is Begging People Over 50 To Eat More Of
The #1 Best Thing To Do With Dragon Fruit, According to Produce Experts
So, we've heard about fresh dragon fruit. What about frozen?First things first, you can freeze fresh dragon fruit, but texture changes are inevitable since the fruit is nearly 80% water. Schueller advises peeling, slicing and freezing in bags for up to six months. Dudley says freezing preserves its flavor and most nutritional value and works well for smoothies, desserts or snacks. However, buying frozen chunks is preferred if you’re going to be making something like smoothies or acai bowls.Aeli Miller, the brand manager at Pitaya Foods says that, of course, smoothies or smoothie bowls are popular uses for frozen dragon fruit, but they're also seeing people use it in breakfast staples like chia pudding, overnight oats or creating drinks. "Recreate your favorite refresher or lemonade at home by blending in our Dragon Fruit Cubes for natural flavor, without the added sugars you often find in syrups," she says. "Hosting a happy hour? Muddle them into a cocktail or mocktail for a photo-worthy drink." Breakfast meal prep gets an upgrade too.
Related: Trader Joe’s ‘Super Refreshing’ New Drink Tastes Just Like a Starbucks Favorite, Fans Say
Sources:
Robert Schueller, director of public relations at Melissa’s ProduceDavid Dudley, senior category manager of produce at Sprouts Farmers MarketAeli Miller, the brand manager at Pitaya FoodsHence then, the article about this is the 1 best thing to do with dragon fruit according to produce pros was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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