Pitaya or Dragon Fruit, is the eye-catching fruit of a vine-like cactus that originated from Mexico and South America. It reached Hawaii in 1830 and Vietnam in the late 1800’s. Today it is grown throughout Asia, Israel, the US and Australia and in some markets is called a Strawberry Pear.

The refreshing fruit can have white, red or magenta flesh with small black seeds that are reminiscent of a kiwi fruit. The texture is a cross between a melon and a pear, with a melon taste, although some think the taste is more like a kiwi, with a hint of pineapple.

The name dragon fruit most likely comes from the pink and green flares on the skin that look like the scales of a dragon. Its name in Chinese literally means “fire dragon fruit”.

Mythmakers like to claim a relationship between the fruit and dragons. The story goes that after a dragon has breathed fire a fruit is produced. If dragon slayers are successful they take back the fruit to their ruler as proof of the kill. It is also said that anyone who eats the fruit of the dragon will inherit the dragon’s strength and ferocity. Other imaginative folk like to claim it is so called because it looks like a dragon’s egg!

The cactus has beautifully-scented majestic white flowers that only come out at night and normally only live for one night. The flower is sometimes called a Moonflower or Queen of the Night. Flower buds that have not opened can be cooked as a vegetable.

Eating Tidbits
The fruit is ripe when it has a gentle give to the touch.

To eat simply peel off the skin, which peels as easily as a banana when ripe, and eat the flesh. Alternately cut in half and dive in. Some foodies like to add lemon or lime juice to enhance the flavour.

An unusual and colourful serving bowl can be made by cutting the fruit in half (skin on) and scooping out as much of the flesh as possible.

The fruit can be used in salads, on pizzas, in pastries, jams and chutneys, sorbets and juiced.

It can also substitute cranberry juice in cocktails and goes well with mango – for example a Mango and Red Dragon Fruit Daiquiri.

It can also be found in alcoholic and non-alcoholic commercial drinks.

Health Benefits
Dragon fruit with the red or magenta flesh are of most benefit to health as they contain the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes, is known to fight cancer, especially prostrate cancer, fight heart disease and reduce blood pressure.

All dragon fruits are a good source of Vitamin C and water-soluble fibre.

They are also reported to improve eyesight, alleviate constipation, and neutralise heavy metals.

Recipes
Dragon Shrimp Salad
230 grams sliced dragon fruit
230 grams shrimp, shelled, deveined and cooked with tails intact
½ cup each finely julienned radish and pomegranate
½ head butter lettuce
Lemon and ginger dressing

Arrange all ingredients in shallow lettuce-lined salad bowl. Serve with lemon ginger dressing.

Dressing
Combine 2 tablespoons each oil, vinegar and lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; ½ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well.
Source - www.harinayak.com

Dragon Fruit Salsa
1 Dragon fruit
2 Jalapeno peppers
1 Pineapple (small)
2 Tbs. coriander, finely chopped
1 Lime, juiced
Salt to taste

Method
Finely dice the dragon fruit, pineapple, and jalapeno
Finely chop the coriander, transfer to a bowl and add the lime juice.
Combine all ingredients and salt to taste.
Serve over pork or fish.
Source  - www.yourproduceman.com

by Vicki Williams
vicki@womguide.com