A pitaya or pitahaya is the fruit of several different cactus species indigenous to the Americas. Pitaya usually refers to fruit of the genus Stenocereus, while pitahaya or dragon fruit refers to fruit of the genus Hylocereus, both in the family Cactaceae.
There are over 25 Dragon Fruit trees varieties.
Alice
THIS VARIETY WAS NAMED FOR CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWER MEMBER ALICE SNOW. IT IS A SEMISWEET MEDIUM SIZED FRUIT THAT IS TYPICALLY 0.5-1.0 LBS. THE OUTER SKIN IS A BRILLIANT HOT PINK WHEN THE FRUIT IS FULLY RIPE MAKING IT ONE OF THE MOST EYE CATCHING OF ALL THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES. THIS VARIETY DOES HOWEVER NEED TO BE CROSS POLLINATED TO SET FRUIT.
American Beauty
THIS VARIETY WAS COLLECTED AND INTRODUCED TO FLORIDA BY CHRIS ROLLINS, DIRECTOR OF THE REDLAND FRUIT AND SPICE PARK IN HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA. THE FRUIT HAS AN IMPRESSIVE APPEARANCE BOTH INSIDE AND OUT, AND IT HAS THE FLAVOR TO BACK UP ITS GOOD LOOKS. THE FRUIT SIZE RANGES FROM 0.5-1.0 LBS. AND OCCUR WITHOUT CROSS OR HAND POLLINATION. THIS VARIETY WOULD BEST BE USED AS A FRESH FRUIT DISH OR AS A GARNISH.
Bloody Mary
THIS VARIETY IS VERY SIMILAR IN SIZE, COLOR, AND TASTE TO RED JAINA. IT IS NOT QUITE AS PROLIFIC OF A PRODUCER, BUT IT IS NEARLY INDISTINGUISHABLE BEYOND THAT FACT. IT ALSO NEEDS TO BE CROSS POLLINATED TO SET FRUIT.
Cosmic Charlie
COSMIC CHARLIE IS AN EXCELLENT SELF FERTILE FRUIT. LIKE MOST OF THE MAGENTA FLESHED VARIETIES IT HAS A SUPERB GRAPE, KIWI-LIKE FLAVOR. THE FRUIT ARE MEDIUM TO LARGE WEIGHING 0.75-1.25 LBS. THIS VARIETY WOULD BE BEST CHILLED AND EATEN OUT OF HAND OR USED AS A GARNISH.
Costa Rican Sunset
THIS FRUIT IS BORN ON AN UNKNOWN SPECIES OF HYLOCEREUS THAT IS THE MOST UNIQUE OF ALL THE DRAGON FRUIT VINES IN OUR COLLECTION. INSTEAD OF HAVING RIBBED INTERNODES THE NODES ARE CONTINUAL FORMING ELLIPTICAL SECTIONS OF GROWTH. IN ADDITION, THIS VINE IS PARTICULARLY SLOW GROWING AND HAS TREMENDOUS GIRTH. THE FRUIT IS CRANBERRY COLORED HAVING RELATIVELY FEW SEEDS AND GOOD FLAVOR. THIS VARIETY DOES REQUIRE CROSS POLLINATION, AND WOULD BE APPRECIATED MOST BY A COLLECTOR.
Dark Star
DARK STAR IS A MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZED FRUIT THAT TYPICALLY WEIGHS 0.75-1.25 POUNDS. THIS VARIETY HAS LONG SKINNY BRACTS OR FINS THAT MAKE IT ESPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE.
THE FRUIT HAVE A MILD GRAPE-LIKE FLAVOR THAT IS MOST ENJOYED WHEN CHILLED AND EATEN FRESH. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING, AND IT WILL SET FRUIT ON ITS OWN.
David Bowie
DAVID BOWIE IS A SLENDER WHITE VARIETY THAT HAS A SWEET AND TANGY FLAVOR THAT IS SOMEWHAT LEMONY. THE FRUIT ARE MEDIUM TO LARGE WEIGHING UP TO A POUND.
THIS VARIETY IS BEST EATEN FRESH, BUT IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR JUICING OR GARNISHING AS WELL. ITS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING.
