The Red Strawberry Pear

(source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Starr_030702-0020_Hylocereus_undatus.jpg)

Health Benefits

Today, I would like to discuss a fruit seen and grown in commercial parts of heavily concentrated Asian markets. This unique-looking, bright rose red fruit flesh, green spike-like, and cone shaped fruit was originated in South America[1]. It is grown on an extension of a long spiny vine-like cactus. This fruit is called hylocereus undatus or pitaya, but I call them dragon fruits[2]. Every year, this plant bears about 4-6 of these exotic fruits that is known for its antioxidant properties, high in vitamins A, C, and E, known for its diabetic friendly aliments, and good source of high fiber content[3]. In addition to this, the fruit is given a big round of applause to help lower high blood pressure and boosts metabolism[4].

Fun fact: By the way, if you have dogs or cats, this fruit is non-toxic to them. If your dog or cat experiences some stomach discomforts, feed them a small amount of the dragon fruit. Feed them like a treat, but in moderation[5]. Yes, you can feed them the seeds too.

See the Picture

I usually see this fruit come in a pale pink to red-purple color and sometimes, the fruit comes in yellow or white, but it’s uncommon. Inside of the fruit, the rind is white with black seeds, like a kiwi fruit. The taste and texture is combination of a pear, kiwi, and watermelon. I got these dragon fruits from my grandpa’s miniature farm in San Diego. Since he does not use any commercial pesticides or any other chemicals, these fruits grow once every two years instead of every year. These fruits are like succulents where they are drought-friendly plants and need little maintenance. Unfortunately, they are delicate plants when it comes to peak of harvest in the middle of the year. If you yank them off the cactus, you will bruise the plant itself. Thus, this will result with a dead plant or off-season growth. My grandpa tends to use pliers to snip off the dragon fruits from their “vines”.

Preparation

To know when your dragon fruit is ready to eat, you can tell by softly squeezing the fruit. If it’s too firm, it needs a few days to ripen, if it’s too squishy, it’s over ripe. You can have it under ripe and simply, put it in the fridge.

I usually cut it vertically from the long end of the fruit; from there I cut it like an orange, and sliced them into cubes. You can enjoy these chilled, make dragon fruit sorbet or in smoothies. I recently learn from my Mexican roommates that you can squeeze a bit of lime or lemon over the fruit, add a hot chili sauce, and a bit of paprika for color. My roommates said, “It’s like eating soft jicama”.

 

If you have any dragon fruit recipes you like to share, please let me know. Thank you.

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[1] http://www.examiner.com/article/why-you-should-eat-dragonfruit

[2] http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/content/dragon-fruit.htm

[3] http://www.antioxidant-fruits.com/health-benefits-of-the-dragon-fruit.html

[4] http://www.naturalnews.com/034163_dragon_fruit_health_benefits.html#

[5] http://www.petloverscentre.com/forum/index.php?topic=5332.0