The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is at it again! This time, drum roll please.....Yellow Dragon Fruit!
Yellow Dragon Fruit
Yellow Dragon Fruit is a popular exotic fruit with a sweet and mild taste. Yellow dragon fruit (also called yellow pitaya or yellow pitahaya) comes from the climbing cactus Hylocereus megalanthus that grows in Colombia, Ecuador and northern parts of South America. The plant can grow up to 15 feet tall.
Nutrition and Benefits
- Rich source of dietary fiber with prebiotics for digestive health.
- Beneficial antioxidants including Vitamins C and A.
- Beneficial minerals like iron, potassium, niacin and magnesium.
- Omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Yellow dragon fruit’s taste can best be described as mild and sweet with floral notes, bearing some resemblance to kiwifruit or cactus pear. The flesh has a slight crunch that’s somewhat softer than that of watermelon. Due to its mild flavor, yellow dragon fruit is a delicious snack on its own as well as an excellent addition to smoothies.
Eating Instructions
- Place the dragon fruit on a clean cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut in half lengthwise down the middle.
- Slide a spoon in between the skin and the flesh (like you might do for an avocado or kiwi). Scoop out the flesh and repeat for the other half. Optional: reserve the skin for serving.
- Chop the flesh into chunks or slice it widthwise.
- Arrange in the reserved skin or use as directed in recipes.