Dragon fruit is a lovely tropical fruit that has become increasingly more popular over the recent years. People have found that it might actually have some really good health benefits for you which explains the increase of popularity.
This guide will cover how to eat this tropical fruit properly (You might also want to check out How To Eat Guava here), where you can find it, the history of the fruit and the specific health benefits it can have for you. Keep reading to find out more on this topic!
What Actually is Dragon Fruit?
The reason for why it is called the dragon fruit is because of the colors it has, a bright red skin with green scales which is meant to have similarities to a dragon. It is now grown across the globe but it hasn’t always.
It originates from Southern Mexico and also Central America. When people found that this unique fruit existed, everyone wanted a piece and it had many names other than the Dragon fruit such as Strawberry pear.
There are also different types of this fruit such as the yellow version which has yellow skin with a white inside. The different varieties are very appealing and unique but actually have a similar taste to other regular fruits.
The description of the taste was more of a sweeter fruit, showing similarities to a kiwi.
The Benefits
This particular fruit is full of nutrients that are great for your health. It contains a lot of fiber and iron and also traces of magnesium too. It has a very low calorie amount and is very healthy and good for you.
This is why many people like to consume this particular fruit due to the health benefits it has!
It also has an antioxidant content which is a good layer of protection for your cells. They are protecting against issues such as chronic issues and aging.
An example of an antioxidant is Flavonoids which has been linked to helping your brain health and also helps to reduce heart disease risks.
Are They Hard to Find?
Before you need to know how to eat a Dragon fruit, you also need to know where you can even find one. It is very difficult to find in the American market because they are mainly sold in Asia.
You definitely won’t be finding this fruit in your local store. If you do manage to find one that you are able to eat, you need to look at the ripeness of the fruit.
Ripeness
When you are going to eat a Dragon fruit, you need to make sure the Dragon fruit is a ripe pink or red color. When checking the ripeness, you also need to use your touch to feel whether it is slightly soft.
If it is rock hard then it is not ready to eat yet. If it is too soft, it will be overripe and not good to eat. You also need to look at the exterior of the fruit to check if there are any dark areas or dry areas which means it is not good to eat as well.
Steps to Eat It
- To start, you need to cut the fruit in half so it is symmetrical. It will look quite similar to other fruit inside with the light softer areas with seeds inside.
- You need to treat this fruit exactly the same way you’d treat a Kiwi by scooping out the fruit in the middle.
- You need to make sure that you are keeping to the fruit in the fridge because it tastes much better in this environment.
Another tip you should definitely follow is not trying the Dragon fruit skin because it does not have a very nice taste or texture. This is actually quite inedible and the best part is what is on the inside of the fruit.
Another way that people love to eat this fruit is by putting them on kebabs. They need to be cut into small bits and placed on a long stick. They will be grilled over a medium heat, you can even use a grill on your oven to do this too.
You can also make them into delicious smoothies as a different option. Everyone loves a nice cold smoothie – especially when it tastes so fresh and nutritious.
You can also add different fruit to this mix as well. You need to have a base mix to give the smoothie some milky texture such as yogurt. To make it nice and sweet, if you prefer that, you can also add sugar or syrup.
Conclusion
Overall, if you are looking to eat Dragon fruit, you first need to find somewhere you can buy it in good condition. Then you need to choose how you would like to eat it, just on its own, putting it in a kebab or making it into a smoothie.
There are many different ways to eat this fruit and consume its health and nutrition. Not only is it a delicious snack, but it is also very good for you and unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
When ripe, dragon fruit has a mildly sweet flavor often described as a blend of pear and kiwi, and a soft texture similar to a ripe kiwi. Under-ripe dragon fruit, on the other hand, is basically flavorless.
Native to Mexico, Central and South America, the dragon fruit plant is a cactus.
Is Eating Dragon Fruit Good for You?
Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are good for your immune system. It can boost your iron levels. Iron is important for moving oxygen through your body and giving you energy, and dragon fruit has iron.
And the vitamin C in dragon fruit helps your body take in and use the iron.
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