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Dragon Fruit Pitaya
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Dragon fruit grows on climbing cacti with stems that reach up to 6 meters long. The fruits are oval to oblong in shape, weighing about 8-12 ounces and averaging 10-15 centimeters in length. They have a pink or magenta peel with green scale-like leaves, and white flesh that is dotted with tiny edible black seeds, similar to a kiwi. The juicy, spongy yet dense pulp offers a subtle sweet flavor with notes of berry, pear, kiwi, and watermelon, sometimes with just a hint of sourness.
Dragon Fruit is available year-round, with a peak season in the summer and early fall.
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya or Pitahaya, is a member of the cactus family, and is botanically found in two separate genera: Hylocereus and Selenicereus. However, the most commonly cultivated varieties are in the genus, Hylocereus, including the white-fleshed fruit, Hylocereus undatus. The Dragon fruit plant has also been nicknamed Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant, Night Blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night, and Moonflower, as its flowers only bloom for one night each year. During the short window overnight, the large, extremely fragrant flowers are pollinated by moths, bats, or by hand, although some varieties can self-pollinate. Despite the short-lived flowers, the plant will bear fruit about 4-6 times each year.
Dragon fruit is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, including good amounts of carotene and vitamin C, and its nutritional and antibacterial properties have been studied for their ability to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and boost energy levels. Dragon fruit has high water content (about 80% water), and is a good source of iron, magnesium, B vitamins, phosphorus, protein, calcium, and fiber. The fruit’s edible seeds are also nutritious, as they are high in polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Dragon fruit is best used raw and slightly chilled, but can also be cooked, such as grilling with a sprinkle of chili powder to balance its sweet flavor. Slice the fruit lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, or quarter it and peel off the leathery skin entirely, as it can be bitter. Dragon fruit is commonly blended in smoothies, or juiced for beverages and cocktails. It can be used to make jams or flavor ice creams, sorbets and other desserts, while syrup made from the fruit is often used for coloring pastries and candies. The soft yet dense texture will hold its shape nicely when cut, so it can be diced into fruit salads with papaya, coconut, mango, guava or kiwi. It can also be used in savory salads, and pairs well with seafood, such as scallops and white, flaky fish like mahi-mahi. Ripe Dragon fruit can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerated in a sealed container for prolonged use. Fresh, cut segments will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Dragon fruit can also be sliced or cubed, then frozen for future use in blended or pureed applications.
Dragon fruit was only known as Pitaya before it was renamed by produce marketers in Asia in hopes of sparking intrigue in the fruit. According to the legend formulated around the new name, fire-breathing mythical creatures created the fruit. During battle, when a dragon would breathe fire, the last thing to come out at the end of the flames was the Dragon fruit. When the dragon was slain, the fruit would be collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and symbol of victory.
Dragon fruit is said to be native to Central America, extending from Southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, although the exact native range is hard to pinpoint. This is partly because the fruit has long been in cultivation, but also because it has been known to escape from cultivation and become naturalized. Still, Dragon fruit was first discovered in Central America centuries ago, traveling in the hands of early missionaries and explorers to all corners of the globe, including Australia, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It was introduced into Vietnam more than a century ago, with most accounts crediting the French with the introduction. It was first grown in Vietnam for the king, gained popularity among the wealthy, and today, it’s the leading fruit export of Vietnam. Dragon fruit is cultivated in more than 20 countries and across 6 continents around the globe, with production in areas like Thailand, Israel, Australia, China, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and more. The United States imports the majority of its fresh Dragon fruit from Southeast Asia, although it has successfully been grown on a small scale in California, Florida and Hawaii.
Recipes that include Dragon Fruit Pitaya. One
is easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Dragon Fruit Pitaya using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Dragon Fruit | |
| Food Fable: Dragon Fruit |
Description/Taste
Dragon fruit grows on climbing cacti with stems that reach up to 6 meters long. The fruits are oval to oblong in shape, weighing about 8-12 ounces and averaging 10-15 centimeters in length. They have a pink or magenta peel with green scale-like leaves, and white flesh that is dotted with tiny edible black seeds, similar to a kiwi. The juicy, spongy yet dense pulp offers a subtle sweet flavor with notes of berry, pear, kiwi, and watermelon, sometimes with just a hint of sourness.