Delight
DELIGHT IS A SEEDLING SELECTION MADE BY THE CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS. IT IS A MEDIUM TO LARGE FRUIT TYPICALLY WEIGHING 0.75-1.0 LB. THE PULP IS SWEET WITH A SMOOTH TEXTURE AND UNIQUE PINK HUE. IT IS SELF POLLINATING, AND IT WILL SET FRUIT WITHOUT HAND POLLINATION.
Guyute
GUYUTE IS A MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZED FRUIT THAT TYPICALLY WEIGHS 0.75-1.0 LBS. IT HAS A PLEASANT SWEET TASTE THAT IS EXCELLENT WHEN CHILLED AND EATEN FRESH. IT IS SELF POLLINATING AND WILL SET FRUIT ON ITS OWN.
Halley's Comet
HALLEY’S COMET IS ANOTHER HYBRID OF A WHITE FLESHED AND RED FLESHED FRUIT. IT IS INCREDIBLY LARGE, TYPICALLY WEIGHING 1.5-2.0 LBS. THE FRUIT IS SLIGHTLY MORE ROUNDED THAN THE PHYSICAL GRAFFITI, AND THE FINS ARE MORE ABBREVIATED. IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS THEY ARE NEARLY IDENTICAL.
Harpua
HARPUA IS A MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZE FRUIT THAT TYPICALLY WEIGHS ABOUT ONE POUND. IT HAS A NICE SNOWY WHITE PULP THAT IS SEMISWEET AND REFRESHING. THE FLAVOR IS THAT OF A MILD MELON. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING.
L.A. Woman
THIS IS A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE, BUT RELATIVELY USELESS CULTIVAR. IT HAS A SMOOTH MILD FLAVOR THAT IS SWEET AND REFRESHING, BUT IT TENDS TO LEAVE A BAD TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH. THE FRUIT SIZE IS MEDIUM TO LARGE TYPICALLY WEIGHING 0.75-1.5LBS. THIS VARIETY DOES NEED TO BE CROSS POLLINATED TO SET FRUIT MAKING V. JAINA THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR A WHITE FLESHED FRUIT.
Lake Atitlan
THIS VARIETY IS NAMED FOR A LAKE IN GUATEMALA THAT LIES HIGH AMONG CENTRAL AMERICAN VOLCANOES. IT IS A MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZED FRUIT TYPICALLY WEIGHING 0.75-1.0 POUNDS. THE PULP IS FLAVORFUL HAVING A SWEET AND TANGY TASTE. THIS VARIETY WOULD BEST BE USED AS A GARNISH OR IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER JUICES. IT IS SELF POLLINATING.
Makisupa
MAKISUPA IS AN EXCELLENT MAGENTA FLESHED FRUIT WITH A SWEET YET SLIGHTLY ASTRINGENT TASTE. THE FRUIT IS ATTRACTIVE HAVING SHORT GREEN FINS SPINDLED AROUND THE PINK SURFACE OF THE FRUIT. THEY ARE MEDIUM TO LARGE WEIGHING UP TO ONE POUND, AND THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING.
Natural Mystic
THIS VARIETY WAS INTRODUCED TO FLORIDA FROM THAILAND, AND IT IS GROWN ON A SMALL SCALE COMMERCIALLY IN HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA. IT IS A CONSISTENT PRODUCER OF DARK MAGENTA FLESHED FRUIT THAT TYPICALLY WEIGH ONE POUND. THIS VARIETY DOES NOT REQUIRE CROSS OR HAND POLLINATION, AND IT WOULD BE A GREAT SELECTION FOR BOTH HOMEOWNERS AND COMMERCIAL FARMERS.
Neitzel
NEITZEL IS ANOTHER SELECTION MADE BY THE CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS. IT IS A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE WHITE FLESHED FRUIT THAT HAS A SWEET AND APPEALING FLAVOR. THE FRUIT ARE MEDIUM TO LARGE WEIGHING UP ONE POUND. THEY ARE BEST CHILLED AND EATEN OUT OF HAND OR USED AS A GARNISH. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING.
Physical Graffiti
THIS VARIETY IS A HYBRID OF A RED FLESHED AND A WHITE FLESHED FRUIT. THE RESULT IS A REMARKABLY DELICIOUS VARIETY THAT IS BOTH SHOWY INSIDE AND OUT.
