Pitaya, strawberry pear, and ziix is ccapxl are some of its many names around the world. Here, we know them as dragon fruits. Such a beautiful fruit with a fierce name; this glammed-up-looking-artichoke is dressed to impress as it packs a punch in nutritional value while giving you some delicious tasting experiences.
 
Eaten on its own, as a salad topping, or juiced, there is more than meets the eye to this striking fruit. Here are some equally striking facts about the dragon fruit:

 
True Identity

We often see them in supermarkets but never in the wild or farmed. It is definitely surprising that these fruits are from the cacti family. Other popularly consumed cactus fruit are the prickly pear fruit and the apple cactus. Although it is commonly seen all over Asia (with Vietnam being the leading exporter of dragon fruit), they actually originated from the Americas and were brought over by French missionaries over a 100 years ago.

 

Super Fruit

This super fruit is loaded with nutritional goodness. Vitamins B (B1, B2, and B3) and C can be found in the dragon fruit while the mineral content comprises of magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Additionally, it contains phytonutrient carotene and powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanin (especially when juiced with some skin or when eating the red fleshed variety). All of this basically translates to improved bone health and density, enhanced skin, and better prevention towards high blood pressure amongst a whole list of health benefits.

 

Nocturnal Lover

You might have heard of the sunflower but have you heard of the moonflower? The moonflower, otherwise known as the Queen of the Night, blooms only at night and withers under harsh sunlight (and you thought your hangovers are bad!). This also means that the dragon fruit plant only pollinates at night with the aid by moths and bats. Do note that this blooming and withering happens over ONE night!

 
Ancient Lore

According to Southeast Asian legend, the dragon fruit was born out of the last breath of dragons (hence the flame like appearance). The fruit was offered by warriors as a sign of great victory while also presenting itself as an extremely prize possession. This link has a rather sad but heartwarming retelling of the legend as to how the fruit was born.
 
Don’t you worry, you won’t have to slay any dragons to get the best out of this fruit; a simple visit to your favourite local mart would suffice.

Once you get your hands over these wonderful fruits, why not have a try at some of these recipes*?:
*if you want the dragon fruit seeds, use the smoothie strainer!

Double Dragon

Ingredients:

• Dragon Fruit 330g
• Dragon Fruit Peel 30g

Steps:

1. Wash the whole dragon fruit thoroughly.
2. Remove peel from dragon fruit, and cut both peel and flesh into appropriate sizes.
3. Place lever on “close” and first extract the flesh, then extract the peel.

 

Longan and Dragon Fruit 

Ingredients:

• Longan 100g
• Banana 100g
• Dragon Fruit 300g

Steps:

1. Peel and remove longan pit
2. Peel banana and cut to appropriate size
3. Wash the whole dragon fruit thoroughly.
4. Remove peel from dragon fruit, and cut both peel and flesh into appropriate sizes.
5. Place lever on “close” and extract while alternating input of ingredients

 

Dragon Fruit Mocktail

Ingredients:

• Mango 100g
• Dragonfruit 200g
• Watermelon 200ml
• Lime (1 lime)
• Mint Leaf (1/4 cup)

Steps:

1. Wash the whole dragon fruit thoroughly.
2. Remove peel from dragon fruit, and cut both peel and flesh into appropriate sizes.
3. Wash and peel mango, watermelon, and lime
4. Place lever on “close” and extract while alternating input of ingredients

 

Dragon Fruit Pear

Ingredients:

• Dragon fruit 300g
• Pear 100g
• Celery 100g
• Cucumber (1/2 cucumber)

Steps:

1. Wash the whole dragon fruit thoroughly.
2. Remove peel from dragon fruit, and cut both peel and flesh into appropriate sizes.
3. Wash and cut pear, celery, and cucumber to appropriate sizes
4. Place lever on “close” and extract while alternating input of ingredients

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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health