What is pitahaya and how to eat it. How to eat pitahaya, the beneficial properties of the fruit. Dangerous properties of pitahaya

You will not meet on the shelves of our stores! The strangest in appearance is a fruit from Vietnam, the "heart of the dragon." Bristling like a hedgehog with green needles, behind which it hides a red or purple peel, the fruit conceals a tender and fragrant pulp. It resembles butter cream with poppy seeds - so densely the entire inside of the fruit is dotted with small black bones. And what does the "heart of the dragon" taste like? How and with what is it eaten? You will learn about this and much more from this article.

Origin

Despite the fact that now the “dragon heart” fruit is mainly brought from the tropical countries of Southeast Asia, the plant is native to Central and Latin America. The ancient Aztecs have long used the fruits for food, calling them "pitaaya". From here, the fruit has other names. It is called "pittahaya", "dragon eye", "prickly pear". The British know it as dragon fruit, and in Thailand it is called "keumangkon". But no matter how many names people give to this fruit, in a strict scientific classification it is listed as Hylocereus. And most importantly, pitahaya is actually a cactus! Yes, only liana-like, growing not in arid deserts, but in humid tropical jungles. Pittahaya yields four to six times a year, its fruits tolerate transportation well. Plants take root perfectly in such a climate, and therefore are now cultivated on an industrial scale in Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. They are also grown in Israel, Australia, Japan.

What is dragon heart fruit

These are small fruits (in general, from one hundred and fifty grams to half a kilogram). The plant has three types. Two of them have white flesh. This is a yellow (Hylocereus megalanthus) and red (Hylocereus undatus) pitahaya, the photo of which you see. The third species - Hylocereus costaricensis - is a Costa Rican, special. The pulp of the fruit, like the skin, is painted in a bloody color. Probably, this species gave such a sonorous name to the fruit - "dragon's heart". Color has no effect on the taste of the fruit. Yellow pittahaya costs a little more, but only because it is rarely cultivated in Asia. And the color of the pulp can be determined by leaf-like growths. If they are green, inside the fruit will be a white puree with seeds. If the leaves are pinkish, the flesh of the fruit will be red.

What is eaten

The liana-like pitaya cactus, the photo of which you see, blooms very beautifully. Large white buds open only at night and exude a strong, pleasant aroma. In this regard, flowers are used as a tea flavor (like jasmine). The ovary appears after forty days. Cactus buds are eaten like fresh vegetables. After two months from the time of flowering, fruit can be harvested. Of course, the fruit is consumed only in its raw form. Pittahaya can be served on its own for dessert, but it can also be included in fruit salads. The pulp, mashed into puree, is very tasty paired with lime. Seeds are very useful, but in order for them to be absorbed by the body, they need to be chewed. Even Cies de Leon, the first European who described pittahaya in his work Chronicle of Peru (sixteenth century), mentions one interesting property of this fruit. In a person who has eaten at least one small pitaya fruit, urine and feces turn bloody for a short time. This phenomenon is called pseudohematuria, and it does not cause any harm to the body, so you should not worry.

The benefits of the "dragon heart"

Pitaya is a fruit rich in iron, calcium and phosphorus. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, E, a lot of C and PP. Pittahaya is ninety percent water. Fats, and even then polyunsaturated, are contained in a small amount. In general, this is a dietary fruit. It cannot be called particularly sweet, and therefore diabetics can safely consume it. The fruit lowers cholesterol levels, strengthens the immune system, helps to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract. It is useful for hypertensive patients, as it gently lowers blood pressure. In addition, pittahaya contains a vital substance - an antioxidant, which prevents the formation of free radicals that cause cancer. However, pittahaya should be used with caution in people with diseased kidneys.

How to choose a ripe fruit

Usually, the "dragon heart" fruit has a smooth red skin dotted with leaf-like growths. How to understand what is hidden inside? Is the fruit ripe? This is easy to determine by pressing on it with your finger. If the fruit is soft, pleasantly springy, then ripe. The taste of the fruit at first disappoints many. It is slightly watery, inexpressive, slightly sweet. Those who are used to the rich taste of mango will not appreciate it. But pittahaya should be “bitten”: after the first impression that it is “sweet kiwi with seeds”, there comes a feeling of delicate creamy refreshing pulp. The aroma of pittahaya is indescribable. But it disappears as soon as the fetus warms up. This all applies only to ripe pitaya. If the fruit is plucked early, it will be completely tasteless. But ripe fruits are easily peeled by hands - as if peony petals are opening.

