All About Dragon Fruit

All about this bright and beautiful tropical fruit.

Dragon fruit is a mild-tasting tropical fruit that is easy to cut and eat, and beautiful to behold. Here’s everything you need to know about it: How to cut a ripe dragon fruit, test a dragon fruit for ripeness, and lots more.

What Is Dragon Fruit?

Some people think cut ripe dragon fruit looks similar to a kiwi inside, but this warm-weather fruit is actually a form of cactus, similar to the also-edible (and delicious) prickly pear. Native to Central America, dragon fruit can now be found around the world.

The most common species of dragon fruit is bright pink on the outside, and white in the inside with black seeds scattered throughout. But less-common variations have magenta or yellow flesh.

How to Pick Out a Good Dragon Fruit

When buying dragon fruit, look for shiny, bright pink flesh with fresh green tips. Avoid dragon fruit that looks wrinkled or has blemishes or brown coloring.

When Is Dragon Fruit Ripe?

Here’s how to tell if a dragon fruit is ripe:

• Ripe dragon fruit has a bright pink color with smooth skin
• The dragon fruit should not be rock hard. Instead, let it ripen a little until the flesh gives a little big, similar to a ripe avocado.
• If the dragon fruit feels mushy, it is overripe.

How to Cut a Ripe Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is easy to cut. Here’s how:

• Slice the dragon fruit in half lengthwise
• Use a large spoon to scoop out the flesh into two large halves. Discard the “shell.” (Although, I like to reserve it and use the scooped-out halves as bowls to serve the dragon fruit or a fruit salad).
• Cut the flesh as desired, and eat!

What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?

Dragon fruit looks vibrant and gorgeous. Its flavor is a little . . . neutral. Most people compare it to a cross between mild kiwi and pear. Because of its mild flavor, some people may consider it a little bland.

Because of its mild flavor, I like to combine dragon fruit with other fruit to make a larger fruit salad or platter, instead of eating one on its own.

Is Dragon Fruit Healthy?

Yes! Like other fruit, dragon fruit contains fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Dragon fruit is especially rich in fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium.

This pretty tropical fruit may look unfamiliar — even a little intimidating. But once you know more about it, you’ll see just how easy it is to cut, eat, and enjoy dragon fruit.

Want some more fabulous fruit? You’ll love:

• How to Arrange a Fruit Platter Like a Pro
• Poached Orange Ginger Cake
• Watermelon Agua Fresca

Print Recipe

How to Cut and Eat a Ripe Dragon Fruit

Here's how to enjoy this beautiful, mild-tasting tropical fruit.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time0 mins

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: central american, Mexican, south american

Keywords:: dragon fruit, easy, fruit, fruit salad, hack, healthy, tropical

Servings: 1 dragon fruit

Ingredients

• 1 ripe dragon fruit
• any other cut fruit of choice, if making a fruit salad

Instructions

• Rinse your ripe dragon fruit and cut it lengthwise through the center into two hemispheres.

  TIP: You'll know dragon fruit is ripe by the shiny, bright pink flesh with fresh green tips. Make sure the dragon fruit does not pucker or have wrinkles, or have blemishes or brown spots.
• Use a large spoon to scoop the flesh out of each half. Place each half face-down on a cutting board.

  TIP: You can discard the outer rind or peel, but I suggest reserving it as a bowl in which to serve the dragon fruit or mixed fruit salad.
• Cut the dragon fruit flesh into cubes or as desired. Serve on its own or as part of a larger fruit plate or fruit salad.