Although dragon fruit may not feature regularly on your grocery list, this brightly colored fruit, with its white or red flesh and black seeds, may be worth a taste if you’re looking to change things up. Here’s what you need to know about the exotic treat, including its potential health benefits, nutritional information, and some ways to eat it.
Dragon fruit, also called pitaya or pitahaya, is the fruit of a type of cactus called Hylocereus. It grows primarily in Asia, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Historians think it originated in Central America. It got its name because the pointy outer skin resembles dragon scales. [ 1 ] [ 2 ]
Given dragon fruit’s unique appearance, you might hesitate to give it a try. But don’t let its spiky strangeness scare you. Dragon fruit will likely agree with your palate if you prefer sweet-tasting, rather than sour, fruit. [ 2 ]
Some people compare the taste of dragon fruit to a combination of kiwi and pear. So if you’re a fan of these types of fruit, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll fall in love with dragon fruit.
