Dragon Fruit is one of the tastiest and low calories containing fruit. Which is having less amount of sugar and fewer carbs. This is why it is a healthy choice to add it to your diet. Overall, this fruit is really unique, incredibly tasty, and a healthy choice to add to your diet.
There are several benefits to having these amazing fruits in your diet. More beneficially this fruit has an amazing taste with several benefits. But how this is different from the other fruits:
Table of Contents
What Is Dragon Fruit
This fruit grows on the Hylocereus cactus, also famous as the queen of the night flowers. It is the native plane of Southern Mexico and Central America. Now it is a worldwide famous plant and the most loved one because of its amazing taste and health benefits. There are different types of coverage of the fruit.
This is famous with many names like pitaya, Pitahaya Strawberry pear, etc. However, there are different types of colors but all of them have seeds black color. The fruit has an exotic appearance but its flowers are so beautiful. It is so tasty and gives refreshment and a fresh feeling. These fruits have two different combined tastes one is Kiwi and the other taste like a pear.
Species And Origin Of Dragon Fruit
It grows on the Hylocereus which is mostly found in the tropical region of the country. From the outside, this has different colors. In the central American region this is famous with the name pitaya, in Asia this is the Strawberry pear. Now, this is one of the most amazing and lovely fruits of America, you will easily find this in the different regions of the entire country.
How To Grow Dragon Fruit
It is mostly found in the southern region of America. So, there is no surprising thing that they properly grow in warm conditions only. During the warm weather also in the mild winters. Occasionally they can also grow in short bursts of cold weather because ideally, they need to have 10 degrees temperature.
However, they are also good to absorb heat. This is why while growing this plant we should consider that area should be under the direct reach of sunlight. When you find the condition is suitable for the proper growth of the plant then you should do these things to grow the plant:
- Prepare the soil
- Then place the seeds in it
- Let the roots grab the soil
- Watering the plant timely,
However, clay soils are not considered to be good for these plants. And these plant needs to have proper space to grow, this is why you should take a large pot for this. If you are growing this plant you should take care of it properly.
Care Of Plant
When you grow this plant, you will see that this is a scrambling scraggy mess this is why a bit of training is needed. You should grow this plant against the thick stake or some other support of it. So, tie one or two stems which is why the stems get support to stand properly. If there is a different extra side grown so trim it. When you will see the stem is increasing and now it has the proper height at that time you need to cut the branch.
So that the new branches can start to grow. You will see how the branches are allowed to hang downwards also. Many of the commercial growers of the crop are also using this process to grow them.
Fertilizing Soil And Maintainance Of Soil
To have a healthy crop you need to add OCP eco seaweed, for 2-3 weeks. You can also use the spray so that you can sparkle water on the leaves. For the proper nourishment of the plant, you can also apply lime and replenish it with compost, manure, and organic fertilizers.
With time the plant will start to grow once you get the plant becomes quite congested and large. After that periodically check some of the long shoots and control them. Try to give them proper space so that you can get the large fruit.
Harvesting Of Dragon Fruit
You will see that there is a flower, but it can also take some more time depending on the surrounding conditions. Then after a month, the flower gets converted to fruit. Which you can pick from the plant. First, check the color of the fruit. It should be bright and also have some small wings on it which starting to wither. To check whether the fruit is ripe or not press the surface with your fingers.
When you check all these things and find all the things are good. So, you can pluck the fruit and eat it. However, the above layer of it is not edible but the seeds are just like the seeds of the Kiwii. So, you can eat them with fruit.
Dragon Fruit Plant
The dragon fruit plant has the appearance of a cactus. However, the cactus part of it is a dark green color. If you grow this from the seeds so, it will take the time of 5 years to grow. The large size of pots is required to grow them and proper soil. So, that the roots of it can grab the soil properly.
After that, you will see the lovely flower of the white color which has leaves of yellow color form inside. After a month of the flower, they get converted to fruit. This is also a profitable plant to grow on the commercial level. The flowers of it are really beautiful and sparkle at night. Rather than it, the flower is also amazing because of its appearance.