Seasons/Availability
Dragon Fruit is available year-round, with a peak season in the summer and early fall.
Current Facts
Dragon fruit, also known as Pitaya or Pitahaya, is a member of the cactus family, and is botanically found in two separate genera: Hylocereus and Selenicereus. However, the most commonly cultivated varieties are in the genus, Hylocereus, including the white-fleshed fruit, Hylocereus undatus. The Dragon fruit plant has also been nicknamed Belle of the Night, Cinderella plant, Night Blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night, and Moonflower, as its flowers only bloom for one night each year. During the short window overnight, the large, extremely fragrant flowers are pollinated by moths, bats, or by hand, although some varieties can self-pollinate. Despite the short-lived flowers, the plant will bear fruit about 4-6 times each year.
Nutritional Value
Dragon fruit is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, including good amounts of carotene and vitamin C, and its nutritional and antibacterial properties have been studied for their ability to improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and boost energy levels. Dragon fruit has high water content (about 80% water), and is a good source of iron, magnesium, B vitamins, phosphorus, protein, calcium, and fiber. The fruit’s edible seeds are also nutritious, as they are high in polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Applications
Dragon fruit is best used raw and slightly chilled, but can also be cooked, such as grilling with a sprinkle of chili powder to balance its sweet flavor. Slice the fruit lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, or quarter it and peel off the leathery skin entirely, as it can be bitter. Dragon fruit is commonly blended in smoothies, or juiced for beverages and cocktails. It can be used to make jams or flavor ice creams, sorbets and other desserts, while syrup made from the fruit is often used for coloring pastries and candies. The soft yet dense texture will hold its shape nicely when cut, so it can be diced into fruit salads with papaya, coconut, mango, guava or kiwi. It can also be used in savory salads, and pairs well with seafood, such as scallops and white, flaky fish like mahi-mahi. Ripe Dragon fruit can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerated in a sealed container for prolonged use. Fresh, cut segments will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a day or two. Dragon fruit can also be sliced or cubed, then frozen for future use in blended or pureed applications.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Dragon fruit was only known as Pitaya before it was renamed by produce marketers in Asia in hopes of sparking intrigue in the fruit. According to the legend formulated around the new name, fire-breathing mythical creatures created the fruit. During battle, when a dragon would breathe fire, the last thing to come out at the end of the flames was the Dragon fruit. When the dragon was slain, the fruit would be collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and symbol of victory.
Geography/History
Dragon fruit is said to be native to Central America, extending from Southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, although the exact native range is hard to pinpoint. This is partly because the fruit has long been in cultivation, but also because it has been known to escape from cultivation and become naturalized. Still, Dragon fruit was first discovered in Central America centuries ago, traveling in the hands of early missionaries and explorers to all corners of the globe, including Australia, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It was introduced into Vietnam more than a century ago, with most accounts crediting the French with the introduction. It was first grown in Vietnam for the king, gained popularity among the wealthy, and today, it’s the leading fruit export of Vietnam. Dragon fruit is cultivated in more than 20 countries and across 6 continents around the globe, with production in areas like Thailand, Israel, Australia, China, Nicaragua, Indonesia, and more. The United States imports the majority of its fresh Dragon fruit from Southeast Asia, although it has successfully been grown on a small scale in California, Florida and Hawaii.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dragon Fruit Pitaya. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Dragon Fruit Pitaya using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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CS Fresh (Cold Storage)
Near Singapore, SingaporeAbout 34 days ago, 5/05/23 
SS 2 Morning Market, Jalan SS2/64, SS 2, 47300 Pet
