While dragon fruit is a cousin of the cactus pear, the two fruits exhibit key differences: first, pitaya seeds are edible, much like kiwifruit; second, the fruit does not typically have spines, instead possessing various colored protective shoots that surround the baseball-sized fruit.

What fruit family is dragon fruit in?

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), an important tropical fruit belonging to the family Cactaceae, is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, dietary fibres and antioxidants.

What is dragon fruit similar to?

Dragon fruit may look exotic, but its flavors are similar to other fruits. Its taste has been described as a slightly sweet cross between a kiwi and a pear. Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. Its taste is like a combination of a kiwi and a pear.

Is dragon fruit related to passion fruit?

So, whether you see them called pitaya, pitahaya, or dragon fruit, they are all basically the same fruit. 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!

Is dragon fruit a multiple fruit?

To make matters more confusing, two completely different genera of cactus, Stenocereus and Selenicereus, also include multiple species known as pitaya, pithaya, or pitayo. However, the term “dragon fruit” usually refers solely to the fruit of the Hylocereus genus.

Is dragon fruit allergic?

Dragon fruit is generally safe to eat, although studies have reported isolated allergic reactions. Symptoms include swelling of the tongue, hives, and vomiting. This type of reaction seems to be very rare.

Is Blue dragon fruit real?

The blue dragon fruit with red flesh is rich in vitamins and nutrition. Nhung’s family is growing seedlings to sell to other households in the district. Many families that have hilly land have shifted from growing cassava to growing dragon plants.

How can you tell a red dragon fruit from a white dragon fruit?

It is a bit difficult to tell the difference between red dragon fruit and white dragon fruit by looking at the branches. However, branches of the red ones have more thorns than those of the white ones. Certain red varieties feature wavy or braided branches, while a few others have branches with well defined thorns.

Is dragon fruit a flower?

Dragon fruit flower, also called Pitaya [pit-EYE-ah], is an exotic fruit cactus with colorful leaves, flowers, and fruits. Pitaya typically refers to the fruit of a genus columnar – Stenocereus which has a prominent exterior with scaly spikes. Dragon fruit flowers have a few common names as follows: Red Pitahaya.

Can diabetics eat dragon fruit?

In traditional and alternative medicine treatments, dragon fruit has been used to treat hypertension, and the seeds have been demonstrated to help regulate blood glucose levels, making dragon fruit potentially useful specifically for type 2 diabetes prevention and management.

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 are the side effects of dragon fruit?

Are There Known Side Effects of Dragon Fruit? The good news is that there don’t appear to be any side effects or health risks associated with eating dragon fruit. Even so, if you eat dragon fruit and develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop eating the fruit immediately.

What’s the difference between white and purple 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.

Does dragon fruit taste like prickly pear?

Dragon fruit has a light, slightly sweet flavor that reminds folks of a cross between a pear and a watermelon, with the consistency of a kiwi.

Why is dragon fruit pink or white?

Before becoming a red dragon fruit, the inside of the baby fruit is actually white. As it gets more ripened, it gradually turns the inside flesh color into red.