Dragon Fruit Flower
The flower of this plant is start to bloom in the early summer to the mid-autumn. However, this is a night-blooming plant and has a cactus-type structure. If there is a flower on it then it will only last till one evening. If you want to see the real beauty of the flower visit the place late at night or early in the morning. The one blooming thing you see in the entire field is your one flower. Which is shining still in the huge field.
It is of white color which is having yellow leaves inside. You find without light the flower is deemed like the light. And looking so lovely, after a month this flower is the one which will be converted to fruit.
Dragon Fruit Seeds
The seeds of this flower are small, round in shape, and mostly black and red. However, they are thin rind that encloses the large mass of the sweet white flavored different pulp. In a very less quantity, they are also of pinkish or yellow pulp.
They are not like the other seeds which you cannot eat. Just like the Seeds of the Kiwii, you can eat them. Also, they have a high amount of nutrition. According to a scientific study they are having such a really good amount of Fatty Acids like Omega-3 and Omega-9 with natural oils.
They are having such a really good nutritious value because these seeds take time to grow. On average, if you grow this plant from the seeds. They take approximately five years to grow. And if you are growing them from the cutting of the previous cactus then it will take the time of 1 or 2 years only. Although they are so nutritious to have.
How To Tell If Dragon Fruit Is Ripe
To check whether your fruit is ripe or not you need to see the appearance and how the fruit is to touch. By appearance, the fruit’s upper layer is to be bright pink. By touching the fruit it will be so soft and smooth. If these things are not there so give them some more time to grow. The size of the fruit would be like the size of the Ripe Avacado.
But you should be careful so that the fruits will not be overripe. If you find the fruit is mushy so this is overripe. So, after a certain time, you should be careful with this thing.
Dragon Fruit Benefits
The Dragon fruit is considered good for health. Because this fruit has several health benefits Even you can have it on the daily basis. It is also suggested as a good fruit to have because of the 0 fat in it. Rather than it, there are many benefits of dragon fruit like
Provide Antioxidants To the Body
This fruit has different types of antioxidants which is helping the cells to be protected. It also has molecules that are good to compound with free radicals. However, for patients with chronic disease, this is also helpful. Due to its antioxidant property, this is considered a good anti-agent fruit also.
Different kinds of antioxidants are found in the different parts of the fruits like
Betalains
This antioxidant is present in the pulp of the red dragon fruit. The color of the pulp is indicating how much density of the antioxidants is present in it. It is protecting the bad LLDL cholesterol from the oxidized or damage.
Hydroxycinnamates
These antioxidants are helping to be safe from cancer. In the test tubes and the animal studies, this is the result which is showing results
Flavonoids
It is a large group of antioxidants that is directly good for brain health. Also, a good which is helpful for the lowering the heart diseases.
Note
Different antioxidants are good for health and also important for protecting you from damaged cells. However, the above antioxidants are rare to find in other fruits. More beneficially you are getting the complete benefit of all of them in a single fruit.
Gives You Potential Health Benefits
Many health specialists are also suggesting these fruits be intake so that an individual can have a healthy body. It has an excellent amount of fiber and is also an antioxidant which is why it can help us to grow with other harmful bacteria also.
Different kinds of fruits are providing different other benefits also red and white one is good for the reduced amount of insulin in the body. However, this is also good for fatty liver patients because it does not contain fat molecules.
This fruit also has the feature which is metabolized for the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. However, not all the types of effects are to be your favorite but can also help you to be prevented those diseases.
Note
In the older study proves that it is a good source that is helping reduce of the amount of insulin in the body. Many patients with fatty liver, heart health, and others are taking this for better effects.
Fat-Free-Fruit
This has a high amount of fiber and a negligible amount of fat. This is why without any worry you can enjoy this with your meal also. However, due to the absence of fat molecules in it, this fruit is also good to have daily. Many health specialists also advise people to have it at least once a week so that they can complete the requirement of the antioxidant in the body.
