Dragon fruit is actually a cousin of the cactus pear. However, the dragon fruit’s seeds are completely soft and edible (much like a kiwifruit), as compared to cactus pear seeds, which are crunchy like those in passion fruit! Also, unlike the cactus pear, the dragon fruit does not have spines on its skin.

Is cactus and dragon fruit same?

Even though dragon fruit is in the cactus family, it’s not like the cacti you typically see in the desert—in fact, dragon fruit is a subtropical cactus originally from Central America and South America, meaning that it thrives in mild, humid environments.

What fruit is similar to dragon fruit?

The most common comparison you’ll find when it comes to dragon fruit flavor and texture is the humble kiwi. While these two fruits look very different, their interior flesh is surprisingly similar. Both of them have juicy, slightly grainy flesh that’s full of tiny, crunchy little seeds.

How many types of dragon fruits are there?

There are three species of dragon fruit in the genus Hylocereus and one species in the genus Selenicereus. Varieties of Hylocereus guatemalensis, Hylocereus polyrhizus, and Hylocereus undatus as well as hybrids of these three species are grown commercially worldwide.

Why is it called dragon fruit?

The name ‘dragon fruit’ is derived from its unique appearance, where the spikes resemble fire and the scales resemble that of a dragon, as depicted in Chinese mythology.

What part of prickly pear cactus is edible?

There are two edible parts of the prickly pear plant: the pad, or nopal, of the cactus which is often treated as a vegetable, and the pear, or fruit.

Can you eat prickly pears?

Prickly Pear (Opuntia) is a very flexible food source. Both the pads (nopales) and the fruit (tunas) are edible, but caution should be taken with both harvesting and preparation. Do not rinse the cactus pads or fruit under the sink until AFTER the thorns have been removed.

How can you tell the difference between a white and pink dragon fruit?

The flesh of dragon fruit can vary from white (with pink or yellow skin) to hot pink or deep red with tiny black seeds. Flavor is associated with the color of the flesh: whitish dragon fruit often has a mild taste while darker, redder flesh can be sweeter and juicier.

What is the best tasting dragon fruit?

Yellow dragonfruit (hylocereus megalanthus) also known as the yellow pitahaya, is the sweetest dragon fruit of all. It is part of the cactus family – and is by far the most popular cactus among the world. The yellow pitahaya is smaller than the red-skinned species, but sweeter and juicier. Try it yourself!

What are the benefits of eating dragon fruit?

Dragon Fruit Health Benefits

• It’s rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin.
• It’s naturally fat-free and high in fiber.
• It may help lower your blood sugar.
• It contains prebiotics, which are foods that feed the healthy bacteria called probiotics in your gut.
• It can strengthen your immune system.

Is the skin of dragon fruit poisonous?

As noted above, the dragon fruit skin is not poisonous and is in fact very healthy. Therefore, you should consider your perception towards the dragon fruit skin. It is not only healthy, but delicious too.

Does dragon fruit make you poop?

High in fiber, which helps in maintaining blood pressure and weight. Packed with prebiotics to promote a healthy gut. Prebiotics enhance digestion and your immune system to lower your risk of intestinal infections and to keep you more regular. Good for your daily poops, too!

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.