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Dragon fruit: photos, useful tools and growing at home. Dragon fruit description, types and names of dragon heart fruit, useful properties and harm of pitahaya

The assortments of some shops are full of exotic fruits. Many of them, most people have never seen or heard of them. One of these products is pitahaya - an outlandish fruit, bright and very unusual in shape. Where did this newcomer come from, and to what does the fruit called the dragon fruit owe its name? Let's take a look at this article.

Pitahaya (pitaya) is a cactus fruit that is common in the subtropics. An alternative name is dragon (dragon) fruit. The cacti themselves, on which pitahaya grows, are in the form of climbing vines. Central and South America is considered the homeland of this exotic newcomer. 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.

The weight of one fruit starts from 300 g and can reach 1 kg. The outer shell of the fruit is covered with an interesting "scales" - tightly adjoining small leaves. It is they who give the pitaya a similarity to pineapple. However, in shape it looks more like an apple.

It is interesting. The plant is a kind of record holder for fertility and can give up to 6 harvests per year.

Most of our compatriots did not enjoy the taste of the fruit. The reason for this, 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 juicy fruit over long distances.

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

There are 3 varieties of pitaya:

  • Red pitahaya. The most common variety. Strictly speaking, it reads red only nominally, 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 that the pulp of this fruit is bright crimson.
  • Yellow pitahaya has a white flesh and does not appear on the shelves of our stores very often.

All 3 varieties are distinguished by their taste.

The chemical composition of dragonfruit

The benefits of the dragonfruit (yes, that's what pitahaya is called 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 pitahaya is low - only 40 - 50 kcal per 100 g of product.

Also the composition of pitaya includes:

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

For your information. It should be noted that chemical composition dragon fruit has not been thoroughly researched.

What taste and smell does pitaya have

Taste exotic fruit and the pitahaya depends on its variety. The yellow fruit is considered the most intense and resembles a mixture of banana and kiwi. Red fruits are more bland and have a lighter aroma.

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 exotic fruit is eaten

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

  • The fruit can be eaten unprocessed. To do this, cut the fruit into 2 halves and scoop out the pulp with a spoon from the resulting improvised bowls.
  • You can start peeling off the peel like a banana, from top to bottom. Thus, only the peeled core with small seeds, like kiwi, will remain in the hands.
  • Cut the pitahaya into citrus-like slices.
  • Cut the peel slightly and slide it down.

Fans of exotic dishes will surely like the pitahaya salad

Ingredients:

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

Preparation:

Cut the dragonfruit in half and remove the pulp. Cut the pitahaya and the rest of the fruit into cubes and mix. Top the mixture with yogurt or fruit juice.

Useful properties and contraindications

Pitahaya - very useful product despite its unusual and even somewhat frightening appearance.

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

  • An impressive amount of fiber and low calorie content make the fruit indispensable for 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.
  • Eliminate constipation.
  • Improving immunity.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect.
  • Regulation of blood glucose levels.
  • Slowing down the aging process in the body.
  • Topical application of dragon fruit pulp helps in the fight against wrinkles, as well as improves skin turgor and heals damaged tissues. It is for this reason that pitaya is used in folk medicine and cosmetology.

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

  • Do not give the fruit pulp to small children.
  • People prone to allergic reactions should also be careful when eating the fruit.
  • You do not need to consume large amounts of pitahaya the first time.
  • The product may cause diarrhea.

For your information. After eating a red fruit, the urine that passes afterwards may have an identical shade. This phenomenon should not be feared.

How to choose and store fruit

When choosing a dragonfruit, you should adhere to certain rules:

  • The fruit should be slightly soft (like an avocado).
  • If you come across a hard specimen when buying and the choice is limited, the fruit should be sent to “soften” in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
  • Overripe fruit should be avoided. It can be identified by clearly marked dark spots on the surface.
  • The skin of the fruit should be smooth and bright in color.
  • The build-up sheets should not be dry. Dead leaves are a sure sign that the fruit is lying down 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 they are more pronounced beneficial features.

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

This exotic guest is very rare in countries other than those where it grows. After all, dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator no more 7 days. In addition, it does not tolerate transportation very well, especially over long distances. Due to this negative set, the dragon fruit, if it gets on our counters, becomes very dear.

