Here’s when Dragon Fruit is in Season

Pitaya or Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit or Strawberry Pear?

Okay,Is this really a name of fruit?

Dragon? I am scared.

I am the kind of person who wants to taste every possible thing in this world.C’mon people we got one life (just one)and we have to live it to the fullest.

Now,I made a bucket list of my favourite and not so favourite fruits. I just wanted to eat every fruit in this world.Dragon fruit tops the list of course because it has a great name.

Feels like when I eat this cute dragon fruit ,a dragon appears in front of me.Just me and my lame jokes!

How did dragon fruit get its name?

It was named dragon fruit because of its appearance.Oval – shaped with pointed scales and also the wavy edge of its stems.Its uniqueness or weirdness named it dragon fruit.

Origin of Dragon Fruit

This beautiful fruit is native to Mexico(Southern part), Central America and South America.

Though historians believe dragon fruit originated in Central America.Nowadays,it is grown all over the world because of its demand.It is highly nutritious in nature.

When is dragon fruit in season?

There is nothing like peak month or time to get fresh dragon fruit.It depends on varieties.You may find one variety of fresh fruit in winter and one variety of fresh fruit in summer.So,it depends on the variety of the dragon fruit.

Still, June to September is the best time period to get fresh dragon fruits.Now I am going to tell you about the varieties of dragon fruit and which is the best month to get which variety of dragon fruit.

Types of dragon fruits

There are mainly three varieties of dragon fruits.They are described below with their colour and scientific name.

1. Hylocereus undatus

Also known as pitaya blanca.This variety of dragon fruit has red or pink skin with white flesh and balck seeds.Hylocereus undatus or white dragon fruit

is the most famous and grown variety of dragon fruit.

2. Hylocereus megalanthus

Also known as pitaya amarilla.This variety of dragon fruit has yellow skin with white flesh and black seeds.This is the sweetest among all variety.Yellow dragon fruit is quite expensive in nature due to its high demand.

3.Hylocereus costaricensis

Also known as pitaya roja.This variety of dragon fruit has pink or red skin with red flesh and black seeds.Red dragon fruit is often used in making smoothies and ice-creams because of its rich colour and taste.

Suitable Climate Conditions

This fruit behaves as cactus so it needs very little amount of water with a good amount of sunlight.Climatic conditions of Mexico , South America and Central America is suitable for dragon fruit to ripen well.

Farmers of Australia,Taiwan and California are also cultivating dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit is a subtropical plant so as the name suggests, the humid climate and little water is all the plant needs.

Business of Dragon Fruit

People are using dragon fruit to make pulp,jellies,juice, smoothies, ice-cream and fruit bars.There are so many food material in markets with dragon fruit as a main ingredient in them.It can stay fresh for longer time in comparison to apples, bananas , grapes etc.

What dragon fruit taste-like?

It tastes a bit like kiwi fruit.It has lots of Vitamin C and fibre.They are rich in antioxidants.If you like kiwi you must try this fruit.It has a weird and unique appearance and scary name but don’t judge this fruit by its appearance and name.It tastes heavenly.

If you are a fan of sweet and sour fruit go for this weird fruit.It taste lies between kiwi and pear.

What Are the Nutrition Facts of Dragon Fruit?

Strawberry pear not only tastes good but is also full of vitamins, minerals,fibre and so many essential nutrients.

Nutrition chart

100 grams of dragon fruit contains the following nutrition-

• 60 calories
• 1.18 grams of protein
• 2.9 grams of fiber
• 18 milligrams of calcium
• 2.5 milligrams of Vitamin C
• 0.74 milligrams of Iron

What are the benefits of eating dragon fruit?

• Eating dragon fruit reduces cholesterol levels.
• Dragon fruit improves your digestive health.
• Dragon fruit maintains your heart’s health.
• It also helps in weight loss.
• It increases the level of hemoglobin in your body.
• It helps in making skin and hair healthy.
• It prevents cancer.
• It reduces blood sugar levels.

How to eat dragon fruit?

Steps

• Take your favourite strawberry pear and wash it thoroughly.
• Cut it into two pieces and remove the skin.
• Now , you can enjoy the red flesh or white flesh of your favourite dragon fruit.

What are the side effects of eating dragon fruit?

There is nothing like side effects but some people are allergic to dragon fruits.

Symptoms include-

• Vomiting
• Wheezing
• Stomachache
• Bad throat and swelling
• Nausea

How to use dragon fruit as a face mask?

Take a bowl and mix 4 spoons of dragon fruit.Blend it completely.For more convenience you can use a blender.Mix one teaspoon of honey and five to six drops of extra virgin coconut oil.

Apply it on your face and leave for 20 minutes.Wash it with plaine cold water and voila, you are good to go.

This face mask makes your skin much healthier and glowing.

How to make a dragon fruit smoothie?

Everyone loves a refreshing drink.What’s better than a glass of cold smoothie filled with the goodness of dragon fruit.

Now,I am going to tell you how to make a perfect smoothie with the help of dragon fruit.

I prefer it chilled ,you can make it normal also.

Ingredients

• 100 grams of dragon fruit
• 100 ml of orange juice
• 1 not so ripe banana
• 1 carrot
• You can also add your favourite greens.
• 1 cup of chilled water.
• 5 strawberries
• You can add a few raisins and almonds.

Recipe

• In a blender add dragon fruit,banana , strawberries,greens, carrot and blend it on high speed.
• Now add 1 cup of water and 100 ml of orange juice.
• Pour it in a cup and garnish it with some dry fruits like raisins and almonds.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• You can reduce the amount of water if you want a thick consistency .
• You can also use frozen fruits for chilled smoothies.
• I use banana for that sweet taste and avoid sugar.
• You can add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the taste.
• Try to avoid adding sugar in this smoothie.