THE FRUIT IS LARGE, RANGING IN SIZE FROM 0.75-1.5 LBS., AND OCCURS WITHOUT CROSS OR HAND POLLINATION.
THIS VARIETY IS CERTAINLY WORTHY OF ATTENTION BY COMMERCIAL GROWERS AND HOME OWNERS ALIKE.
Purple Haze
PURPLE HAZE IS A LARGE SWEET FRUIT WITH RELATIVELY FEW SEEDS. THE FRUIT WEIGH UP TO TWO POUNDS, AND THEY HAVE A PLEASANT GAPE, KIWI-LIKE FLAVOR. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING, AND LIKE ALL OF THE OTHER MAGENTA FLESHED FRUIT IT WILL SET FRUIT ON ITS OWN.
THIS VARIETY DOES HAVE COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL, AND IT CAN BE EATEN FRESH, JUICED, OR USED AS A GARNISH.
Red Jaina
OF THE VARIETIES WE HAVE AT P.I.N., THIS ONE IS THE HEAVIEST PRODUCER THUS FAR. THE FRUIT ARE TYPICALLY 0.5-0.75 LBS. WITH AN ESPECIALLY DARK RED FLESH. IT IS SEMISWEET AND GOOD TO EAT, BUT ITS GREATEST POTENTIAL IS AS A JUICING VARIETY. THE CRIMSON RED LYCOPENE ENRICHED JUICE COULD COMPLIMENT A MULTITUDE OF TROPICAL DRINKS, SMOOTHIES, OR CULINARY CREATIONS. THIS VARIETY IS NOT SELF POLLINATING AND NEEDS TO BE CROSSED WITH ANOTHER TO SET FRUIT.
Seoul Kitchen
SEOUL KITCHEN IS A MEDIUM TO LARGE FRUIT TYPICALLY WEIGHING 0.75-1.0 LBS. THE PULP IS SMOOTH AND SWEET, AND IT IS EXCELLENT WHEN CHILLED AND EATEN OUT OF HAND. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING, AND IT WILL SET FRUIT WITHOUT HAND POLLINATION.
Thompson
THOMPSON IS ANOTHER SELECTION MADE BY THE CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS. IT IS A LARGE ROBUST FRUIT THAT CAN WEIGH UP TO 1.5 POUNDS. THE PULP IS SWEET AND FLAVORFUL, AND IT SEPARATES EASILY FROM ITS THICK RIND. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING.
Vietnamese Jaina
VIETNAM EXPORTS MORE FRUIT OF THIS VARIETY THAN ANY OTHER. THE FRUIT IS LARGE TYPICALLY WEIGHING 0.5-1.5 LBS., AND HAS A SEMISWEET SNOWY WHITE PULP. IN FACT, THE DRAMATIC COLOR CONTRAST BETWEEN THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE FRUIT AS WELL AS ITS IMPRESSIVE SIZE ARE WHAT MAKE THIS VARIETY SO POPULAR AMONG GROWERS AND CONSUMERS WORLDWIDE. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING, AND IT WILL SET FRUIT WITHOUT BEING HAND POLLINATED.
Voodoo Child
VOODOO CHILD IS A SMALL, SANGRIA COLORED FRUIT THAT IS EXCEPTIONALLY FLAVORFUL. THE FRUIT ARE SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN AN EGG, AND THEY HAVE A SWEET GRAPE-LIKE TASTE. THEY ARE BEST CHILLED AND EATEN OUT OF HAND, OR USED IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER JUICES. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING, AND IT WILL SET FRUIT ON ITS OWN.
Yellow Dragon Fruit
THIS VARIETY IS THE ONLY ONE KNOWN FROM THE GENUS SELENICEREUS. IT DIFFERS FROM THE HYLOCEREUS IN COLOR, HARVESTING TIME, AND THIS FRUIT HAS THORNS THAT OCCUR ON THE FRUIT ITSELF. THE FRUIT ARE SMALL TO MEDIUM USUALLY WEIGHING 0.5-0.75 LBS. THE FRUIT RIPEN FROM LATE NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY, AND IT IS CERTAINLY AMONG THE SWEETEST AND TASTIEST OF ALL THE DRAGON FRUIT. THIS VARIETY IS SELF POLLINATING, AND IT WILL SET FRUIT ON ITS OWN.
