Dragon fruit – with its bright pink or yellow skin and speckled flesh – tends to be the first thing that grabs people’s attention when browsing the fruit stand in the supermarket. However, all that colour and uniqueness can also leave first-time buyers a bit stumped on how to actually prepare it.
If you’re one of those people who are scratching their heads and wondering just how to slice up that piece of dragon fruit you brought home, don’t worry – with a very sharp knife and a cutting board to hand, cutting it up is no big deal. You’ll be enjoying this tropical treat in no time.
This guide is going to walk you through exactly how to cut dragon fruit, pick a good one, and enjoy it in different ways.
What is Dragon Fruit ?
Dragon fruit – also known as pitaya or pitahaya – comes from a few different species of cactus plant. Its popularity has been growing rapidly over the world, and you can now find it in many supermarkets across the US.
There are several different varieties of dragon fruit – including ones with:
- Pink skin and white flesh
- Pink skin and red flesh
- Yellow skin and white flesh
And the good news is that regardless of which variety you buy, the basic method of cutting it is all the same.
What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like ?
It helps to know what to expect before you even get started on how to cut it up.
Dragon fruit has a quite mild and a bit sweet flavour, which reminds a lot of people of a mix of:
- Kiwi
- Pear
- Watermelon
The tiny black seeds are actually edible and they give a bit of a crunch – like kiwi seeds.
Its refreshing taste is why people love eating it as a snack, especially when the weather is a bit warm.
How to Choose a Ripe Dragon Fruit
The quality of your dragon fruit is going to affect just how good it tastes and how it feels in your mouth.
When shopping for a dragon fruit, look out for ones that have:
Got a Bright Color
Choose dragon fruit with really vibrant pink, red, or yellow skin. Avoid any that look dull or are very discoloured.
Has a Bit of Softness To It
A ripe dragon fruit should yield a bit when you gently squeeze it, just like a ripe avocado. If it feels rock hard, it likely needs a bit longer to ripen.
Has Minimal Bruising
Small marks are okay, but steer clear of fruit with big soft spots, mold, or major damage.
Tools You’ll Need
You won’t need to break out the big guns to cut up a dragon fruit – just a few simple tools should do it.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spoon (optional)
- Serving plate or bowl
Before you get started, give the fruit a good rinse under cool running water to get rid of any dirt, bacteria or residue from the surface.
Step 1: Get the Fruit Clean
Rinse the dragon fruit under cool running water, even if you don’t plan on eating the skin – it’s good practice to get rid of any dirt or residue from the surface.
Dry it off with a clean towel afterwards too.
Step 2: Put the Fruit on a Cutting Board
Pop the dragon fruit on a stable cutting board. This will help you cut it safely and stop it slipping around.
Step 3: Cut the Dragon Fruit in Half
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the fruit lengthwise from top to bottom.
When you’ve done this, you’ll get a glimpse into the colourful flesh inside.
The inside should look fresh and juicy – and if you’re lucky – you might even get a glimpse of the black seeds.
Step 4: Scoop Out the Flesh
The easiest way to enjoy dragon fruit is to use a spoon and scoop the flesh out. It’s really that simple.
Here’s how you do it:
- Place a spoon between the flesh and the skin
- Gently separate the two
- Lift the flesh out in one piece.
The skin should come away easily.
Step 5: Slice or Cube the Fruit
Now the flesh is out of the skin, you can get creative with how you cut it up.
You can cut it into:
- Cubes
- Slices
- Chunks
Choose the shape that suits your needs and preferences.
Alternative Method: Cut Without Removing the Flesh
Some people prefer to leave the flesh inside the skin. If you want to go this route, here’s how to do it:
- Cut the fruit in half
- Score the flesh in a grid pattern without cutting through the skin
- Push the skin up slightly
This creates little cubes that you can just pick up with a spoon. This method is great for a party or big get-together.
Can You Eat the Skin?
In theory, yes – you technically can eat the skin of a dragon fruit. However, in practice most people don’t bother, as the texture is a bit tough and the flavour can be a bit bitter.
For the best experience, it’s best to remove the skin before serving.
Ways to Enjoy Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is really versatile – and the best bit is that you can enjoy it a load of different ways!
Eat it Fresh
One of the easiest options is to just eat it fresh with a spoon. It’s a really refreshing snack, and you can enjoy it just the way it comes.
Add It To Fruit Salads
Dragon fruit is a great addition to any fruit salad – it adds a bit of colour and a bit of freshness. Try pairing it with:
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Kiwi
- Blueberries
Blend it into Smoothies
Its mild flavour makes it a great smoothie ingredient. Try combining it with:
- Banana
- Yogurt
- Berries
- Coconut water
Use it as a Topping
You can use dragon fruit as a topping for all manner of things – such as:* Oatmeal, yogurt bowls, and acai bowls are all great options, but let’s be real: the real star of the show is the stuff on top – fresh fruit: like the dragon fruit we’ll be covering below.
- Yogurt Parfaits
- Acai smoothie bowls
- Desserts – the sweetest of them all
Freeze It for Later
Frozen dragon fruit is pretty amazing – it works great in smoothies and the best summer treats. Whether you’re in the mood for something cool and refreshing or just need a pick-me-up after a long day, dragon fruit is the perfect addition.
The Nutrients in Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit has a lot more to offer than just its good looks – it’s packed with nutrients that are good for you.
Some of the key things it’s got going for it are:
- Vitamin C to give your immune system a boost
- A nice helping of fiber to keep your gut happy
- Antioxidants that will help keep your cells in check
- Magnesium to keep your bones strong
- Iron to keep your energy up
Some of the benefits you can expect from eating dragon fruit include:
- A stronger immune system to help you fight off illness
- Better digestion to help you, well, go to the bathroom
- Good hydration to keep you feeling your best
- Antioxidants to help protect your cells from damage
Adding dragon fruit to your diet can be a great way to mix things up and add some extra nutrition.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Even Think About Choosing Unripe Fruit
Unripe dragon fruit is basically just a sad, bland stick – not what you want at all. If it’s not ripe yet, let it sit for a few days until it is.
Don’t Cut Yourself on a Dull Knife
A sharp knife is a happy knife – and a safer one too.
And For Pete’s Sake, Wash the Fruit
Even if you’re just using the insides, washing the fruit will help keep things clean.
Don’t Throw Away Leftover Fruit
Dragon fruit stores pretty well in the fridge – so if you don’t eat it all at once, don’t worry, you can save it for later and use it in another smoothie or fruit bowl.
How to Store Your Dragon Fruit Like a Boss
If you’ve got a whole, uncut dragon fruit, you can usually leave it on the counter for a bit without any problems.
But once you cut it up, you’ll want to:
- Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh
- Stash it in the fridge to keep it from going bad
- Consume it within a few days for the best flavor and texture
Taking care of your dragon fruit will help it stay fresh and delicious.
Conclusion
Cutting dragon fruit is a breeze – just wash it, cut it in half, scoop out the insides, and you’re good to go. It’s not rocket science, but it does take a little practice. Whether you like it on its own, in a smoothie, in a fruit salad, or as part of a dessert, dragon fruit is a great addition to any meal. Just remember to use ripe fruit and cut it safely and you’re all set.