Dragon eye description and origin

America is considered to be the birthplace of pitahaya, since references to this fruit are found in the history of the ancient Aztecs. The Indians loved the dragon fruit, for its taste and the ability to quench their thirst, because it consists of 85 percent water... Now pitahaya is widespread in all countries of East Asia (famous Thailand, tourist Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Vietnam), and also grows in Mexico, Japan, China, Australia and even Israel.

Myths and legends

Description of dragon fruit

One ancient legend explains the origin of the dragon fruit name pitahaya. After all, even its skin looks like the scales of mythical dragons. It is said that this is the heart of a dragon, which was mined from a slain dragon. It was through love for this fruit that all these mystical creatures were defeated. So we got an everlasting memory of the life of dragons.

In essence, the plants on which the pitaya grow are climbing cacti, on the edges of thorny branches, juicy fruits of cacti of different colors ripen and are filled with juice.

It is noteworthy that the full disclosure of the flower occurs exclusively at night. Hanging white flowers are very fragrant, when they fade, the ovary of the fruit appears, this happens in about a month or a month and a half. On farms that specialize in the industrial cultivation of pitahaya, they can harvest a rich fruit harvest 5-6 times per season.

Dragon heart compound:

Exotic fruit

In 100 gr of fruit:

  • Low calorie content - only 45-50 Kcal
  • Fat content - 0.5g !!!
  • Protein content - 0.5g
  • Total carbohydrates - 13g
  • Group vitamins: C, B1, B3, PP, B2
  • Antioxidants
  • Fruit acids
  • Useful minerals: phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium, etc.

Exotic fruit pitahaya species and varieties

What are the varieties of pitaya

Different varieties differ in size, color and structure of the peel (orange-yellow, purple-red, bright pink), color and texture of delicate pulp (creamy white, pinkish or aggressive red). On top there may be small bumps, the structure of "pineapple" or natural scales, which actually gave rise to the names: dragon fruit, dragon's heart, dragon's eye, dragonfruit, etc.

The fruit of the dragon fruit or prickly pear is especially beneficial for people who observe dietary diet nutrition... Arrange for themselves a variety of fasting days.

Among all the varieties of the variety of varieties, pitahaya became famous mainly for its three representatives, which are the most popular and delicious:

  • White (Hylocereus undatus) - even in Vietnam it is called "dragon fruit". This is the most exotic and popular variety, it has a pink and red scaly skin on the outside, and on the inside there is a soft and delicate white flesh with a pleasant taste and aroma. Multiple black seeds.
  • Red (Hylocereus costaricensis) - Costa Rican pitaya. She has a bright pink-red skin and a creamy red pulp with an even more intense taste. Small black seeds, like our more familiar kiwi.
  • Yellow (Hylocereus megalanthus) - "prickly pear" or long yang. It looks like a bright yellow lemon in large pimples. Inside it is snow-white with multiple black seeds. It is considered the most fragrant and sweet.

The weight of the fruit is different: from a medium apple, about 150g and up to 700-800g samples. Well, some giants can boast of weight, even in a kilogram. The peel is quite soft and can be easily removed with a sharp knife. The taste is different for different subspecies, but it is quite delicate and a little sweetish. Some may find it slightly bland. But, that would not at all like the reviews, we have not yet met.

How to eat pitahaya

First of all, because of its bright and unusual appearance, it is often used as a decoration for a festively set table. It is recommended to serve the dragon's eye fruit chilled so that the delicate taste is sufficiently expressed. Multiple black seeds are also healthy, but they need to be chewed thoroughly due to the lengthy and difficult digestion.

Can be cut in half lengthwise and invited guests to simply enjoy the taste of chilled dragon fruit.

It can be cut into slices, like a watermelon or a melon, combining with other fruits of contrasting color and taste, and laid out on a festive beautiful dish.

Pitaya juice

Perhaps filed in the form exotic salad, the peel will act as an exclusive dish, and add other ingredients to the pulp, but not too harsh in taste, so as not to dull the taste of the pitaya itself.