Usually the fruit is served like this. Cut it into halves and serve on a plate along with a dessert spoon. The pulp with bones is eaten away, and the prickly peel is thrown away. There is another way to serve. Also, the fruit is cut in half vertically, but a fruit knife is served with it, not a spoon. In this case, pittahaya is cut like a small melon or watermelon - into slices. In order not to evaporate the wonderful aroma of the "dragon's heart", the fruit is served chilled. However, you should not overdo it and freeze the pitahaya. Her taste is not very expressive. It can be lost as a result of hypothermia. Therefore, you should not combine it with other fruits or dishes that have a bright, rich taste. Among them, pittahaya will be “lost”, and you will not appreciate it undeservedly. Fruits with red pulp have a more pronounced taste, but with white - more refined. In addition, in the homeland of pitaya, homemade wine, preserves, and jams are made from it. Try garnishing dragon fruit puree with lime ice cream.

legends

The Aztecs clothed the fruit "heart of the dragon" with many myths. All of them somehow explain the strange name of pitaya. It is believed that dragons once lived in the Yucatan. They attacked the villages and brought a lot of harm. Many heroes went out to fight dragons. And now there was only one - the most powerful and vicious. He spat fire at the heroes, but the Aztecs are a stubborn people, and instead of one fallen fighter, another came. Finally, the dragon was exhausted to such an extent that he no longer had any fire left. He spat out his heart and died. By the way, medicine is made from the stems of the cactus creeper. It stimulates the cardiovascular system.

Exotic fruits are one of the first things you want to try when traveling to distant countries. Most of them are sold in Russian supermarkets, but their taste (as well as the price) will disappoint you. It is better to start acquaintance already on the spot.

You will be surprised by the sweet pineapple or bananas that are sold in giant bundles (in Thailand they make a lot of wonderful dishes, but in their pure form, like in our country, they are almost never eaten). In order to navigate the fruit variety, we have created a small guide to popular exotic fruits.

Durian is the size of a soccer ball. You have probably heard that it is also called the "king of fruits", apparently because of the specific taste, impressive appearance and a huge amount of nutrients. But he is more famous for his peculiar smell, which resembles a rotten egg. In hotels, office buildings and shopping centers in Thailand and Malaysia and Singapore, you can see a sign that the entry with durian is prohibited. It is better to try it right away in the market: there they will clean it for you (it is difficult to do it on your own) and cut it into small pieces.

Where does Durian grow?

Countries of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) and South America (Brazil).

Very idiosyncratic. There are no unanimous opinions. It seems to some that the taste resembles lumps of dough with a slight aftertaste of banana, cheese or nuts (apparently, this depends on the ripeness of the fruit), for some boiled onions. Thais fry it with salt.

Benefits of Durian

Durian is very high-calorie, satisfying and nutritious. A small piece can become a quality snack or replace dinner. Durian is rich in sulfur and a huge amount of minerals.

Outwardly, the guava looks like a green apple. It has a porous, slightly "waxy" peel and many, many seeds. In Thailand, you can buy both a whole fruit and cut into small pieces (a sharp stick is included in the kit so that you can have a snack on the go).

Where does Guava grow?

South America is considered the birthplace of guava, from there it spread throughout the world: to Oceania, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Sweet and sour, somewhat reminiscent of the "candy" taste of a green apple.

Benefits of Guava

Guava contains a record amount of vitamin C (five times more than an orange), perfectly quenches thirst, and has antimicrobial properties. It is actively used for medicinal purposes and cosmetology.

Mangoes have long been sold in Russian supermarkets, but juicy and ripe ones are a real rarity among them. If you were lucky enough to taste this fruit in its homeland, you will agree that there is nothing tastier, sweeter and more aromatic. Mango can be eaten both ripe (yellow or red) and green.

Where does Mango grow?

The record holder for the harvest of mangoes is India. In Europe, this fruit grows in southern Spain and the Canary Islands. From Russian supermarkets, red mangoes are brought from Brazil, but the most popular are yellow ones from Thailand.

Nothing compares. A better dessert than a ripe mango is hard to find. In Thailand, they like to eat mangoes in combination with boiled rice. Despite the simplicity of the dish, the combination is very interesting and tasty.

What is useful Mango

Record holder for the content of vitamin C. Like blueberries, mango has a good effect on the organs of vision. True, it is better not to overeat (the norm is two or three fruits a day), an allergic reaction may occur.

