This alien-like fruit is known for its striking look and mildly sweet, refreshing taste. You can use this fruit in fruit salads and smoothie bowls. It’s also an excellent garnish for cocktails.
What is dragon fruit?
The Pitaya (also known as pitahaya) is a tropical fruit of the cactus plant family. The fruit is native to Central and South America, but it’s now sold and grown worldwide.
The fruit is known for its unusual appearance — a pink or yellow spiky exterior surrounding white or reddish-pink flesh with black seeds. Dragon fruit has a mild flavor despite its rugged exterior. It tastes like a cross between an earthy watermelon and a pear, with the texture of Kiwi.
The low-calorie dragon fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Calcium, and Fiber, making it an ideal snack for any time.
How to cut dragon fruit properly
It is essential to cut a dragonfruit correctly to show off its interior and enjoy its unique flavor. You can preserve the texture of the fruit and reduce waste by learning the correct technique.
It is possible to make your fruit salads or smoothie bowls more appealing by adding dragon fruit.
A proper cutting technique will also help you to avoid any accidents due to the thick skin of the dragonfruit.
You’ll also need
You’ll only need the following to cut a Dragon Fruit:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Cutting board
- A spoon
Dragon fruit: How to select the best dragon fruit
It would help if you learned how to select dragon fruits at the supermarket before you can cut them. You can find this exotic fruit all year round, but the best time to buy it is June through September. Remember these tips:
- Choose a dragonfruit with skin that is even in color and has light green protrusions. The more vibrant the color, the better. It’s normal to see some weak beige spots, but you should avoid those with too many brown ones.
- Firmness The dragon fruits should be firm but not overly so.
- Weight: The weight should be heavy compared to its size. If the fruit feels light, it is past its prime.
- Smell: A ripe dragonfruit has a fresh but subtle aroma. We would rely less on smell than other tropical fruits to determine whether it is grown.
- Shape You’ll want to choose a dragon fruit that is round and evenly shaped. Avoid dragon fruits that are lopsided or have indentations.
- Size doesn’t affect the taste, but choose one that suits your needs.
How to cut Dragon Fruit
Knowing how to cut it into different shapes will be essential if you want to use dragon fruit in a fruit or smoothie salad or as a garnish for a dessert. This is how you can dice, slice and scoop the fruit.
Peel the fruit
You can peel dragon fruits using two methods:
- Scoop. After rinsing, place the dragon fruit on a cutting board and cut it in half. Take a spoon, and scoop out the flesh from the skin. This is similar to what you would do with an avocado or Kiwi.
- Peel the dragon fruit: Alternatively, cut it in half and quarters. Peel the skin gently with your fingers. The skin should easily peel off.
How to cut it
Place one-half of the dragon fruit cut side down on the cutting board to increase stability.
Make vertical slices along the width while stabilizing the fruit with your non-dominant hand. Your needs and preferences will determine the thickness of your pieces, but we typically go for 1/2 to 3/4 inches.
How to cube it
Once you have sliced the dragon fruit, place each piece flat on a cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise. This will create two strips. Then, rotate the strips and cut them crosswise to make approximately 1-inch cubes.
Consistency is the key. Make sure your cubes are the same size to look nice, and distribute them evenly.
How to make spheres
Hold the unpeeled half of the dragon fruit firmly. Press the melon baller firmly into the flesh and twist it to form a small round sphere. Repeat the process until all of your dragon fruit flesh is gone.
How to cut dragon fruit?
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp blade to make clean cuts.
- Use a sharp-edged, long-handled spoon to scoop out the meat.
- Rinse before cutting: Always wash a dragonfruit. This will stop dirt and bacteria from infecting the flesh.
- Cutting Board: Cut the fruit on a solid board to avoid slipping. Place a moist paper towel under the cutting board if necessary.
- Temperature: Chill your dragon fruit before serving to get the best flavor.
How to store dragon fruit cut?
You can store your dragon fruit in two different ways. This will help to maintain its flavor and freshness. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigerator: Place your cut dragon fruits in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 6 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dragon fruit cut in one layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, then transfer solid pieces into a freezer-safe bag or container. This can be stored in this manner for up to three months. Dragon fruit is best used frozen for smoothies or smoothie bowls.
Recipes for Dragon Fruit
The dragon fruit is an excellent addition to breakfast favorites like fruit salads. It can be added to cocktails and desserts. Try these ideas for some inspiration:
- Dragon fruit agua fresca
- Tropical Fruit Salad with Pineapple, Banana, Watermelon, Papaya, and Mango
- Smoothie or smoothie bowl
- Cocktail garnish
- Vegan fruit tart decoration
- Fresh Mango Salsa instead with dragon fruit
- Top with oatmeal, overnight oats, or vegan yogurt
