How to Peel Dragon Fruit: 2 Easy Ways
Dragon fruit is a healthy tropical fruit that has an exotic look to it. You may have seen it before but been too intimidated to buy it, don’t be! I’m going to show you how to peel dragon fruit with these 2 easy ways.
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Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya in Mexico, is a delicious, exotic, and popular tropical fruit. It’s peel can be bright pink or yellow. The inside fruit can either be white speckled with small black seed, or it can be a magenta pink flesh with small black seeds.
Have you ever tasted it?
It’s a mild fruit that can be perfect for just about anyone.
Dragon fruit taste is mild, fruity and sweet flavor. The texture is tender but not quite mushy. You could say it’s firmer than a ripe kiwi.
It is not only delicious, but also loaded with health benefits such as being rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
For many people, the process of eating and peeling dragon fruit can be a bit intimidating. Let’s agree that with its bright color and spiky exterior it does look quite exotic and intimidating.
But don’t worry amigos because today I’m going to share my best tips on how to peel dragon fruit like a pro!
How to Choose Dragon Fruit
When choosing a dragon fruit or pitahaya choose one that is vibrant, smooth, doesn’t have too many blotches and isn’t too firm feeling.
You should avoid ones that are too squishy and instead choose ones whose skin gives a little when pressed.
The little “tentacles” should be green with maybe just a bit of yellow color is ok, ones that are brown should also be avoided.
What You’ll Need
- dragon fruit
- sharp knife
- soup poon
- cutting board
- bowl to place the dragon fruit in
How to Easily Peel Dragon Fruit (Pitahaya) Like a Pro
There are two ways that I like to use for peeling fruit and revealing the edible flesh inside.
Both methods are simple and it’s a matter of choosing the one that works best for you.
How to Peel Dragon Fruit With a Spoon
In this first method we’ll need a soup spoon, trust me it works great.
Step 1: Wash the fruit thoroughly under running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris on the skin and in the small nooks and crannies.
Step 2: Cut off the ends of the dragon fruit using a sharp knife. You want to end up with a flat surface so you can stand the fruit up on the cutting board.
Step 3:Cut the fruit in half lengthwise.
Step 4: Slice each half into 4 wedges.
Step 5: Use a spoon to slide between the fruit and the peel, gently push the spoon through until you’ve separated the flesh and skin. Avoid and remove any of the skin left on the fruit. While edible, it’s quite sour and can cause intestinal upset in some people.
Step 6: Cut the wedges into cubes or smaller pieces then place in the bowl. Serve or enjoy as desired.
How to Peel Dragon Fruit with a Knife
For this peeling method you don’t need a knife, other than to slice the dragon fruit.
Step 1: Wash the fruit thoroughly under running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris on the skin and in the small nooks and crannies.
Step 2: Cut off the ends of the dragon fruit using a sharp knife. You want to end up with a flat surface on either bottoms of the pitahaya.
Step 3: Use your fingers to gently pull away and separate the peel from the fruit flesh. Continue until the whole half of the dragon fruit is separated. Watch the video for a visual guide.
Step 4: Use a knife to cut off any remaining peel on the fruit.
Step 5: Slice or cube as desired. Serve and enjoy as desired.
How To Eat
Typically dragon fruit is eaten chilled to improve it’s mild taste.
It may be eaten alongside other mild fruits as a fruit salad, blended into drinks, frozen into granitas or sorbets, made into jellies as well as baked into desserts or used for decorating cakes too.
When I want to enjoy it as a snack I simple dust with some Tajin chile powder and enjoy chilled.
To enjoy as a drink, I love to make dragon fruit agua fresca or pitahaya agua fresca with a little lime and sugar. You can click on the highlighted link to check out the recipe.
How to Store Dragon Fruit
Whole, ripe dragon fruit should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a few days of purchasing.
For peeled and cut dragon fruit, make sure to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat within a day or maximum two.
FAQ About Dragon Fruit
Is Dragon Good for You?
Yes, dragon fruit is packed with nutrients and vitamins. Make sure to read my previous article to get all the details.
Is Dragon Fruit Skin Edible
Many people believe it is and make tea with it. Other people say it’s not edible because it cause some strong intestinal issues.
How to Tell if Dragon Fruit Is Ripe?
Choose fruit that is evenly colored and has a slight give when you press it gently. This means that it’s ripe and ready to eat.
Is Dragon Fruit Easy to Find in Grocery Stores?
Yes, it’s becoming more widely available and can be found in most grocery stores, Mexican and Asian food markets.
Are Dragon Fruit Seeds Edible
Yes the seeds of the dragon fruit are completely edible. They are just like the crunchy edible seeds of a kiwi fruit.
How to Peel Dragon Fruit: 2 Easy Ways
Equipment
- 1 spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 large dragon fruit any color you'd like
- water for rinsing
Instructions
How to Peel Dragon Fruit With a Spoon
- Wash the fruit thoroughly under running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris on the skin and in the small spaced of the nooks and crannies.
- Cut off the ends of the dragon fruit using a sharp knife. You want to end up with a flat surface so you can stand the fruit up on the cutting board.
- Cut the fruit in half lengthwise.
- Slice each half into 4 wedges.
- Use a spoon to slide between the fruit and the peel, gently push the spoon through until you’ve separated the flesh and skin. Avoid and remove any of the skin left on the fruit. While edible, it’s quite sour and can cause intestinal upset in some people.
- Cut the wedges into cubes or smaller pieces then place in the bowl. Serve or enjoy as desired.
How to Peel Dragon Fruit without a Knife
- After you thoroughly rinse the dragon fruit, cut off the ends of the dragon fruit using a sharp knife.
- Use your fingers to gently pull away and separate the peel from the fruit flesh. Continue until the whole half of the dragon fruit is separated. Watch the video for a visual guide.Use a knife to cut off any remaining peel on the fruit.
- Slice or cube as desired. Serve and enjoy as desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nancy Lopez is a food blogger and author of the cookbook Mexican Tamales Made Meatless. Born in Mexico, raised in the US, and currently living in Southern Mexico, she has followed a meatless diet for almost 10 years. It is her passion and mission to share all she has learned about vegan Mexican cooking and vegetarian Mexican recipes. Mexican Made Meatless is a blog dedicated to preserving the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine just without the meat. It’s a place to celebrate Mexican culture and all it’s delightfully delicious traditional foods. Read more…