Papaya is a very beautiful, photogenic and incredibly satisfying fruit with an amazing taste. Often sold in halves or already cut into small pieces. Outwardly, it resembles an elongated melon. It is better to buy soft fruits that begin to rot.

Where does papaya grow

The south of Mexico and Brazil are considered the birthplace of papaya. Now it grows in almost all tropical countries. There were experiments on planting a tree in the south of Russia, but they were not crowned with success, unfortunately.

Papaya is somewhat reminiscent of a sweet pumpkin, especially not very ripe fruits. Unripe fruits are actively used in cooking: they chop it and prepare salads based on it (something similar to our cabbage salad).

Benefits of Papaya

Papaya improves digestion, quickly satisfies hunger and is a wonderful dessert.

Pitahaya (Pitahaya or "Dragon Fruit")

Very beautiful and the most exotic fruit from our guide. Unfortunately, its taste is often inferior to its appearance, so pitaya is often used to decorate a home (as an option, tourists bring pitaya as a souvenir from warm countries). It is yellow (considered the sweetest) and pink, somewhat similar to a small pineapple.

Where does Pitaya grow?

South America is the true birthplace of pitahaya. The fruit was very popular with the Aztecs because it is easy to pick and does not need to be cooked. Now pitaya plantations are not uncommon for warm countries from Thailand to Cyprus.

Kiwi with a slight strawberry flavor. Someone claimed that the taste resembles boiled beets. Apparently, it depends on the variety and degree of maturity. The fruit is cut into two halves, the pulp is eaten out with a spoon.

Benefits of Pitaya

Low calorie. One hundred grams of pulp contains only 40 kilocalories.

These are small fruits in a peel of raspberry-brown color. They are sold in bunches, like grapes (individual "berries" deteriorate very quickly). In Asian countries, it is not the fruit itself that is popular, but the desserts created on its basis. Ice cream, syrups, marmalade and even lychee-flavored bread can be found in any 7-11 store in Thailand or Malaysia.

Where does Lychee grow?

The south of China is considered the birthplace of lychee, from there it became widespread in the countries of Southeast Asia. In Russia, only canned lychees with sugar are sold in cans.

Pitaya or pitahaya is an incredibly beautiful fruit, with the same interesting name as its appearance. This tasty and very useful exotic fruit is used in the preparation of desserts, salads and drinks. How to eat pitahaya fruit and what benefits it has is our today's topic.

This interesting exotic fruit has so many names that sometimes you start to doubt whether the same fruit is in question. Dragon fruit, dragon fruit, dragon eye fruit, pitahaya, pitahaya, dragon heart, and that's not all. In the countries where it is grown, there are several more names. But, it is enough to see this miracle once and you will not forget it again.

What is pitahaya fruit

This is a fruit with a bright pink or red skin, smooth with leafy growths. The flesh is white with black seeds, soft and creamy, with a pleasant, delicate aroma. It is because of its beauty that this fruit is often used to decorate tables at special occasions.

Pitaya grows on small trees of the cactus family! There are plantations with pitahaya trees in Southeast Asia, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Also cultivated in the USA, Australia and Israel.

Today, the main supplier of these fruits to the world market is Southeast Asia, despite the fact that America is the birthplace of the dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit is about the size of a large apple, only slightly elongated. One fruit can weigh from 10 to 600 grams, some can reach a kilogram. The taste of dragon fruit is reminiscent of banana and kiwi.

Today, the most common 3 types of pitaya fruit are:

• white pitahaya- pink or red skin, white flesh, black seeds.
• Red- bright pink skin, bright red flesh, richer taste.
• yellow- yellow skin, white flesh, black seeds.

The pitahaya fruit is very easily damaged and therefore difficult to transport, especially over long distances. That is why this fruit is a rarity in our country, and, moreover, quite expensive.

Calories: This fruit is quite rich in vitamins and nutrients, but it has a very low calorie content. Only 50Kcal per 100 grams of pulp.

Dragon fruit - beneficial properties

Like all exotic fruits, patahaya contains many vitamins, especially vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, fruit acids and dietary fiber.

