The sweet and juicy dragon fruit is obtained from the family of cactus plants of Mesoamerican origin, genus: Hylocereus. They are sold in Western markets as Pitahaya or Pitaya (Spanish name). It is one of the most popular Southeast Asian countries, especially in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Some common names are Strawberry Pear, thanh Long (Vietnamese), Huolóng Guo (Chinese), Doragonfurutsu and Kæwmangkr (Thai).
Botany name: Hylocereus undatus.
The three common types of dragon fruit are:
- Red peel with white pulp (Hylocereus undatus): the most common type.
- Red peel with red pulp (Hylocereus polyrhizus).
- Yellow peel, white flesh (Hylocereus megalanthus).
Hylocereus species grow well in tropical climates. In general, farmers prefer cuttings from the mother plant for planting rather than seedlings. As a delicate stem plant, the fire dragon head cactus needs a trellis to support upright growth.
H, undatus bears fruit from the second year of planting. By April, many attractive, milky white flowers appear on the plant, flowering at night. The fruit will be ready for harvest 30-35 days after successful pollination. The fruiting period, which begins in June, will last until November. During this period, ripe fruit is often picked up to six times.
The outer thick skin of the immature dragon fruit is bright green. As the fruit ripens and matures, it turns bright red. Inside, the juicy, translucent pearl-white flesh is dotted with black seeds, evenly spread throughout the pulp. Its texture mimics the texture of kiwi fruit and the taste is reminiscent of melon.
Health benefits of dragon fruit
- Dragon fruit has a moderate number of calories, comparable to kiwifruit, and contains only about 50 calories per 100 grams. Still, it contains many health-promoting antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
- The crunchy black seeds of dragon fruit carry an antioxidant phytochemical compound, plant albumin. Some important functions of plant albumin are to improve appetite, laxatives and restore skin and hair health.
- Fruit is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin C; Provides approximately 8-9 mg or approximately 12-15% OF DRI per 100 g (recommended daily intake). Consuming foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance, fights infectious pathogens and scavenges harmful free radicals.
- Red fleshy dragon fruit contains very healthy vitamin A and carotene. In conclusion, these compounds are known to have antioxidant properties that are essential for good vision. Vitamin A is also necessary for the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes and skin. Eating natural fruits rich in carotene can prevent lung and oral cancer.
- It also contains a large number of minerals such as phosphorus, manganese, iron and magnesium. Manganese is used by the body as a cofactor for the powerful antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Magnesium is an important bone-strengthening mineral such as calcium.
Select and store
Fresh dragon fruit enters the Thai market at the end of June and continues until November. However, these days it is possible to offer fresh fireheads throughout the year. This is thanks to a revolution in agriculture, storage and transport technology. In the store, buy fresh harvests. Look for the green tip on the scale. Ripe fruit yields under the pressure of the thumb. While they can be used for most of the year, they are at their best between June and December. Only ripe fruit can be harvested from cactus vines and carefully processed for commercial profit.
At home, ripe fruit is best enjoyed shortly after purchase. For long-term use, keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cut part, wrapped in a thin plastic lid, can be kept in good condition for a week if stored in a refrigerator with the right humidity.
Preparation and serving method
Wash the fruit with cold tap water. Fresh, ripe fruit is best eaten alone and does not contain any seasonings/additives. Its peel is tough and inedible. Cut the fruit in half. Scoop the meat with a spoon. It can also be cut into slices/cubes.
Here are some service tips:
- Fresh and juicy fireheads are so delicious that they can be eaten as is without any seasonings/additives. Enjoy their rich, unique flavor and the crunchy texture of the little black seeds.
- Its flesh can be enjoyed in milkshakes, sorbets, smoothies, and fruit cocktails such as coconut water, lime juice, honey, and more.
- Fresh lumps of the head can be a great addition to a fruit salad.
- It is also used to prepare jams, jams, jellies, party cakes, etc