Lower Blood Sugar Level
There are many researchers who also find that this is a really good food to lower the blood sugar level. In the human body, insulin is the hormone that helps control the sugar level in the blood. These hormones are made by the pancreas in the body. However, this fruit is good to manage the damaged cells of this organ resulting in the organ being able to develop more amount of hormones.
Contains Prebiotics
In simple terms, prebiotics is the healthy bacteria in the body. They are promoting the working of the fighting agents of the body. Both the intestines they are playing such an important role which is why digestion can take place properly in the body. By working this prebiotics are helping to manage the amount of good and bad bacteria in the intestine.
This fruit is promoting a no of different types of prebiotics there. It is also a good one for gut health because this is promoting to the working of the helpful bacteria in the body. Which is also resulting in a good digestive amount.
Strengthens Immune System
However, you will see in the fruit there is a great amount of Vitamin C is present with antioxidants. They both are essential components for the immune system and for fighting other harmful bacteria.
Boost The Iron Level
Iron is one of the most essential components in the body. And for the body blood is playing such an amazing role. Because the circulation of oxygen in the entire body is only with the help of iron. They both are combined to help the blood to fight the other harmful bacteria and also to the circulation of the good bacteria in the body.
Is Dragon Fruit Good For You
There are no harmful effects of this fruit. To an individual if the person has an allergy problem with different food items. They should be careful about it because this fruit has different nutrients in such really good amounts.
Some Adverse Effect Of Dragon Fruit
However, this fruit seems to be beneficial for the health of an individual. But to some people, this is not. It has many antioxidants and other nutrients in such a really large amount which s why this is not good for allergic people. But this condition is also for rare cases or the worse allergic people.
If we think about the woman specifically then there is no specific evidence for the harmful effect. Even in a test, this finds that the woman has the antibodies in their blood. Although there can be harmful effects it will be only for those who are allergic form the different things. You can have it once and if you do not find that you are allergic to it so, you should not take it.
Types Of Dragon Fruit
You have also seen that these fruits are coming in different types. Some of them are red, whereas some are white, some are blue, purple, etc. All of them have one common thing they all have seeds embedded in that pulp of it. Here, is a clear description of all the types of Dragon Fruit:
Yellow Dragon Fruit
However, this has yellow skin with a white flash. This is one of the sweetest ones but is hard to find in the market. So, if you are in the market and find this must try. Because maybe you will not get it easily again.
Pink Dragon Fruit
You can say this color to be red also because when this fruit is ripe more the pink color is also considered as red one. It is the bigger and sweeter type of this fruit. It is also found common in the market. There are different names for it like the Red Jain and Bloody Mary.
Purple Dragon Fruit
This has pink skin with a purple flash. The appearance of it is really lovely and looks so delicious to have it. It is also famous with the name American Beauty in the store. And this is the first choice of the people so, if you are thinking to have the good one so must try this one.
White Dragon Fruit
This fruit has pinkish skin with a white flash on the surface of it. It is the well-known one and also the love of many people. However, this is the least sweet one. Now, this is famous in the market with different names like Alice, Cosmic Charlies, And also The Guyute.
Myth About Blue Dragon Fruit
However, there are different types of Dragon fruit. But actually, that color is royal blue and emerald. This is incorrect to say there is any blue Dragon Fruit. The different shades of this fruit are white, yellow, purple, and red but there is no natural significance of the blue color of it.
How To Cut A Dragon Fruit
Although the appearance of this fruit is exotic this is a refreshing and delicious one to have. This can be found very commonly in the market but if you find any difficulty to find it.
While Buying be Careful
The fruit should be fresh, and slightly soft. Test this with your fingers and if you see this is firm then bring this one with you.
So, you can go to the special food store you will find it there. So, if you have to buy it why should wait to cut it and taste it? For the proper cutting of this you should follow the below steps:
- First, take the dragon fruit
- Wash it properly
- Peel it off
- When you completely peel the upper layer cut the slices of it.
- You have different ideas like you can make cubes of it, small pieces in a rectangular shape, etc.
Serving Ideas for Dragon Fruit:
- Take a simple slice of the fruit and put it in the tray in a specific pattern.
