Selenicereus undatus, known as dragon fruit or pitaya, is a visually striking tropical fruit. It features vibrant, often pink or red, leathery skin with green, scale-like appendages, encasing speckled white, red, or yellow flesh. The fruit has a mild, subtly sweet flavor and a refreshing, creamy texture, making it versatile for culinary creations.
Preparing Dragon Fruit
Preparing dragon fruit is straightforward. Wash the fruit thoroughly under cool water. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it in half lengthwise, from stem to end. The vibrant flesh, dotted with tiny black, edible seeds, will be revealed.
You can either use a large spoon to scoop the flesh directly out of the skin, similar to eating an avocado. Alternatively, cut each half into quarters and then peel the skin away from the fruit. Once removed, it can be enjoyed as is, sliced, or cubed for recipes.
Sweet Dragon Fruit Creations
Dragon fruit is excellent in sweet dishes, adding subtle sweetness and captivating color. Smoothies are popular; it blends easily for a creamy texture and beautiful hue, especially with red varieties. It pairs well with bananas and berries, or combined with yogurt or coconut milk.
Beyond beverages, dragon fruit is refreshing in fruit salads, complementing mango, pineapple, and melon. Its mild flavor suits desserts like sorbets, popsicles, and tarts, where it can be pureed or diced. Dragon fruit enhances breakfast bowls like smoothie bowls or yogurt parfaits, layered with granola and other fruits for a nutritious start. Pureed dragon fruit can also be incorporated into baked goods like cakes for flavor and color.
Savory Dragon Fruit Pairings
While less common, dragon fruit’s mild taste and refreshing texture complement savory dishes. Its delicate flavor won’t overpower other ingredients, adding a unique dimension. It’s excellent in salsas, providing sweetness and a juicy crunch that pairs well with grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken tacos.
Diced dragon fruit can be incorporated into salads with mixed greens, shrimp, or grilled chicken for a light, exotic twist. Its subtle profile harmonizes with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and bright flavors such as lime juice and chili. For appetizers, small cubes can be served on crostini with goat cheese or in ceviche for a refreshing bite.
Selecting and Storing Dragon Fruit
Choosing a ripe dragon fruit is important for flavor. Look for bright, evenly colored skin (pink, red, or yellow), avoiding significant brown spots or blemishes. A ripe dragon fruit should have a slight give when gently pressed, similar to a ripe avocado, but not feel mushy. The scales on the skin should be flexible, not dry or brittle.
Whole, uncut dragon fruit that is not yet ripe can be kept at room temperature for a few days to ripen further. Once ripe or cut, store it in the refrigerator. Place cut pieces in an airtight container or wrap them tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption. Once cut, refrigerated dragon fruit typically remains fresh for a few days.