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 42 days ago, 4/27/23 
Plaza de mercado La Alameda
Pedro Plaza Alameda
Near Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia316-315-2782 About 104 days ago, 2/24/23 
Truman waterfront market
Near Key West, Florida, United StatesAbout 126 days ago, 2/02/23 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market
Near Upper Woburn PlaceEuston Road (Stop L), United Kingdom49 Parkway, London NW1 7PN, United Kingdom About 134 days ago, 1/25/23 
Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao
Near Bogota, Bogota, ColombiaAbout 148 days ago, 1/11/23 Sharer's comments : Pitayas enormes 
Galmart
Galmart supermarket
Bogota, Colombiaулица Розыбакиева 247А, Алматы 050060, Казахстан About 157 days ago, 1/02/23 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruits from Thailand 
Little Italy Mercato
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 166 days ago, 12/24/22 Sharer's comments : at Heritage Family Farm 
Medan [email protected]
Near Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MalaysiaAbout 180 days ago, 12/10/22 
Poway Farmers Market
Heritage Family Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 194 days ago, 11/26/22 
Little Italy Mercato
Heritage Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 222 days ago, 10/29/22 
家樂福北大店
Carrefour Beida Store 家樂福 北大店
Near Shulin District, TaiwanNo. 288, Daya Rd, Shulin District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 237 http://carrefour.com.tw About 229 days ago, 10/22/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 256 days ago, 9/25/22 Sharer's comments : White Dragon fruit from Rancho Los Serranos 
Raya Grocery
Raya Grocery
Near London, England, United KingdomStoney St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom 442074075556 About 258 days ago, 9/23/22 
Poway Farmers Market
Heritage Family Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 278 days ago, 9/03/22 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Sycamore Hills Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 278 days ago, 9/03/22 Sharer's comments : Dragonfruit from Sycamore Hills Farms 
Venice Farmers Market
Rancho Santa Cecilia
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 300 days ago, 8/12/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 308 days ago, 8/04/22 Sharer's comments : American Beauty Dragon Fruit From Wallace Farms 
Poway Farmers Market
Heritage Family Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 348 days ago, 6/25/22 
Tiong Bahru market
Tiong Bahru Market
Near Singapore, Singapore52 Tiong Bahru Rd 168716 About 359 days ago, 6/14/22 
Гастроном ESENTAI GOURMET
Singaporeпроспект Aль-Фараби 77/8, Алматы 050060, Казахстан http://esentai-gourmet.kz About 369 days ago, 6/04/22 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruits of yellow and red colors from Vietnam 
Cape Coral Chamber Farmers Market
Cape Coral Farmers Market
Near Cape Coral, Florida, United StatesSE 47th & SE 10th Pl Cape Coral FL 33904 239-549-6900 About 411 days ago, 4/23/22 
Medellin, Colombia
Tienda Éxito Avenida Colombia
Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaCra. 66 ##No. 49 - 01 Medellin Antioquia 574-605-0307 https://www.exito.com/ About 491 days ago, 2/02/22 Sharer's comments : No es roja, pero tiene su power! 
Publix Supermarket
Near Hollywood, Florida, United StatesAbout 501 days ago, 1/23/22 
Mount Royal Fine Foods
Mount Royal Fine Foods
Near Duluth, Minnesota, United States1600 Woodland Ave Duluth MN 55803 218-728-3665 https://mountroyalfinefoods.com About 576 days ago, 11/09/21 Sharer's comments : Melissa's produce, Ecuador grown 
North Park Thursday Market
R&L Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRamona, CA About 602 days ago, 10/14/21 
Little Italy Farmers Market
Heritage Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 614 days ago, 10/02/21 
Perry Court Farm
Perry Court Farm
Near Charing, England, United KingdomCanterbury Rd, Wye, Ashford TN25 4ES, United Kingdom 441233812302 http://perrycourt.farm About 618 days ago, 9/28/21 
haleiwa cane juice
Near Haleiwa, Hawaii, United StatesAbout 652 days ago, 8/25/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 664 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruit 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 668 days ago, 8/09/21 
La Jolla Open Aire Market
Heritage Family Farm
Near La Jolla, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 669 days ago, 8/08/21 Sharer's comments : Cut, peel, and scoop right into your morning smoothie 😉 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 669 days ago, 8/08/21 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruit from nbc farms |
