The Ultimate Guide to Dragon Fruit Preparation

If you are wondering how to peel dragon fruit, well, it is actually easier than you think. With my step-by-step instructions below, you can now enjoy this light, refreshing, sweet speckled tropical fruit any time you want as a healthy snack or an add-on to your fruit salads, smoothies, or desserts!

I fell in love the first time I saw dragon fruit. And all the more when I first had my very first slice.

It may be intimidating with its scaly and tough-looking covering which resembles the mythical beast’s scales. But once you peel and cut dragon fruit, you’d be convinced that it’s one of the best tropical fruits out there.

The next time you spot this exotic fruit at the market, don’t pass it up!

WHAT IS A DRAGON FRUIT?

Also known as pitaya or pithaya, dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that comes from a dragon fruit tree that looks like a giant cactus.

It’s originally grown in Southern Mexico, and in South and Central America. Then the French brought it to Southeast Asia in the early 19th century. Today, dragon fruits are enjoyed in most parts of the world.

TYPES OF DRAGON FRUIT

There are actually 3 different types of dragon fruit.

Pink skin with white flesh (White Dragon Fruit)
Pink skin with red flesh (Red Dragon Fruit)
Yellow skin with white flesh (Yellow Dragon Fruit)

HOW TO PEEL DRAGON FRUIT (THE EASY WAY)

It’s actually pretty simple to learn how to peel dragon fruit. What makes this task challenging is its thick skin though. The way you peel dragon fruit may also depend on how you will use its flesh.

Here are the steps to peel and cut dragon fruit:

METHOD 1: SCOOPING

With this technique, you want to first wash the dragon fruit carefully in running water, then pat it dry with a paper towel.
Using a sharp knife cut dragon fruit in half lengthwise. Once the pulp is exposed, you can use a spoon to scoop out the flash and separate it from the skin. Place the dragon fruit flesh into a bowl.
After removing the dragon fruit skin, you can then slice the flesh into cubes and use it for garnishing desserts or mix it into your fruit salad.

METHOD 2: HAND-PEELING

With this technique, you want to remove the crown of the dragon fruit.
Then, using your hand, peel off the skin by pulling it from the pulp. If you notice peel scraps sticking then simply shave these off using a knife.

METHOD 3: FRUIT SCOOPER

If you own a fruit or ice cream scooper, you can easily remove its flesh.
Using the scooper, scoop out ground balls of the dragon fruit flesh. This is an excellent method if you plan to use dragon fruits in your salad.

DRAGON FRUIT HEALTH BENEFITS

Aside from its mighty impressive look, dragon fruit also has boatloads of health benefits including…

rich in anti-oxidants
low in calories and high in fiber that will keep you full for longer time
helps lower blood sugar
strengthens immune system with its vitamin C and anti-oxidants
boosts iron levels that improves oxygen movement in your body for more energy
contains prebiotics for a healthy gut system

If you still haven’t tried this tropical fruit, then you’re missing a ton of this healthy goodness.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES DRAGON FRUIT TASTE LIKE?

Dragon fruit actually has a mild and slightly sweet taste. Think of it as a cross between a kiwi, pear, and sugar beets.

Some people add sugar or honey to this fruit (..I sometimes do). However, you can also enjoy this fruit on its own.

IS DRAGON FRUIT A CACTUS?

Yes, dragon fruit is part of the cactus family, but it’s not like the cacti that you usually see in the desert.

A dragon fruit plant is a climbing cactus that grows tall with thick succulent-like branches. It thrives in mild and humid environments.

WHERE DRAGON FRUIT GROW?

Dragon fruit is native to South and Central America, but it’s also widely grown in Southeast Asia, Southern California, and recently in Australia where the weather is usually warm and sunny.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DRAGON FRUIT?

You can tell if a dragon fruit is ripe when its outer covering is bright with an even color. It should be firm with a slight give.

However, you should stay away from those dragon fruits with mushy or sagging skin and those with lots of dark blemishes as they indicate that it’s already overripe.