To improve your user experience, we use Cookies. OK
Aufgeschnittene Drachenfrucht
Aufgeschnittene Drachenfrucht

Pitaya

The Scaly Miracle
Systematics
Scientific name: Hylocereus undatus
German name: Drachenfrucht
Other names: Pitahaya
Classification: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribute: Hylocereeae
Genus: Hylocereus
  • Water 90,7%
  • Carbohydrates 7,1%
  • Proteins 0,9%
  • Fats 0,4%
  • Crude fibre 0,9%

Unlike dragons, fortunately real and healthy.

In this country the dragon fruit is still rather unknown. It has its name because of its fruit peel, which consists of flakes and thus reminds of the scales of the dragons. Its real name is Pitahaya or Pitaya. Although it is very healthy, it is mainly used for decorative purposes because of its special appearance.
The dragon fruit is available in 3 varieties:

  • Hylocereus undatus with white flesh and pink skin Hylocereus
  • monacanthus with red flesh and pink skin
  • Hylocereus megalanthus with white flesh and yellow skin 

The pink Pitahaya with white flesh tastes sour/neutral and refreshing, the yellow one most aromatic after a mixture of pineapple, strawberry and mango and the one with pink skin and red inside most intense. The consistency of all variants is jelly-like and reminiscent of gooseberry or kiwi.

The pitahaya belongs to the cactus family and is a climbing cactus that clings to supporting plants or masonry.

Nutrition information

Quantity per 100 grams

Calories 37
Fat content 4 g
Saturated fatty acids 1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 12 mg
Potassium 222 mg
Carbohydrates 72 g
Roughage 0,5 g
Sugar 41 g
Protein 3,57 g

Origin & Provenance

Health

Preparation

Things to know

Storage

Origin & Provenance

The dragon fruit probably comes from the south of Mexico. Nowadays it is mainly found in Asia, but it also grows in all other tropical climates. Growing countries include Nicaragua, Israel, Vietnam and the People's Republic of China.
The price of the dragon fruit is relatively high, partly because the transport routes are long, but also because the fruit is relatively rare. Although the plant bears its flowers from June to September, they only open for a single night and therefore the flowers can only be pollinated in this small time window. With a diameter of up to 25 centimetres, the flowers are among the largest in the world. When opened, the flowers exude a beguiling scent reminiscent of jasmine. The fruits themselves are 15 centimetres long and weigh up to 500 grams. What also drives up the price is that the plant grows very slowly and the first harvest can only take place after about 20 years.
The fruits are imported from Vietnam from January to June and from Central America from July to December. However, they are imported by air freight from Thailand all year round.

mehr lesen

Health

In her homeland the dragon fruit is mainly used to decorate buffets, which is rather a pity, because there are some powers in it, which have a positive effect on our body. Due to its high content of beta-carotene and beta-alaine dyes, the fruit takes on its pink fleshy appearance. These are converted to vitamin A by the body and thus help to regulate cell growth. Vitamin A is also known as eye vitamin and supports vision. The contained nutrients calcium and phosphorus have a positive influence on bones, teeth, connective tissue and skin. Iron is important for blood formation in the body. It also contains vitamins B, C and E. The dragon fruit has approximately the calorie content of an apple and is therefore figure-friendly in addition to its other advantages.

Preparation

Workmanship

The dragon fruit is best enjoyed raw. If it has been cooled beforehand, it also has an invigorating effect. The dragon fruit can be compared to a kiwi: The flesh is also grey-white and streaked with countless seeds. And it can be eaten just like a kiwi: you can either cut it in half and spoon it out or cut off the ends and peel off the skin. The flesh can then be processed as desired in the form of slices, slices or cubes. The peel can be thrown away without hesitation because it is inedible.

Maturity

Unripe dragon fruits are not yet very aromatic and sweet, but can still be used in the form of "vegetables", for example in a pan dish. Because of its high water content, it tastes very watery and tastes more like a potato. It is easy to find out whether the fruit is ripe or not: If the skin gives way when pressed lightly or has no green spots, it is ripe. If ripe fruits are processed, one should limit oneself to cold dishes, otherwise their aroma will be lost again through heating.

Dishes

Since the fruit has a high water content, it is perfect in juices, milkshakes, smoothies, but also in rumbowle or as a non-alcoholic cocktail. If you want to have an eye-catcher at a party, you can also offer it at a buffet. Or you can spice up the traditional salad with dragon fruit and pomegranates, for example. The dragon fruit also goes well with cheese, ham or fish and can even be processed into jam.

Things to know

The dragon fruit has many positive effects on the body: It contains a lot of vitamin C, which strengthens our immune system and contains swelling fibre which helps to regulate the blood sugar level. It can also help prevent heart disease as it has a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
The lycopene it contains can even eliminate certain cancer cells. The high water content and the protein-splitting enzymes contained in the fruit flesh and black seeds also stimulate digestion. However, this can have a laxative effect on excessive consumption.

Storage

When buying a dragon fruit, care should be taken to ensure that the fruit is individually packaged, as it is very sensitive to pressure. In the case of pink fruits, it should only give way slightly when pressed and not be too soft. In the case of yellow fruits, the skin should be completely coloured.

If the dragon fruit is stored in a cool place, it will keep for about 12 days. It can also be stored at room temperature, but will only stay fresh for 4-5 days. However, if the fruit has pressure points, this process is accelerated. Therefore it should at best be placed upright or even hung, as it is very sensitive to pressure. In order for the fruit to remain visually appealing, it is advisable to moisten it a little several times a day.

Similar fruits

No fruits found! Please try a different spelling.