Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit or pitahaya, is a popular tropical fruit grown throughout the world. It is also known as a strawberry pear in Asia, and it is believed to be a native of Central America, specifically Mexico and Nicaragua, where it was first discovered.
Because it was introduced by the French, this species has become widely cultivated in Vietnam, renowned for being the world’s leading exporter of dragon fruit. On the other hand, Dragon fruit has been successfully grown in several countries throughout Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Hawaii, Israel, Thailand, southern China, and northern Australia.
How to Use Pitaya?
Pitaya is best consumed raw as a snack, though it can be even more delicious when chilled. It is used to flavor beverages, fruit sorbets, and fruit salads, as well as to color candy and pastries, and it is also served as a juice in some countries. It is also possible to cook the flower buds that have not yet opened.
Advantages of Pitaya in Terms of Health
Dragon fruit is not only renowned for its distinctive appearance and refreshing flavor, but it is also a nutritional powerhouse, providing a good source of vitamin C, phosphorus, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and iron, among other nutrients. As a result of their high antioxidant content, Pitaya has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and premature aging. Further health benefits include improving eyesight and controlling hypertension. Surprisingly, this fruit is fat-free, which makes it a healthy addition to your diet if you’re looking forward to losing some extra pounds this year. Moreover, it strengthens the immune system, lowers blood sugar levels, improves gut health, and performs other beneficial functions.
1. Yellow Dragon Fruit or Pitaya
Known by the scientific name Pitaya Amarilla and the common name Selenicereus Megalanthus, this species of dragon fruit enjoys sticking out from the rest of the bunch.
It is a South American dragon fruit type with a yellow-skinned scale pattern and firm white flesh. Even though this dragon fruit is only available in a single type, it is widely regarded as the best dragon fruit available. The flesh inside is crisp white and is densely packed with sugary goodness.
2. Sour Dragon Fruit or Pitaya
A sort of dragon fruit also known as Stenocereus, it is a tropical fruit that is commonly consumed in the dry regions of the Americas and can be found predominantly in South and Central America.
Aside from having a powerful and sour flavor, sour dragon fruit is also refreshing due to the fact that its flesh is juicier. Locals in northwestern Mexico are still gathering this fruit, which has long been considered a mainstay of indigenous peoples’ diets in the region.
This dragon fruit has a tangier aroma, similar to that of a watermelon. The seeds of sour dragon fruit, which have a nutty flavor, can be eaten whole.
3. White Dragon Fruit or Pitaya
White Dragon Fruit is a type of dragon fruit that is white in color, as the name suggests. Selenicereus Undatus and Hylocereus Undatus are two other names for this species.
In addition to having pink skin, unlike other pitayas, it is white from the inside and is dotted with edible black seeds. It is a sweet fruit, and that is why it is the most widely available dragon fruit.
Several well-known white dragon fruit cultivars such as Thompson, Harpua, and Neitzel are included in this family; David Bowie, Vietnamese Jaina, and L.A. Woman are just a few of the cultivars that are detailed in greater depth below.
· David Bowie
This type is known for having a tangier, lemon-like flavor. David Bowie is smaller than other pitayas and has a tangier, lemony flavor.
· Vietnamese Jaina
Vietnamese Jaina is very popular, partly thanks to how bright and white the inside meat is of the fruit. This varietal’s colors are extremely Instagram-worthy, and it is a must-try.
· L.A. Woman
This is an uncommon kind that some people believe leaves a terrible taste in the mouth when consumed.
· Seoul Kitchen
This is a rounder type of white dragon fruit. Unlike the dragon fruits found in Los Angeles, this one has creamier and more flavorful flesh.
· Lake Atitlan
This Pitaya is an exotic species of Pitaya and is often larger in size — and tangier in flavor – than other dragon fruit.
· Neitzel
A native of California, this cultivar tastes a lot sweeter and is particularly delicious when served cold.
