While most dragon fruit is harvested between June and October, the season can be extended by supplemental light from incandescent bulbs in some regions. Added light induces the plant to keep flowering. Depending on variety, it is best to hand-clip fruit at harvest when well-colored from yellow or pink to red.

When can you buy dragon fruit?

Although its peak season runs June through September, dragon fruit can be found in stores year-round. If its not available at your local supermarket, try specialty stores or Asian markets.

Which dragon fruit is red inside?

Hylocereus costaricensis (Pitaya roja or red-fleshed pitaya, also known as Hylocereus polyrhizus) has red-skinned fruit with red flesh.

Is dragon fruit a tree?

Dragon fruit trees are vining, and need something to climb. They are also heavy – a mature plant can reach 25 feet (7.5 m.) and several hundred pounds.

Is dragon fruit a summer fruit?

Dragon fruit can be found year-round, though the season peaks in summer and lasts into early autumn.

Do you refrigerate dragon fruit?

The fruit will keep on the counter for a few days; if you want to keep it longer than that, store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Dragon fruit is easy to prep — just cut the fruit into quarters or slices, and peel off the skin.

What should you look for when buying dragon fruit?

When choosing dragon fruit at market, look for plump specimens with smooth skin. Shriveled skin and drying scales indicate a fruit beyond prime. If the fruit is morphing from pale green to bright pink, it is under ripe.

How long does it take a dragon fruit cutting to produce fruit?

Best soiled in spring, dragon fruit trees take seven to eight years to bear fruit when grown from seeds and one to three years when grown from aerial cuttings.

Why is it called dragon fruit?

The name ‘dragon fruit’ is derived from its unique appearance, where the spikes resemble fire and the scales resemble that of a dragon, as depicted in Chinese mythology.

How long does dragon fruit take to grow?

Plants can begin flowering in as little as six to eight months, although container-grown plants may take up to two years to bear fruit. The good news is that once the plant is mature, you could see four to six fruiting cycles a year from a plant that is capable of bearing fruit for 20 to 30 years.

Can you eat raw dragon fruit?

Peel and cut it into sections when you’re ready to eat it. Much like an avocado, you eat the flesh and discard the skin. You could also cut it in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon or melon baller. Dragon fruit is best eaten raw, but you can throw it on the grill like some other fruits.

Is red dragon fruit better than white?

It is an established fact that deep red fruits and vegetables contain more antioxidants. That’s why red dragon fruit has a higher amount of antioxidants than white ones. This makes it a great food for healthy eyes, blood, and skin. The red variety is also used to make delicious wine.

Is dragon fruit allergic?

Dragon fruit is generally safe to eat, although studies have reported isolated allergic reactions. Symptoms include swelling of the tongue, hives, and vomiting. This type of reaction seems to be very rare.