The juice and pulp of pitahaya is used for a variety of exotic cocktails and soft drinks... For example, for a refreshing cocktail, mix dragon fruit juice with green lime juice, or lemon at most, but the former will be better. It is widely used in local winemaking. You can also make various jams, jellies or preserves from these fruits, add them to sauce or gravy, prepare milk yoghurts, sorbets and ice cream. The flowers themselves are fried or brewed in the form of a fragrant flower tea.

As you can see, use in the food industry is quite wide, and the peel (for decoration) and pulp, and juice, and even unripe fruits - inflorescences - are used.

Useful properties of dragon fruit

Pitaya has a lot of useful properties. The biggest plus is the low calorie content. It is very well absorbed, therefore it is recommended for intestinal diseases.

Vitamins in the heart of the dragon

Dragon eye fruit contraindications and harm

Flower dragon fruit

As some exotic fruit, it can cause allergic reactions, so people, especially those suffering from this, should be careful when eating the dragon heart. If after taking the negative consequences did not arise, then you can easily begin to actively enjoy this wonderful fruit.

If you have chronic diseases of a very different direction, we recommend that you consult with an experienced specialist before taking pitahaya, in order to avoid negative emotions.

If you eat a lot of red fruits at a time, you may see a slight red staining of urine and poop, which is completely harmless.

Give with care to young children so as not to get diathesis or upset.

In general, from a scientific point of view, there are no contraindications as such. You just need to start eating slowly and slowly.

How to choose and save pitaya

How to choose a pitahaya

If you're looking to buy an exotic gimmick, follow a few simple rules so you don't get disappointed right away.

  • Look at the skin color, it should be bright color and no suspicious dark spots. This indicates that the fruit is already overripe.
  • A quality dragon fruit will be slightly soft, like ripe kiwi, but not sour. Hard too much is also not good, but in extreme cases it can be left to ripen in the refrigerator.
  • Dry growths of leaves indicate that the fruit has been stored for a long time after being plucked. But the fresher the pitahaya, the more nutrients in itself it will be able to convey to you.

Recent studies have shown that this exotic fruit is able to relieve stomach pains and is very useful for diabetics.

So, the dragon's eye is not only a healthy and tasty vitamin product, but it will also bring purely aesthetic pleasure from contemplating and eating such an unusual and unusual species for us.

Pitahaya is the name given to some species of cactus and their often edible fruit. Pitahaya's homeland is South America.

This plant belongs to the cactus family of the genus Hylocereus. Grown in the tropics, some species of the genus Hylocereus have large fruits with large scales, which is why they are called dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit. Photo

Pitahaya grows in rainforests using trees as supports, reaches 10 meters in height and is widespread in Central America and northern regions of South America. In addition, it is cultivated in Southeast Asia, China, Australia and Israel.

The fruits of this plant are oblong-ovoid berries. The peel is tough. The usual weight is between 300 and 850 grams, a record of 1.5 kg. The fruit is edible, juicy and with numerous, small, black edible seeds in the pulp, about 1 mm. The hard outer shell is inedible. Dragon fruit has a kiwi-like sweet taste and a very subtle smell. They are good can be combined with almost all food products.

Pitahaya contains minerals, vitamins (especially fruits with red skin) and fiber. Pitahaya is red in color, contains more phosphorus, while yellow fruit contains more calcium.

According to research, dragon fruit contain a lot of antioxidants including:

  • beta carotene,
  • lycopene,
  • vitamin E.

They can also represent a potential source of probiotic that promotes the development of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids... However, seeds should not be consumed in large quantities, as they are rich in omega-6 fatty acids approximately 50 percent, compared to omega-3 (approximately only 1 percent) and omega-9 (approximately 20 percent). Given that the abundance of omega-6 can lead to an imbalance of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body, it is best to limit the consumption of seeds.

Due to its high fiber content, consumption of dragon fruit promotes intestinal motility, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, helps regulate blood pressure, and also helps in weight loss. The high vitamin C content is beneficial for strengthening the immune system and for collagen production. Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant precursor to vitamin A, which protects the eyes and skin from UV rays and improves the body's immune response. Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is one of the key antioxidants in the fight against free radicals. It prevents heart disease, cancers and age-related macular degeneration.

Chemical composition

Fruits consist mainly of water (its amount can vary between 80-90%), fiber, protein and fat.

Pitahaya contains:

  • vitamin A,
  • vitamin C,
  • vitamins B1, B2, B3 and vitamin E, which is found in the seeds.

