Dragon Fruit

20140816_082827

Dragon fruit also called Pitaya is a fruit from a cactus plant which I find interesting. This particular cactus called Hylocereus undatus is where you get this dragon fruit from. I tried to grow them in my garden but I never get a fruit, but at least managed to have a yellow flower which only lasted for a day. It is a vining cactus plant and I made it climb into the fence. It doesn’t need heavy watering, just like a regular cactus, so it can also be good in zeriscaping. But having a big space would be good too cause they can grow wild everywhere. Here in Hawaii you can see them sprawling on the hillsides.

Dragon fruit is pink or bright red in color when ripe. Check the ripeness just like the avocado, it should have a give when you touch it. The flesh is white and have tiny black seeds like kiwi fruit. You can scoop the flesh of the fruit with a spoon.

The good thing about dragon fruit is not only it is beautiful as a fruit, it also taste good and the health benefits are much appreciated. It is low in cholesterol, lots of anti-oxidants like vitamin C and E and also lots of dietary fiber.

Similar Posts

  • Surinam Cherries

    I don’t know much about Surinam Cherries. I just happen to see these beautifully colored fruits in my neighbor’s yard and I took a picture of it. It also inspired me to do a painting of it. I believe I blogged that painting last February. Since I only knew little about this fruit I did…

  • Guava

    Guava (Psidium Guajava) is a tropical fruit native to Mexico, Central America and the northern part of South America and is called guayaba, a Spanish word which the Filipinos used and became “bayabas” in the native dialect. The tree can be grown from seeds, and will start fruiting within 2-4 years. It will produce fruits…

  • Surinam Cherry

    Surinam Cherry – Eugenia uniflora – also called Pitanga is native to South America and made its way to Hawaii and is also considered an invasive plant. It grows easily and is also pest resistant. The birds like to eat them and spread the seeds by their droppings. Surinam Cherry is a small tree that…

  • Calamansi/Calamondin

    Calamansi or calamondin – (citrofortunella) is our lemon counterpart  in the Philippines. It is a fruit but is more widely use as a condiment.  It is a good accompaniment for pancit or rice noodles, rice porridge or arroz caldo and also can be juiced for a refreshing drink.  It is sometimes used in “sinigang” or…

  • Jackfruit/Langka

    Jackfruit or “langka” is the biggest fruit in the fruit kingdom I think. Anyways, it is one of my favorites. I took this picture in the Philippines when I was there on vacation. I was just amazed to see the tree full of fruits. I remember growing up in the farm where my grandparents live….