You may have seen it in the produce section and - for the life of you - you could not even guess what it was. Decidedly unusual to view, its taste is similar to kiwifruit. Ranging from baseball to softball in size, the ones available in the Fort Worth area usually originate in Vietnam and are now in season.
As luck would have it, supply of this red skinned fruit coincides with the Asian new year tradition where the color red brings good fortune. In the "regular" stores like Kroger, (where the one in the image was purchased) finding it can be hit or miss depending on each individual store. Check out your local favorite Asian market for the best chance. If they don't know what you mean by dragon fruit, try asking for pitaya as it is also referred to by that name. One word of caution...they can be pricey. $6.00 each is not unusual.
The fancy outer peel is not eaten. Slice it open lengthwise and scoop out the sweet flesh with a spoon. It can also be hollowed out and the flesh diced and then placed back in the skin for a spectacular presentation. A large dragon fruit can serve two as a dessert or one person as a snack. This is another case where a food started out in the New World, travelled to the Old World, and came back again.
The dragonfruit is native to Central America. According to Aztec literature, Pitahaya fruits date back to the 13th century. In Vietnam, where it is extensively grown, Pitaya fruit is known as thang loy. It is believed that the fruit was introduced to Vietnam by the French and today, the average yield per hectare is 20-25 tonnes.
Malaysia is another region where you are sure to find the dragonfruit. It was first introduced in 1999 in the Sitiawan, Johor and Kuala Pilah regions.
The amazing tropical dragon fruit pitaya
Recognized as a good source of vitamin C, dragon fruit are also rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, are believed to increase the secretion of heavy metal toxins, support healthy levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and they contain very little fat.
Pitaya's flavor blends well with other mild fruits like melons, apples, peaches, and strawberries. So that you don't overpower its delicate flavor, it should not be served along with very spicy or robust meats/sauces. Instead, savor it as a low calorie dessert, snack, or unusual addition to a fruit salad.
Click here for tips on chosing dragon fruit and how it can be prepared.
Have you ever tried it?
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