Zamorano
THIS VARIETY WAS COLLECTED FROM THE AGRICULTURE UNIVERSITY IN HONDURAS FOR WHICH IT IS NAMED. IT IS A MEDIUM TO LARGE SIZED FRUIT TYPICALLY WEIGHING 0.5-1.0 LBS. THE FLESH IS INCREDIBLY DARK RED AND HAS A SWEET MILD FLAVOR. LARGER FRUIT SIZE IS ACHIEVED WITH HAND POLLINATION, BUT THIS VARIETY WILL SET FRUIT ON ITS OWN.
THIS VARIETY IS VERSATILE AND CAN BE EATEN AS FRESH FRUIT, JUICED FOR A DRINK, OR USED AS A GARNISH.
7 Great Reasons to Add Dragon Fruit to Your Diet
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya or strawberry pear, is a tropical fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, seed-speckled pulp.
Its unique look and acclaimed superfood powers have made it popular among foodies and the health-conscious.
Luckily, you don’t have to live in the tropics to enjoy the many benefits of dragon fruit. In fact, you can find it fresh or frozen in supermarkets worldwide.
Here are 7 health benefits of dragon fruit, all based on evidence.
1. High in Nutrients
Dragon fruit is low in calories but packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains a substantial amount of dietary fiber.
Here’s a rundown of the main nutrients in a one-cup serving (227 grams) :
Calories: 136
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 29 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Iron: 8% of the RDI
Magnesium: 18% of the RDI
Vitamin C: 9% of the RDI
Vitamin E: 4% of the RDI
Beyond essential nutrients, dragon fruit supplies beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins .
Summary Dragon fruit is low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and betacyanins.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage, which may lead to inflammation and disease.
One way to combat this is by eating antioxidant-rich foods like dragon fruit.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and inflammation.
Studies suggest that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis .
Dragon fruit contains several types of potent antioxidants, including :
Vitamin C: Observational studies have found correlations between vitamin C intake and cancer risk. For example, a study in 120,852 people associated higher intakes of vitamin C with lower rates of head and neck cancer .
Betalains: Test-tube studies indicate betalains can combat oxidative stress and may have the ability to suppress cancer cells .
Carotenoids: Beta-carotene and lycopene are the plant pigments that give dragon fruit its vibrant color. Diets rich in carotenoids have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease .
Importantly, antioxidants work best when eaten naturally in food, rather than in pill form or as a supplement. In fact, antioxidant supplements may have harmful effects, and taking them without medical supervision is not recommended .
On the other hand, dragon fruit is highly recommended.
Summary Dragon fruit contains the antioxidants vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and betalain. Studies have linked diets high in antioxidants to a reduced risk of chronic disease.
Dietary fibers are nondigestible carbohydrates that boast an extensive list of potential health benefits.
Health authorities recommend 25 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams for men.
Like antioxidants, fiber supplements do not have the same health benefits as fiber from foods .
With 7 grams per one-cup serving, dragon fruit is an excellent whole-food source .
Although fiber is probably most well known for its role in digestion, research has suggested it may also play a role in protecting against heart disease, managing type 2 diabetes and maintaining a healthy body weight .
Although more research is needed, some observational studies suggest that diets high in fiber may protect against colon cancer .
While no studies have linked dragon fruit to any of these conditions, its high-fiber content can help you meet your recommended daily values.
However, it’s important to note that high-fiber diets can have drawbacks, especially if you’re accustomed to a low-fiber diet. To avoid stomach discomfort, increase your intake of dietary fiber gradually and drink plenty of fluids.
Summary Dragon fruit offers 7 grams of fiber per serving, making it an excellent choice for meeting your daily fiber needs.
Your gut is home to some 100 trillion diverse microorganisms, including more than 400 species of bacteria .
Many researchers believe this community of microorganisms may impact your health. Both human and animal studies have associated imbalances in your gut to conditions like asthma and heart disease .