Benefits of pitahaya fruit:

• Contains a lot of fiber than helps to regulate the work of the intestines and removes toxins and toxins;

• Rich in Antioxidants and, natural neutralizers of free radicals, which are responsible for the formation of cancer cells and aging of the body;

• Has anti-inflammatory properties than improves well-being in arthritis and other chronic diseases;

• Useful for diabetes as it regulates blood sugar levels;

Yellow, red and white dragon fruit

• Due to the high content of vitamin C, strengthens the immune system, and regular consumption serves as a preventive measure against the occurrence of respiratory diseases such as asthma;

• Contains B vitamins- B1, B2 and B3, iron, calcium phosphorus, proteins, fiber, niacin and vitamin C. It is a good source of nutrients while remaining very low in calories;

• Mask for the face from dragon fruit puree, excellent anti-aging care - improves skin elasticity and tones it;

• Pitahaya pulp is great for soothing sunburned skin.. While on vacation in Southeast Asia, this is a great and natural way to hydrate and restore skin after sunbathing.

In addition to all that has been said, pitaya is simply a delicious and vitamin fruit, which also gives incredible aesthetic pleasure.

How to eat dragon fruit

The pulp of the dragon fruit has a sweetish taste, the texture is soft, some may find the fruit somewhat insipid, so it is recommended to eat it chilled, make juice and even wine. Pitahaya pulp is not combined with products with a sharp taste.

For eating, the dragon fruit is cut vertically in half and the pulp scooped out with a spoon, or cut into slices like a melon. The skin is inedible.

There is a very interesting way to serve pitahaya: The fruit is cut into 2 halves, and with the help of a knife they scoop out all the contents, leaving 2 empty boats. Next, the pulp is cut into cubes, if desired, additional decorations or ingredients are added, and put back into the boats from the peel. It turns out an incredibly beautiful fruit salad.

How to choose and store pitaya fruit

When choosing a pitahaya fruit, you should avoid buying an overripe fruit, it usually has darker spots on the surface. It is easier to navigate by the color of the peel, it should be even, and its color should be bright.

The fruit itself should be slightly soft, like avocado. If the fruit is hard and there is no choice, then you will have to leave it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, it will ripen. Leaf growths should not be dry, this is a sign that the fruit has been lying for a long time after picking.

An interesting video about how white pitahaya differs from red:

Dragon fruit is stored for a short time, only 5-6 days in the refrigerator. The fresher the product, the more useful properties it has.

Dragon heart fruit - contraindications and harm

As is common with exotic fruits, some people are allergic to dragon fruit, so try to eat very little the first time. If no negative reactions followed, then you can safely use this wonderful fruit.

As for other contraindications, science about them is still unknown. Of course, people with chronic diseases should always consult their doctor before introducing new foods to their diet.

Pitahaya fruit, unfortunately, due to its fragility, is almost impossible to find on store shelves in our country, but those who like to relax in the exotic countries of Southeast Asia have every chance to try it.

Assortments of some stores are full of exotic fruits. Many of them, most people have never seen or heard anything about them in their lives. One of these products is pitahaya - a strange, bright and very unusual fruit. Where did this alien come from, and to what does the fruit called dragon owe its name? Let's figure it out in this article.

Pitahaya (pitahaya) is a cactus fruit that is common in the subtropics. An alternative name is dragon (dragon) fruit. The cacti themselves, on which the pitahaya grows, are in the form of climbing vines. The birthplace of this exotic alien is considered to be Central and South America. However, the dragon fruit was not limited to these geographical objects and today it can be found in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries of the world.

Today, pitahaya is successfully grown in the countries of Southeast Asia.

The mass of one fruit starts from 300 g and can reach 1 kg. The outer shell of the fruit is covered with an interesting "scale" - small leaves tightly adjacent to each other. It is they who give pitaya a resemblance to pineapple. However, in shape it resembles, rather, an apple.

It is interesting. The plant is a kind of champion in fertility and can produce up to 6 crops per year.

For most of our compatriots, the taste of the fruit did not cause taste delight. The reason for everything, most likely, was the immaturity of the tasted fruit. And all because the transportation of ripe pitahaya is associated with certain difficulties - it is very difficult to transport a juicy fruit over long distances.

The fruit can be different in color both outside and inside, depending on the plant variety.

There are 3 varieties of pitaya:

• Red pitahaya. The most common variety. Strictly speaking, it is read only nominally as red, since the peel of such a fruit is pink, and the flesh of the fruit itself is white.
• Pink pitahaya. In appearance, it resembles the first option, with the only difference being that the flesh of this fruit is bright crimson.
• The yellow pitahaya has white flesh and does not appear on the shelves of our stores too often.

All 3 varieties differ in taste.

The chemical composition of dragonfruit

The benefits of dragon fruit (yes, that's what they call pitahaya in our area) lies in its chemical composition, which includes 13% carbohydrates and a large amount of water. But fats and proteins in the overseas delicacy are practically absent. The calorie content of pitaya is low - only 40 - 50 kcal per 100 g of product.

