Pitaya (Dragonfruit)

Pitaya aka “dragon fruit” is native to Mexico and South America, but is available in the United States during the summer and early fall. It grows on the cactus plant.

There are different types of dragon fruit: pink skin with pink, purple, or white flesh and those with yellow skin and white flesh. It contains carotenoids and lycopene which decrease the risk of cancer. It is also rich in magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, and has 7 grams of fiber per cup.

Just cut off the top and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. The skin is not edible. You can eat it by itself or make your own fruit and granola bowl (using pitaya as the base) or blend it in a smoothie. It’s seasonal, sweet, and nutritious so venture outside your traditional fruit tasting if you have not tried it already. It can be pricey ($6.99/lb at Whole Foods) for the one with pink (fuchsia) skin and flesh, but we think the nutritional benefits outweigh the cost to buy it.

The dragon fruit with pink skin and white flesh is the most common type and is the least sweet. The dragon fruit with yellow skin and white flesh is more difficult to find and is the sweetest.

Reference: All about dragon fruit: 3 health benefits + how to eat it. (2020, May 26). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/get-to-know-the-incredible-edible-dragon-fruit/