Dragon fruit is a refreshing tropical treat that’s loaded with vitamins, fiber, prebiotics and iron. It can be used in salads, desserts, and other dishes.
When ripe, the hard pink skin encases the sweet and crunchy white flesh and black seeds. Learn how to cut dragon fruit like a pro!
Cut the Fruit in Half
Whether you’re making a dragon fruit sorbet or snacking on the fruit as it is, it’s important to know how to cut this tropical fruit in order to enjoy its sweet, juicy flavor. The exotic fruit, also known as pitaya, strawberry pear or pitahaya, is a member of the Hylocereus cactus family and can be found year-round in parts of Asia and South America.
Aside from its beautiful bright red-purple exterior and surprisingly juicy pulp, dragon fruit is an excellent source of fiber, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains plant polyphenols, like betalain and lycopene, that may help improve your health.
The easiest way to cut dragon fruit is by slicing it in half. You can do this either lengthwise or widthwise, depending on your preference. This makes it easier to remove the skin and to scoop out the juicy, soft flesh. Once you’ve done that, it’s easy to turn the dragon fruit into wedges or cubes for snacks, salads, smoothie bowl garnishes, and even desserts.
Scoop Out the Flesh
If you’re making a recipe that calls for dragon fruit, it’s important to scoop out the flesh from it. This will allow you to use it in salads, smoothies, or other dishes without the bitter taste of its black seeds coming through.
In addition to its sweet and refreshing flavor, dragon fruit is also an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins. These nutrients help support your immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
It’s also an easy and versatile ingredient to incorporate into a variety of meals, from breakfast smoothie bowls to aguas frescas. It also makes a delicious topping for fruit salads and other sweet dishes.
When buying fresh dragon fruit, look for a bright pink or yellow color and smooth skin with no soft spots. You can also check the inside of the fruit to ensure it’s ripe and juicy.
Cut the Flesh into Slices
When ripe, dragon fruit has a soft, mild flavor that pairs perfectly with strawberries, kiwi, and mangoes. This tropical fruit is also full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
If you’re looking to incorporate this brightly colored tropical fruit into your diet, you’ll want to learn how to cut the flesh into slices. You can then use them in smoothies or even make melon balls for your fruit bowls!
To start, place the dragon fruit on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice it lengthwise down the middle. This ensures that you end up with two equal halves.
Once you’ve sliced the fruit, scoop out all of the soft, sweet flesh. You can now use it in your favorite dishes or freeze it for a later time.
Once you’ve finished slicing the dragon fruit, it’s time to peel away the pink skin. This process can be a bit tedious, so you’ll want to be sure to have a sharp knife and a cutting board on hand.
Cut the Flesh into Cubes
One of the best ways to get a taste of dragon fruit is to cut it into cubes. They are easy to eat and add a sweet treat to a fresh fruit salad or smoothie.
To cut the flesh into cubes, lay the dragon fruit flat on a cutting board. Slice in even sections, removing the skin as you go.
While slicing the fruit, keep an eye on the thickness of the cuts so you can determine the size of the cubes.
The white flesh of the dragon fruit is soft and juicy. It has black seeds scattered like watermelon seeds.
This exotic fruit is often compared to kiwi, but it’s actually a tropical plant in the Cactus family. Some varieties have yellow or pink flesh inside, while others are white.