Minerals:

  • potassium,
  • iron,
  • sodium,
  • phosphorus and calcium.

The fruit of pitihaya also contains flavonoids and substances with antioxidant properties.

The abundance of fiber gives this fruit mild laxative properties, so this fruit is a good preventive method for constipation.

Availability vitamin C and other substances with antioxidant properties, has a beneficial effect on health. Its consumption strengthens the immune system and helps in the fight against the effects of free radicals, which has a positive effect on slowing down the aging process of body cells. Free radicals, a byproduct of human metabolism, are the cause of many serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and degenerative diseases.

The consumption of pitahaya is in a good way to prevent many of these diseases. Fiber, in addition to the beneficial substances present in pitahaya, is beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol levels. This will reduce the risk of dangerous plaque formation in the blood vessels and therefore is a good prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin C present in pitahaya, in addition to strengthening the immune system, helps to cope with stress.

Recent studies have shown that this fruit is capable of reduce level Sahara in people with type 2 diabetes.

Flavonoids have a wide spectrum biological activity... In addition to antioxidant properties, they also have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-atherosclerotic effects.

Pitahaya: benefit and harm

Dragon fruit has anti-inflammatory properties. Its consumption can be beneficial for solving problems associated with joint inflammation. The pulp of the fruit, other than that, it has good taste, can be used to treat and prevent acne and acne by applying to the skin.

Recent studies have been conducted with extracts of leaves, peels, pulp and flowers of various varieties of dragon fruit. Experiments carried out on laboratory rats have shown that this plant and its fruits accelerate the healing process of wounds.

100 g of pitahaya pulp has only 38 calories.

The consumption of fruits prevents the formation of tumor cells, cleanses the blood and liver, and also accelerates the elimination of toxins and heavy metals from the body. In addition to preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease, it regulates blood pressure. The phosphorus contained in the fetus stimulates brain activity, improves memory and concentration.

Dragon fruit also has diuretic properties and fights cellulite. Beta-carotene, an important antioxidant, protects the eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays, vitamin C stimulates collagen production and, together with vitamin E, fights free radicals, is a good prevention of various forms of cancer and age-related macular degeneration.

Consumption and contraindications

When choosing this fruit, you should pay attention to the color, it should be bright and rich, which indicates its ripeness. There should be no signs of rot anywhere.

The dragon fruit is cut in half and eaten using a teaspoon. To improve the taste, the pulp is seasoned with sugar and lemon. A juicy drink is also prepared from the pulp.

No health risks have been identified associated with the consumption of pitahaya fruits. Consuming this fruit is safe for pregnant women. There may be mild allergic reactions.

Consumption of pitahaya with red pulp suggests reddish color of urine and feces; it is a temporary change that takes place in a day or two.

It is advisable not to give this fruit to young children, so as not to provoke diathesis.

In recent years, exotic products have been gaining popularity. Pitahaya is a fruit with many beneficial properties, originally from America. The most useful fruits are considered to be eaten in the first week after harvest.

What is pitahaya - description of the fruit

The exotic fruit is the fruit of several varieties of cactus. The product has names such as dragon eye or dragon fruit. There are several types of fruits of these plants:

  • pitahaya red;
  • yellow pitahaya;
  • Costa Rican pitaya.

The fruits grow on liana-like cacti. These plants have large white flowers with a pronounced aroma that open only at night. More than 30 tons of fruits can be obtained from one hectare planted with these plants.

Cactus fruits have a low energy value... Calorie content per 100 grams of product is 40 kilocalories. The low calorie content of pitahaya is due to its high fluid content and low sugar content.

It is the low calorie content that makes the fruit popular among people who want to lose weight without refusing to eat delicious, but at the same time healthy food... The glycemic index of the product is low, so the product can be consumed even by diabetics.

The inside of the dragon fruit contains juicy white pulp and a large number of small, dense-textured seeds.

Note! The flesh of the pitahaya is white, only when it comes to red pitahaya; in other varieties, the color of the inner part may be different, and have a raspberry or yellow color.

The weight of one fruit is on average 250 grams. Sometimes there are specimens weighing more than 1 kg.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of dragon fruits are observed not only from the point of view of medicine, but also in cosmetology.

