The Queen of the Night fruit, named for its night-blooming cactus origins, is an exotic and unique produce. Its intriguing appearance and distinctive culinary experience invite exploration into its characteristics.
What is Queen of the Night Fruit?
The Queen of the Night fruit comes from Selenicereus grandiflorus, a fascinating cactus species native to the Antilles, Mexico, and Central America. This climbing cactus is often found growing on trees or rocks in its natural tropical and subtropical habitats. Its long, slender stems enable it to trail or cling to supports as it grows.
The fruit is typically ovoid, measuring about 5-9 cm long and 4.5-7 cm thick. When ripe, its exterior transforms from a burgundy hue to vibrant red or orange, sometimes appearing white or partially pink. The skin is initially covered in fine, hair-like spines, which can be easily brushed off once the fruit is ready for harvest. This fruit is distinct from the more widely known dragon fruit, which belongs to the Hylocereus genus, though both are members of the Cactaceae family.
It is also important to differentiate Selenicereus grandiflorus from Epiphyllum oxypetalum, another plant commonly called “Queen of the Night.” While Epiphyllum oxypetalum is celebrated for its large, fragrant nocturnal flowers, it is not primarily cultivated for its fruit. The fruit-bearing plant focuses on Selenicereus grandiflorus, a true night-blooming cereus known for its edible produce.
Taste and Nutritional Profile
The Queen of the Night fruit has a mildly sweet flavor, sometimes with a tangy aftertaste if harvested early. Its firm, juicy, white flesh contains numerous small, black, crunchy seeds. The taste is comparable to other cactus fruits, offering a refreshing sweetness.
Although specific detailed nutritional data for Selenicereus grandiflorus fruit is less common than for other cacti, the fruits of the Selenicereus genus are generally recognized for being rich in antioxidants and vitamins. The plant’s stems and flowers are known to contain beneficial compounds such as iron, B vitamins, beta-carotene, calcium, and Vitamin C, suggesting the fruit likely shares similar nutritional attributes. Cactus fruits are valued for their dietary fiber, minerals, and phenolic compounds, contributing to their antioxidant properties.
How to Eat and Prepare
Selecting a ripe Queen of the Night fruit is straightforward; look for fruits where the burgundy exterior has fully turned red or orange. Some growers also suggest waiting until the fruit begins to show slight splitting, which indicates peak ripeness. Before consumption, ensure any remaining hair-like spines are brushed away, as they detach easily when the fruit is mature.
To prepare the fruit, begin by carefully cutting off both ends. Then, make a shallow incision lengthwise through the skin and gently peel it away from the flesh. The firm, juicy flesh can then be scooped out with a spoon or sliced into pieces. The small, crunchy black seeds are edible and can be consumed along with the fruit, similar to kiwi or dragon fruit seeds.
The Queen of the Night fruit is versatile in its culinary applications. It can be enjoyed simply by eating the raw flesh directly. It can be incorporated into fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or used as a topping for desserts. Its natural sweetness also makes it a suitable ingredient for making jams, jellies, or even fruit wines in some regions.