- If you find the slices are large so chop them into small pieces so that they will be easy to eat it.
- Pace this just like the salad you serve, also you can make a small cube-like shape of it.
And Enjoy this fruit with Cocktails, Desserts, Fish, Special foods, tuna and Mahi-mahi, Salads, Smoothies, etc.
Dragon Fruit When To Eat
However, this is a healthy fruit which is having such a really good amount of fiber and antioxidants in it. Also, this has low fat and gives many health benefits. This is why it is advised to have it in the morning. So, that your empty stomach gets something healthy and refreshing.
If you take this in the morning so it will also promote a better digestion process. Also, fulfill the requirement of the nutrients in the body. However, this fruit takes time its digest itself. This is why if you take it in the morning so you will find your stomach is full for a long time. It’s the reason why most people love to eat dragon fruit in the morning.
How To Eat Dragon Fruit
By look, this fruit is looking so easy and tasty to have. Just like the cutting of it, this is easy to eat it. Here, are some easy steps on how you can eat this fruit:
- First take the ripped fruits which are generally bright red, evenly of different color just like skin.
- Take a sharp knife and first cut this fruit as mentioned in the above paragraph.
- If you don’t want to have slices of it then you can have a spoon and with the help of that, you can also eat this fruit.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like
If you have tasted the kiwi fruits and the pear then also you are familiar with the taste of this fruit? This is sweet and crunchy just like both of them. In short combined, this has the taste of both of them. However, this is coming in different colors and different shapes. But the color and shape of the seed are common in all of them.
Nutrition Values Of Dragon Fruits
This single fruit has different nutrients which are helpful to have good health. Moreover, this fruit is found as a rich source of iron, magnesium, and fiber. If you take only 100 grams of it you are getting these high amounts of nutrition:
- Calories- 60
- Protein- 1.2 Grams
- Fat- 0 Grams
- Carbs- 13 Grams
- Fiber- 3 Grams
- Vitamin C- 3% of the RDI
- Iron- 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium- 10% of the RDI
Note
Although there are several nutrients present in it it is a good source of Magnesium and Fiber. And also helpful for the body because this has extremely low calories. This is why it is considered a highly nutrient-dense fruit. And also if you are thinking to have a diet plan then also you can have this fruit. However, while taking it you are also getting many of the Vitamins and Minerals which are important for the body.
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit
Yes, there is no problem to give this to your dig? Because this has nontoxic things which are helping the dogs to have good health. It is not only good for the health but also a tasty choice for your dog too. Although it is a good choice to give this to your dog too. Even your pet will enjoy the snacks with you. So have a healthy morning with your lovely pet.
Some Drinks Of Dragon Fruit
Due to the several health benefits of it and the natural sweetness in it. This is the reason why many people also prefer to have a drink of it in the morning. Because this is not only healthy to have in the morning but also a tastier choice for the morning. Not only this way but after this, you will feel refreshed.
This is also found in the people who are taking it in the morning they are feeling a better digestive process. However, the drink is looking so tasty and you will not think to skip it.
What Is In The Drink
If you want to add some more taste and health benefits to your drink. So, you can also add other fruits to it. In the Dragon Fruit drink you will find these things are there:
- Ice
- Mango Dragon Fruit Base
- Natural Flavours
- Coconut Milk
Taking this drink in the morning also helps in weight loss. In the market now there are predicate different drinks are also there which you can also have to drink in the morning. Also, you can carry it with you if you are going on the trip.
Summary
The Dragon Fruit has lots of benefits to have it. Especially one should take this in the morning because they are having Vitamin C and other Antioxidants which are good for the immune system. Taking it in the morning also helps to improve digestion. This has an excellent amount of iron which is the essential component for the transportation of oxygen in the blood.
Although this is safe to have daily. With its low amount of calories, it is the perfect snack to have in the morning. It takes some time to digest this is why also most people prefer this to have in the morning.
The taste of this is amazing also if you want to have the juice of it. Also, you can have it in the morning, so be ready for your amazing morning. This is helpful for several small heath problems also like for diabetic people, for weight loss and many more.