Useful properties of dragon fruit:

  • improving the functioning of the immune system;
  • slowing down and preventing the development of cancer cells;
  • normalization of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • restoration of intestinal microflora;
  • normalization of blood sugar indicators;
  • maintaining the work of the cardiovascular system;
  • normalization of blood pressure in hypertension;
  • restoration of optimal blood cholesterol values;
  • improving the functioning of the organs of vision;
  • improving the functioning of the central nervous system and brain;
  • normalization of the psycho-emotional state;
  • slowing down the aging of cells.

The benefits of fruits also lie in the fact that the substances contained in them slow down oxidative processes in the body, which prevents the development of complications in people with diabetes.

The benefits of the fruit are observed with its regular use. Most of all, the dragon fruit is useful for people suffering from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as it can slow down the development of diseases.

Not only the pulp of the fruit is useful, but also their seeds. They prevent the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and are also a prophylactic agent against cancer.

Negative impacts

Fruits can bring not only benefits, but also harm. The main contraindications are - childhood up to 5 years and individual intolerance. The fetus can lead to an allergic reaction, even in people who are not prone to this phenomenon.

Since the fruit is exotic, the first time it is consumed, the body may develop intolerance to the fetus, expressed in skin rashes and upset stools.

How to eat dragon fruit

Eating cactus fruits is simple, all that is needed is to cool the product and cut it into several parts. From the resulting pieces, the pulp should be eaten with a teaspoon.

Also, sweets, ice cream, sorbets and yoghurts are prepared from the product. The pulp of the fruit is good for making cool juices. In cooking, not only the pulp is used, but also the seeds, peel and even flowers of this vegetation.

From pitaya they prepare:

  • sauces;
  • marmalade;
  • alcoholic drinks;
  • jam.

Based on the dragon's eye, you can cook aromatic tea, which has healing properties for the body.

The taste of the fruit depends on the variety in question. Most often, pitaya tastes like a kiwi and banana mixture.

Note! Yellow fruits have a more pronounced taste, red fruits have a bland taste and weak aroma.

People who eat this fruit note that the fruits of the best taste are imported from Vietnam.

How to choose fruit and determine ripeness

It is not difficult to choose a ripe fruit, as it has distinctive features. Ripe fruits have a peel color similar to the variety, such as red or yellow. A dragon's eye with a green skin is immature.

There should be no spots on the skin, as this indicates that the fruit is overripe and may have begun to deteriorate.

When pressed, the fruit should have a firm texture. Excessively hard or soft fruit is not worth buying. Vitamins are found in fruits of any ripeness, but ripe fruits have a higher taste.

How to peel the fruit

You don't need any special skills to peel the fruit. In order to get to the pulp, the dragon's eye must be cut into pieces. In the cut, the pulp is exposed, which can be easily separated from the peel with a spoon or hands.

Note! You should clean the pitahaya carefully, as the colored pulp has a strong pigment that can stain objects and fabrics.

Grow at home

It is possible to grow a plant at home, for this you need to purchase overripe, but whole fruits.

Growing from seeds is carried out.

  1. The seeds must be separated from the pulp and dried, and then sowed into the ground.
  2. Seedlings will be abundant, so a pick cannot be avoided.
  3. Plants that have appeared in the light should be planted and stuck into the pot of supports, along which they will curl.
  4. Since the plant is a cactus, it does not need much watering, but it does require a lot of light in order to grow vigorously.

If the fruit is properly eaten, it will only benefit the body. A product should be introduced into the diet with caution in order to be able to track the body's reaction and not harm it.

8

Diets and healthy eating 19.02.2018

Exotic fruits are increasingly appearing in our country; in large cities, you can find fruits on sale that grow in all corners of our planet. Their taste does not always meet our expectations, but interest in them is constantly growing. The greatest temptation to try various fruits arises on vacation in hot countries.

One of these fruits is pitahaya or pitaya, these are the fruits of several types of liana-like cacti, growing mainly in tropical climates. Quite recently, I also tried this fruit, I was very interested in it, I would like to tell you about it too.