Pitaya contains fiber, vitamins C and B, minerals, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants and dietary fiber.

Also in the composition of the pitaya are:

• cellulose;
• vitamins B, C;
• minerals: potassium, iron, phosphorus, etc.

Note. It should be noted that the chemical composition of the dragon fruit has not been thoroughly investigated.

What taste and smell does pitaya have?

The taste of exotic pitahaya fruit depends on its variety. The yellow fruit is considered the most saturated and resembles a mixture of banana and kiwi. Red fruits are fresher and endowed with a lighter aroma.

Each variety of pitahaya has its own taste.

By the way. According to the reviews of dragon fruit tasters, they had a chance to taste the most delicious fruits not in Russia (which is not surprising), but in Vietnam.

How to eat exotic fruit

How do they eat pitahaya? This fruit is almost universal, because it can be eaten fresh and added to salads. In addition, jams are made from dragon fruit, and juices or wine are also made.

Pitahaya is best eaten chilled.

• The fruit can be eaten raw. To do this, the fruit is cut into 2 halves and the pulp is scooped out with a spoon from the resulting impromptu bowls.
• You can start peeling like a banana, from top to bottom. Thus, only the peeled core with small, like kiwi, seeds will remain in the hands.
• Cut the pitahaya in the manner of citrus fruits, into slices.
• Lightly cut the peel and slide it down.

Fans of exotic dishes will surely like pitahaya salad

Ingredients:

• pitaya - 1 pc.;
• kiwi - 2 pcs.;
• strawberries - 5 pcs.;
• other fruits - optional.
• yogurt or fruit juice - to taste.

Cooking:

Cut the dragonfruit into 2 halves and remove the pulp. Pitahaya and other fruits cut into cubes and mix. Top the mixture with yogurt or fruit juice.

Useful properties and contraindications

Pitahaya is a very useful product, despite its unusual and even somewhat intimidating appearance.

Dragon fruit is very beneficial for the immune system.

The main benefits of fruit for the body are as follows:

• The impressive amount of fiber and low calorie content make the fruit an indispensable part of the diet. People who want to lose extra pounds and cleanse the body should definitely pay attention to this delicacy.
• The ability to remove toxins and toxins from the body.
• Elimination of constipation.
• Immunity boost.
• Anti-inflammatory effect.
• Regulation of blood glucose levels.
• Slowing down the aging process in the body.
• The external use of dragon fruit pulp helps in the fight against wrinkles, and also helps to improve skin turgor and heal damaged tissues. It is for this reason that pitaya is used in traditional medicine and cosmetology.

But despite all these advantages, dragon fruit is not at all harmless.

• Do not give fruit pulp to young children.
• People who are prone to allergic reactions should also be careful when eating the fruit.
• No need to consume large amounts of pitahaya for the first time.
• The product may cause diarrhea.

Note. After eating a red fruit, the urine subsequently discharged may have an identical shade. This phenomenon is not to be feared.

How to choose and store fruit

Knowing how to determine the freshness of a fruit, there will be no difficulty in choosing it.

When choosing a dragon fruit, you should follow certain rules:

• The fruit should be slightly soft (like an avocado).
• If a hard copy came across during the purchase and the choice is limited, the fruit should be sent to “soften” in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
• You should avoid buying overripe fruit. It can be identified by clearly marked dark spots on the surface.
• The peel of the fruit should be smooth and have a bright shade.
• Outgrowths-sheets should not be dry. Withered leaves are a sure sign that the fruit has been lying for a long time after picking.

Pitahaya is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 6 days. But it should be borne in mind that in a fresher product, useful properties are more pronounced.

Pitahaya is a fruit of overseas origin with original taste qualities. In addition, the dragon fruit contains many useful substances for the body and its use will be useful for people who are watching their figure. However, do not forget about moderation. It is important to monitor the body's reaction to the introduced new product, because people prone to allergies may experience an unexpected negative reaction to such a curiosity.

The American continent is considered the birthplace of pitahaya, but the countries of Southeast Asia are the main exporter of this exotic fruit. In addition to the Southeast Asian region, this fruit grows in Japan, Northern Australia, Armenia, Israel and the Hawaiian Islands (USA). Pitahaya also has a second name - dragon fruit, which appeared due to the legend of the battle between people and dragons. When the weakened dragons began to surrender under the onslaught of a man, instead of a flame, a fruit of an unusual shape and color erupted from the fiery mouth. This fruit was pitahaya, which later began to be called dragon fruit, which in translation into Russian means dragon fruit.

