I’m always on the lookout for a fun looking fruit. Something that is good for me but is different from the usual oranges, grapes, apples and so on. Nothing wrong with those fruits either but I like a change now and then. Hunting through the supermarket fresh veggies section the other day I came across the dragon fruit! I knew very little about it, so I did a bit of digging to find out more. Read on to find out what I discovered about this exotic looking fruit and whether dragon fruit is a superfood.
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Dragon fruit is a vibrant and exotic fruit that has been gaining popularity in recent years because of its unique appearance and potential health benefits. This brightly coloured fruit, also known as pitaya, is native to Central and South America. But is now grown in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and Australia. With its striking appearance and health benefits, lots of people are wondering if this fascinating dragon fruit truly deserves its status as a superfood.
What are superfoods?
Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that are thought to offer a range of health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They are jammed packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that have been shown to boost your health and prevent disease.
While there is no official definition of what constitutes a superfood, many experts believe that dragon fruit is one of the best examples of this concept. Right up there with the superfood Dragon Fruit are also yummy foods like broccoli and blueberries.
So, let’s start with the basics. The taste.
What does dragon fruit taste like?
Dragon fruit has quite a mild, sweet flavour with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The texture is soft and juicy, with small, crunchy black seeds that you can eat.
Some people describe the texture as being a bit like a kiwi fruit, while others compare it to a cross between a pear and a watermelon. The flavour of dragon fruit is often described as also being similar to that of a kiwi fruit or even a pear, with a little hint of sweetness and a slight tanginess.
Where can I buy dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit is becoming increasingly popular and is widely available in many areas. You should be able to find fresh dragon fruit at your local supermarket or health food store. However, availability may vary depending on your location, and it may not be available year-round.
If you can’t find fresh dragon fruit near you, then how about buying it online? There are many online retailers that specialize in exotic fruits and offer fresh dragon fruit that can be shipped directly to your doorstep.
Even good old Amazon sells it. Here is the link if you can’t wait and want to buy one now:
Fresh Thai Dragon Fruit – £12.50, sold by The Asian Supermarket
When you buy dragon fruit online, remember that it’s important to make sure you’re buying from a reputable retailer and that the fruit is fresh and of high quality. Another choice is to buy frozen dragon fruit pulp, which you can use in smoothies, desserts, and other recipes.
Whatever way you choose to buy dragon fruit, keep in mind that it is a perishable fruit and should be eaten or refrigerated quickly after you buy it.
One of my friends asked me this question:
Is dragon fruit good for arthritis?
This superfood dragon fruit has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, which could make it really good for those with arthritis. Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of arthritis. So bringing down inflammation can help to reduce pain and any stiffness associated with this condition.
Some studies have found that dragon fruit has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as betalains and flavonoids. These could help to reduce inflammation in your body. As well as this, dragon fruit is rich in vitamins C and E, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
While clearly more research is needed to fully understand the effects of dragon fruit on arthritis, early studies suggest that it might be a promising natural treatment choice for anyone with this condition.
Please note, if you are considering using dragon fruit as a part of your arthritis management plan, it’s important to speak with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional first. Ensure that it’s safe for you and won’t interfere with any other treatments you may be receiving.
Where is dragon fruit grown?
As I mentioned before, dragon fruit is native to Central and South America, but it is now grown in many parts of the world. Some of the largest producers of dragon fruit include Vietnam, Thailand, and Colombia. Other countries like Mexico, Israel, and Australia have also started to cultivate the fruit. The ideal growing conditions for dragon fruit are warm, tropical climates with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. (Not the United Kingdom then! Ha ha)
The plants can grow well in different types of soil, from sandy to clay, as long as there is good drainage. You can also grow Dragon fruit plants in containers or pots. This makes them a really good option for home gardeners with limited space. If you don’t have a garden but you have a balcony then this would be a good one for you.
If you want the best out of your plant it’s important to look after it well. Give it regular watering and fertilization, as well as proper pruning and support for the climbing vines. With the right growing conditions and care, dragon fruit can thrive for you and produce some delicious and nutritious fruit.
Where did dragon fruit come from?
Dragon fruit is believed to have originated in Mexico, where it was first cultivated by the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples. Over time, it was introduced to other parts of the world, where it has now become a popular crop.
Today, there are several different varieties of the superfood dragon fruit, each with their own unique colours and flavours. Some of the most commonly grown varieties are the red-fleshed, white-fleshed, and yellow-fleshed dragon fruit.
Can you eat it raw?
Yes, you can absolutely eat raw dragon fruit! In fact, it is probably best enjoyed raw in order to fully experience its unique texture and flavour. When you are preparing your dragon fruit, just cut the fruit in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Don’t eat the skin because its’ tough and doesn’t taste very nice. Throw that bit away.
Dragon fruit can be eaten on its own as a healthy snack or mixed into other dishes. When you compare it to other fruits, dragon fruit is relatively low in sugar, which makes it a good choice if you are trying to lose weight. Because of its unique flavour and texture, it is perfect for adding it to salads, smoothies, and other dishes.
To get the most nutritional benefit from dragon fruit, it’s best to eat it as soon as possible after it is harvested. So, dive right in and enjoy this delicious and nutritious fruit in its raw form!
One disadvantage of dragon fruit is its price. It is a lot more expensive than other fruit you can buy in the supermarket. So why is this?
Why is dragon fruit so expensive?
Dragon fruit can be more expensive compared to other fruits due to several factors. Firstly, it is a tropical fruit that requires specific growing conditions, which can make it more difficult and expensive to cultivate.
This includes warm temperatures, adequate rainfall, and well-draining soil. As well as this, dragon fruit plants need to be hand pollinated, which can be a time-consuming and really labour-intensive process.
The manual pollination adds to the cost of production, and therefore, the price of the fruit. The high transportation costs of importing dragon fruit from other countries can also contribute to its high cost in some regions.
However, if you are on a budget, there are other way to get your little hands on this amazing fruit. Buying frozen dragon fruit or opting for other fruits with similar nutritional profiles, such as kiwi or papaya are great options.
While these alternatives may not give you the exact same taste and texture as fresh dragon fruit, they can still be a great way to enjoy similar health benefits without breaking the bank.
Dragon fruit side effects
Dragon fruit is generally considered safe for us humans to eat. But there are some potential side effects that I think you should be aware of. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to dragon fruit. Especially if they have a history of allergies to other tropical fruits. Symptoms of an allergic reaction could include things like hives, itching, swelling, and possibly difficulty breathing.
If you suffer with kidney problems you may also need to be careful because dragon fruit has high levels of oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Another issue might be that dragon fruit has natural sugars. This may cause a spike in blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or other blood sugar-related conditions. As with any new food, I suggest you check with your doctor before you add dragon fruit to your diet. Especially if you have any medical conditions or worries.
Final thoughts
So, I think it’s pretty clear that dragon fruit is a unique and delicious fruit. It has many potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of fibre and essential nutrients. You can enjoy it in its raw form or add it to smoothies, salads, and other dishes. Yes, it may be more expensive compared to other fruits because of things such as its cultivation process and transportation costs. But don’t forget, there are alternatives available if you are watching the cash. Overall, dragon fruit is a truly unique addition to a healthy and balanced diet, and I’m sure you’ll agree that its status as a superfood is well-deserved.
Rachel Mills
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