These plants are widely distributed in the countries of Southeast Asia, Central and South America, Israel, and Australia. Dragon fruit, dragon eye, dragon heart - this is how these unusual fruits are called in our country and in many European countries. This name is associated with one of the legends that abound in the folk ethnos of the inhabitants of Asian countries, who worship dragons and compose many legends associated with this mythical character. I suggest watching a video of how a dragon fruit grows.

The fruits of Pitochaia are very large, to me they are somewhat reminiscent of kohlrabi cabbage, they can reach up to 800 grams, in different types plants, the outer shell of the fruit has a different color - yellow, orange, pink, red. The color of the edible fragrant pulp is creamy, white, pink, even purple, and the seeds are black, very small. The most popular is red pitahaya with milky flesh and small black seeds, and the sweetest flesh in pitahaya is yellow.

The plant itself looks very decorative, blooming at night with large fragrant white flowers, the petals of which are added to tea by the locals to enhance the aroma. Look at the photos, how the dragon fruit grows and looks like, what kind of fruits it has.

Beneficial features

Pitahaya, like all fruits, is beneficial for the presence of fiber, vitamins and minerals. It is a low-calorie product containing about 50 kcal per 100 grams. The pulp is rich in B vitamins, ascorbic acid, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron. In small amounts, it contains proteins and carbohydrates. Due to its delicate structure and easy assimilation in our body, the pulp of pitahaya can be included in diet food for various diseases. What beneficial properties can be noted in this fruit?

  • Pitahaya is an excellent thirst quencher in hot climates and can serve as a light snack on any hike or trip.
  • Despite the sweet taste, dragon fruit can be consumed by people with diabetes; it does not increase the amount of glucose in the blood. It is useful for any endocrine disorders, especially for overweight people.
  • Pitahaya is useful for sluggish digestion, for constipation, for severe flatulence, small edible seeds contribute to intestinal motility, contributing to its timely emptying.
  • The presence of ascorbic acid indicates the benefits of these fruits for immunity, for blood vessels, and B vitamins play an important role in the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system.
  • Potassium is essential for cardiac activity, calcium and phosphorus strengthen the bone skeleton, iron is useful for many body systems, the role of this element for normal hematopoiesis is especially important.

How to eat dragon fruit

Dragon fruit or pitahaya is still a rare guest, therefore, having bought such a wonderful miracle, you will not immediately figure out how to eat it. Usually it is eaten as a separate product, added to various fruit drinks or squeeze juice, which, when mixed with citrus juices, gives an amazingly tasting result.

Dragon fruit can be used in the preparation of various jams, mousses, yoghurts, sauces, soufflés, as a result of such experiments, you can get new tasteful light dishes that will delight both family members and your guests.

When you first see these fruits, it seems that the pitahaya is very hard, but it is very easy to cut the dragon fruit, its peel is soft and well cut with an ordinary knife. It can be peeled completely, or peeled off as we do when peeling bananas. You can simply wash and cut in half and eat the pulp with a spoon or cut into slices like we cut watermelons.

You can watch the video how delicious this fruit is, how to eat it, how to cook it.

What dragon fruit tastes like

Dragon fruit has a weak taste, rather delicate, pleasant, with different shades. Most people associate it with the flavors of banana and kiwi. The first time you may not like it, but in the future you will definitely appreciate this subtle refined taste and gentle light aroma.

How to choose dragon fruit

When choosing, you must pay attention to the uniformity of color, to the absence of external damage and rot. Ripe pitahaya should be moderately soft to the touch and bright in color. If the fruits are pale, unripe, then the taste will be less pronounced and tart.

Many of us love to travel to exotic countries, it is always interesting, always new impressions and original dishes... But it is necessary to approach the use of exotic products that are new to oneself with caution so as not to harm the body, it is especially dangerous if you are away from home, in a foreign country.

It is difficult to resist and not try the fruit while vacationing in Egypt, Thailand, Turkey or other countries, and you do not need to hold back, just observe moderation, especially for the first time. Eat a small piece, listen to your body, and if everything is fine, then you can continue to eat these fruits, but without overusing them.

All this applies to pitahaya, and keep in mind that its seeds are not digested, so in people with poor digestion, these fruits can cause intestinal upset.

You need to be especially careful about baby food on vacation in exotic countries. It is best for children to give their usual food and not risk the health of the baby.