Given that dragon fruit contains prebiotics, it can potentially improve the balance of good bacteria in your gut .
Prebiotics are a specific type of fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Like all fibers, your gut cannot break them down. However, the bacteria in your gut can digest them. They use the fiber as fuel for growth, and you reap the benefits.
In particular, dragon fruit mainly promotes the growth of two families of healthy bacteria: lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria .
Regularly consuming prebiotics may reduce the risk of infection in your digestive tract and diarrhea. This is because prebiotics promote the growth of good bacteria, which researchers believe may outcompete the bad .
For example, a study in travelers showed that those who consumed prebiotics before and during travel experienced fewer and less severe episodes of traveler’s diarrhea .
Some studies also suggest prebiotics may ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Unfortunately, these findings are inconsistent .
While much of the research on prebiotics is favorable, the research on the prebiotic activity of dragon fruit is limited to test-tube studies. More studies are needed to determine its true effect on the human gut.
Summary Dragon fruit may promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, which is associated with a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Your body’s ability to fight infection is determined by several different factors, including the quality of your diet.
The vitamin C and carotenoids in dragon fruit may boost your immune system and prevent infection by protecting your white blood cells from damage .
The white blood cells in your immune system attack and destroy harmful substances. However, they are extremely sensitive to damage by free radicals .
As potent antioxidants, vitamin C and carotenoids can neutralize free radicals and defend your white blood cells against harm.
Summary Dragon fruit’s high supply of vitamin C and carotenoids may offer immune-boosting properties.
6. May Boost Low Iron Levels
Dragon fruit is one of the few fresh fruits that contain iron.
Iron plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout your body. It also plays an important role in breaking down food into energy .
Unfortunately, many people do not get enough iron. In fact, it has been estimated that 30% of the world’s population is deficient in iron, making it the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide .
To combat low iron levels, it’s important to consume a variety of iron-rich foods. Rich sources of iron include meats, fish, legumes, nuts and cereals.
Dragon fruit may be another great option, as one serving contains 8% of your recommended daily intake (RDI). It also contains vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron .
Summary Dragon fruit supplies iron along with vitamin C, a combination that may improve your body’s absorption of this important mineral.
7. Good Source of Magnesium
Dragon fruit offers more magnesium than most fruits, with 18% of your RDI in just one cup.
On average, your body contains 24g of magnesium, or roughly one ounce .
Despite this seemingly small amount, the mineral is present in every one of your cells and takes part in over 600 important chemical reactions within your body .
For example, it takes part in reactions needed for the breakdown of food into energy, muscle contraction, bone formation and even the creation of DNA .
More studies are needed, but some indicate that higher intakes of magnesium may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke .
Studies also show that diets adequate in magnesium support bone health .
Summary Dragon fruit is a great source of magnesium, a nutrient needed for over 600 biochemical reactions in your body.
While dragon fruit’s thick, leathery skin can be intimidating, eating this fruit is quite simple.
The trick is finding one that is perfectly ripe.
An unripe dragon fruit will be green. Look for one that is bright red. Some spots are normal, but too many bruise-like splotches can indicate that it’s overripe.
Like avocado and kiwi, a ripe dragon fruit should be soft but not mushy.
Here’s how to eat a fresh dragon fruit:
Using a sharp knife, cut it in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the fruit with a spoon, or cut it into cubes by cutting vertical and horizontal lines into the pulp without cutting into the peel. Push on the back of the skin to expose the cubes and remove them with a spoon or your fingers.
To enjoy, add it to salads, smoothies and yogurt, or simply snack on it by itself.
You can also find dragon fruit in the frozen section of some grocery stores, pre-peeled and cut into cubes. This is a convenient option for a tasty snack that packs a nutrient-dense punch.
Summary Dragon fruit is surprisingly simple to prepare and can be eaten by itself or added to salads, smoothies and yogurt.
The Bottom Line
Dragon fruit is a delicious tropical fruit that’s definitely worth trying.
It tastes amazing, offers a pop of color to your plate and supplies essential nutrients, prebiotic fibers and beneficial plant compounds — all in a low-calorie serving.
If you’re looking for a way to add some variety to your fruit intake, dragon fruit is a delicious option with many potential health benefits.
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