Here's how to enjoy a dragon fruit:
Ripeness:
-
The first step is to choose a ripe dragon fruit. A ripe dragon fruit will have slightly wrinkled, papery skin that gives a little when squeezed gently. The color of the flesh (white or red) will be visible through the scales on the skin. Avoid fruit that is too hard or has any moldy spots.
Cutting and Opening:
-
There are two main ways to open a dragon fruit:
-
Cut in half: Wash the fruit and use a sharp knife to cut it in half, lengthwise or crosswise, depending on your preference.
-
Peel the skin: This method works better for riper fruit. You can cut off a small end and then use your fingers to peel the skin away from the flesh, similar to peeling an orange.
Eating the Flesh:
-
Dragon fruit flesh is full of small black seeds, similar to a kiwi. These seeds are edible and safe to consume.
-
You can either eat the flesh directly with a spoon, like scooping out avocado, or cut it into slices or cubes.
Serving Ideas:
-
Dragon fruit goes well with other fruits in a salad or fruit platter.
-
You can also add it to yogurt parfaits, smoothies, or acai bowls.
-
The vibrant pink or white flesh can add a beautiful touch to desserts.
Here are some additional tips:
-
Dragon fruit has a mild sweetness, so you can add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
-
The skin of the dragon fruit is not edible and should be discarded.
-
Dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing dragon fruit!