The fruit of the dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family and grows on an epiphytic vine-like climbing cactus. The plant, which can grow up to 10 m in height, is the closest relative of the sweet pitaya. Epiphytes attach to other plants, but do not suck out their juices, but look for a foothold for further growth.

The cactus blooms exclusively at night. The process of the appearance of white flowers is accompanied by a specific smell. 30-50 days later, fruits begin to set. In a dry climate and the absence of sudden changes in temperature, the plant can bear fruit up to 6 times a year.

What does a dragon fruit look like?

Pitahaya fruits are oval in shape and similar in size to a large apple. Weight ranges from 100 to 800 g. Individual specimens can reach a kilogram. Covered with scaly peel of yellow, raspberry or pink color. The flesh can be white or pale pink with small black seeds. The texture of the inner part of the pitahaya is very similar to kiwi.

Today white, red and yellow dragon fruit are cultivated. Only the last two species are exported. The main reason for the high cost and rarity of pitahaya is the difficulty in transporting fruits. At the slightest contact, they are damaged and begin to deteriorate.

Dragon fruit season in Thailand

The harvest period for dragon fruit is June-September. The plant is very unpretentious, therefore, under suitable climatic conditions, it can bear fruit all year round. Despite the fact that pitahaya loves a dry and hot climate, the fruit can survive short-term frosts. With heavy rains, it begins to rot.

Growing pitahaya is quite profitable and simple business. Unlike most other fruit trees, the cactus does not require maintenance. On average, up to 30 tons of fruits are harvested per hectare of plantations annually. The fruit can be seen in Thai markets all year round.

Dragon fruit flavor

The taste of the fruit has an unsaturated, blurry, sweetish taste. It may seem to many that the fruit is a little fresh. It is closest in taste to kiwi, but pitahaya does not have such a pronounced aroma. In Thailand, dragon fruit is sometimes used not for food, but as a decoration.

Health benefits of dragon fruit

Pitahaya can be called one of the healthiest delicacies on the planet. The fruit has many positive properties:

• is a low-calorie product (50 kcal per 100 g) and contains a large amount of lipids;
• helps with abdominal pain and effectively fights indigestion;
• effectively resists bloating and normalizes bowel function;
• positively affects the endocrine and cardiovascular systems;
• improves vision due to the content of tannin;
• recommended for patients with diabetes;
• supplies calcium to the body.

The dragon fruit, which is 85% water, contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, iron and phosphorus. Pitahaya contains a large amount of antioxidants, fiber, improves well-being and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The beneficial properties of the fruit have long been appreciated by cosmetics manufacturers that produce rejuvenating face masks that tighten and tone the skin. The pulp of the fruit effectively helps against sunburn.

Dragon fruit harm

The only contraindication to eating pitahaya is allergic reactions. To determine whether the body is susceptible to allergies, you need to try a small piece for the first time and observe your own body. If nothing happened, then the fruit can be made one of the components of the daily diet.

How to choose the right dragon fruit?

To determine the condition of the fetus, you need to carefully examine its peel. Usually overripe specimens have dark spots on the surface. A mature dragon fruit should be slightly soft to the touch. If a hard fruit was purchased, then it is enough to leave it for several days in the refrigerator - the fruit will ripen and acquire a normal taste and texture.

How is dragon fruit peeled and eaten?

Pitahaya peel is removed quite easily, but there are several universal ways to peel dragon fruit:

1. Gradually remove the peel, starting from the top, and eat the flesh exposed at the same time like an apple.
2. Eat in slices like melon.
3. Make an incision along the entire surface of the fruit and gradually peel off the skin without touching the pulp.

Most often, pitahaya is simply cut into two halves, the contents of each of which are eaten away with a spoon. The skin is not edible. To get the best taste of dragon fruit, it must first be cooled.

The pulp can be combined with other fruits and dishes, but ingredients with a sharp taste should be avoided. Despite the fact that Thais prefer to get rid of black seeds, they contain a large amount of useful substances. The seeds can be chewed, but are difficult to digest and can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

Most pitahayas around the world are consumed fresh. In Thailand, jams, sweets, yogurts, jellies, sherbet and other sweets are prepared from fruit. It is also used to make refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails, alcoholic drinks and wine.

In cooking, not only pitahaya fruits are used, but also its flowers, which are added to tea.