· Alice
Named after Alice Snow, a rock icon of the fruit-growing industry, this eponymous variety of dragon fruit is not so delicious as the other pitaya varieties, but it boasts an extremely vibrant pink skin.
· Guyute
Guyute is a white pitaya variety that is particularly sweet in flavor.
· Harpua
Pitaya farmers must have a strong affection for Phish. This varietal, which was named after a song, and boasts a pulp that is white in color and with a melon-like flavor that is slightly sweet.
· Thompson
This is the most commonly produced white Pitaya, and one piece weighs up to 1.5 pounds.
4. Red Dragon Fruit or Pitaya
‘Red Dragon Fruit’ is a type of dragon fruit that is red in color. In addition to its other names, red dragon fruit is known as Hylocereus costaricensis or Pitaya Roja.
This Pitaya, like other white pitayas, has bright pink skin, but it is vibrant and a beautiful red on the inside. The texture of this fruit is very similar to that of a Kiwi; it is considered a sweet-type dragon fruit. It can be consumed raw or used as an ingredient in salads, smoothies, cocktails, and salsa.
When you touch the red pulp, it will almost certainly stain your fingers. The pulp has a strong pineapple flavor, which explains why it is so popular in the market. The following are a few cultivars that fall under the category of red dragon fruit:
· Red Jaina
A particularly dark red inside characterizes the flesh of this variety, which is exceptionally juicy and thus a perfect fruit for juices.
· Zamorano
Named after the Honduran university where it was produced first, this red pitaya variety has a mild, sugary flavor and is medium in size.
· Costa Rican Sunset
This is a not-so-common variety of red Pitaya, thanks to the vine’s slow growth rate, which makes it a particularly rare find.
· Natural Mystic
Known as the “Bob Marley Dragon Fruit,” this red Pitaya was named after the Bob Marley song. It is both larger in size and a lot sweeter than most other dragon fruits.
5. Pink Dragon Fruit or Pitaya
Despite the fact that these dragon fruits are also members of the red-type dragon fruit family, their flesh is distinct from that of the red dragon fruits. Pink dragon fruit has edible flesh that ranges from soft pink to bright pink in color.
This particular variety of dragon fruit is capable of adapting to a wide range of climates and soil conditions. Pink dragon fruit varieties include Voodoo Child, Makisupa, American Beauty, Delight, Purple Haze, and Cosmic Charlie. These pink pitaya types will be explained and described below in detail.
The dragons in this category are unquestionably delicious and refreshing, especially when served chilled. These fruits contain all of the nutrients that you could require for a healthy diet.
Dragon fruit is a truly amazing fruit that can be consumed fresh, served as juice, or cooked. It is a fruit that you will find difficult to resist.
· Makisupa
This red dragon fruit variety looks more like red Pitaya, has beautiful magenta flesh that pairs well with a sweet and sour flavor.
· American Beauty
This Pitaya was named after the Grateful Dead album and also because of its bright pink pulp. This variety of Pitaya is also known for its sugary sweet flavor.
· Delight
This pink dragon fruit is larger in size. It has a creamy texture, a sweet taste, and light pink pulp that makes it truly deserving of its name.
· Dark Star
Dark Star is a lot slender in shape with a mild grapey flavor. Dark Star is named after another Grateful Dead song title.
· Cosmic Charlie
This type tastes like a mixture of grape and kiwi, and the magenta-fleshed varietal completes the Deadhead posse of varieties.
· Purple Haze
This dragon fruit is one of the largest varieties available, boasting a bright pink color, a small number of seeds, and a grape-like flavor.
· Voodoo Child
In addition to having a witchy name, this pink Pitaya is small but tastes great. It is packed with a sweet grape-like flavor. It is a dark pink fruit and is similar to the size of an egg. It’s also good for your health.
Which Pitaya Would You Choose?
Pitaya has a lot of astonishing health benefits, as discussed earlier, and that is why it is a wise choice to include them in your everyday diet. There are millions of recipes that can get you started!