The bright pink and yellow protrusions on dragon fruit are a bit wacky, but they’re actually a deliciously refreshing treat. The tropical fruit is also packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, iron, magnesium, potassium and fiber.
With a little know-how, cutting up dragon fruit is a breeze. Whether you’re making a simple snack or adding it to smoothie bowl garnishes, this exotic fruit is easy to prepare.
Peeling
Dragon fruit (also called pitaya) is a sweet tropical fruit with soft, juicy flesh. This fruit can be eaten raw or added to smoothies, yogurt, refreshing drinks with coconut milk, and homemade popsicles.
To peel a dragon fruit, begin by washing it with water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, dry it thoroughly to remove any stickers or wax that may be on the surface.
Next, slice the dragon fruit lengthwise with a sharp knife. This will allow the fruit to sit flat on your cutting board.
When ripe, the dragon fruit’s white or red flesh contains tiny black edible seeds. These seeds contain a high amount of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Cut the halved fruit into slices or wedges for a snack. You can also dice it for a salad, a smoothie, or a pudding.
Slicing
If you’ve never tried a dragon fruit, this exotic tropical treat is worth the try. This fruit (also known as pitaya, strawberry pear, or pitahaya) comes from the Hylocereus cactus species.
A colorful, sweet-spotted fruit, it’s a healthy snack and can add texture to many different recipes. It’s also a great source of fiber, prebiotics, and magnesium.
Whether it’s pink, white, or yellow in color, the tangy flesh of dragon fruit has a mild taste similar to a pear or kiwi. It’s perfect for snacks, smoothie bowl garnishes, and fruit salads.
To cut up the fruit, first rinse it and remove any stickers or wax. Next, cut off one of the ends so that it can sit flat on a cutting board.
You can either use a paring knife or a large spoon to scoop out the flesh. Either way, this process is quick and easy, but it can get messy since the dragon fruit’s flesh will be in contact with the cutting board.
Cubing
The bright red skin of dragon fruit makes it a gorgeous addition to any plate, but this colorful tropical fruit also has a soft, sweet interior that’s worth exploring. It’s also rich in fibre, which aids in bowel health, and a variety of nutrients.
Whether you’re eating it raw or adding it to your favorite smoothie, the versatility of this fruit is almost limitless when you know how to cut up and store it properly. Try slicing it into chunks for a deliciously refreshing snack, or scoop it into small spheres and sprinkle them over yogurt, chia pudding, and frosty drinks.
For best results, use a santoku knife to cut up your dragon fruit. This Japanese tool boasts a scalloped blade, which helps cut through the flesh smoothly and evenly. Its low-pointed tip also allows you to make quick, clean cuts.
Wedge Cutting
The most straightforward way to cut dragon fruit is into wedges. This method is perfect for a variety of uses, including snacks, smoothie bowl garnishes, and fruit salads.
Wedge cutting also allows you to remove the seeds before serving. These tiny black seeds are edible, but they can add a bit of crunch and texture to your food.
To cut a dragon fruit into wedges, start by removing the skin with your knife. Once the skin has been removed, place the dragon fruit on a cutting board and cut it lengthwise to create four even segments.
Once you have these segments, use a sharp knife to slice them in half lengthwise. This is a great method for serving dragon fruit on a platter and distributing them to guests as an appetizer.
Another simple way to cut a dragon fruit is into cubes. This method is easy to do and provides the same benefits as slicing and cubing. Once you have the fruit sliced into cubes, you can either serve them immediately or store them in the freezer for future use.