Fresh Dragon fruit, a beautiful tropical fruit with delicious taste, which makes a lot of people all the world addicted to. Besides, it has other names like pitaya or strawberry pear in Nicaragua. Not only is it sweet and crunchy but also tastes a bit like a cross between a kiwi and a pear. Rise in popularity very recently, Fresh Dragon fruit still has many things that people may not know if they do not discover its information. The following 5 facts will help you know about this one-of-a-kind fruit, read on to find them out more.
1. Member of Cactaceae familyFresh Dragon fruit
Unlike any other fruit, Fresh Dragon fruit comes from the genus Stenocereus, which includes only about 20 different species. It has its origins in Mexico, South America, and Central America but nowadays commercially cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical world regions especially Southeast Asia nations such as Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, etc.
2. How did the Fresh Dragon fruit get its name?The Fresh Dragon fruit tree
Fresh Dragon fruit shaped a bit like an artichoke, yet the trait that helps distinguish it is a bright pink or yellow skin. Some people wonder that why this fruit’s name sounds intimidating, it has a beautiful appearance though. Another one claim that it is because that fruit has consisted of overlaid leaves that look like scales; however, the picture below will make you become reorientation. Check out these roaring Fresh Dragon fruit flowers!
3. Wealth of benefitsFresh Dragon fruit flower
Although it is considered a toxic fruit in some parts of the world, it contains numerous nutrients that are good for our health. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, this fruit is rich in carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin B1, protein, calcium, etc. It is believed to contain Lycopene that also found in tomato and phytonutrients that helps in lowering the risk of cancer and preventing heart diseases. Also, the seeds of this fruit have polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6 and a mild laxative effect. Moreover, it is a healthy fruit that is low in calories and rich in antioxidants. Which can helps people lose their weight.
Fresh Dragon fruit is beneficial
4. Diversified dishes of Fresh Dragon fruit
It is usually eaten fresh but in some countries found in a lot of ways to eat that amazing fruit. Nicaraguans are fond of drinking a beverage made from water, crushed Fresh Dragon fruit. American enjoy to eating it in fruit salads or to mixing it in a smoothie. Vietnamese like creating tasty drinks and desserts healthy snack in their own way.
Creative Fresh Dragon fruit smoothie
5. Reddish urine
Red-fleshed Dragon fruit is similar to Fresh Dragon fruit but its rind is red magenta. Although having the same taste and appearance, it can rise to a harmless condition called pseudohematuria, which can turn your urine and stool red if you eat too much red-colored Fresh Dragon fruit.
Red-fleshed Dragon fruit