Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, pitahaya and strawberry pear is a brightly coloured fruit, covered with scales, that comes from several cactus species. Dragon fruit are native to Central and South America. The fruit is also cultivated in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and parts of Australia.
Pitaya come in three varieties. These include the following:
- Hylocereus undatus (Red Pitaya) which has a red outer skin and a white flesh that is sprinkled with many black seeds throughout. This is the most common variety.
- Hylocereus costaricensis (Costa Rica Pitaya) also has a red outer skin, however, its interior flesh is red.
- Hylocereus megalanthus (Yellow Pitaya) consists of a yellow skin exterior with a white fleshy inside.
The plant of the dragon fruit, the Hylocereus, can grow up to six meters tall. These cactus-like trees thrive in hot tropical climates that receive moderate amounts of rainfall. The flowers of the Hylocereus bloom only at night. The scent of these large white flowers are beautiful, filling the night air with its fragrance. The dragon fruit is capable of having up to six cycles of harvest in a single year.
Dragon fruit are often chilled before serving. The fruit is then cut in half and can be scooped out with a spoon. The flesh tastes mildly sweet and resembles the kiwifruit due to the many black tiny crunchy seeds that are found throughout. The fruit is low in calories and high in vitamin C and dietary fibre. Pitayas are rich in phytoalbumins which have antioxidant properties that aid in the prevention of cancers.
Dragon fruit can be juiced, served in a fruit salad or made into a jam. Try some today!
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