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Dragon Fruit (Pitaya): What Is It?

Dragon fruit (pitaya) is the fruit of several cactus species, primarily Hylocereus undatus (white-fleshed) and Hylocereus costaricensis (red-fleshed). Native to Central America, now widely grown in Southeast Asia.

Characteristics:

Oval, 4–6 inches long, with leathery skin and prominent green scales ("dragon" appearance).
Flesh is white or magenta, studded with tiny black edible seeds (kiwi-like texture).
Flavor: mildly sweet, subtle, often compared to a cross between kiwi and pear.
Each fruit contains many seeds, not one.

It's used fresh, in smoothies, juices, and as a natural colorant. Nutritionally, it provides vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.

The "dragonfruit" flavoring in beverages is usually a blend of natural and artificial flavors mimicking its subtle taste.

Identifying Unknown Plants: Solving Cucumber Fruit Drop: Pollination and Heat Stress; Persistent Fruit Flies in Kitchen: Find the Breeding Source, Not Just Traps; Grafting Multiple Fruits onto One Tree; Tree Identification in Phoenix: Why Local Expertise Matters; Fruit vs. Vegetable: The Botanical and Culinary Distinction; Sourcing Fresh Mangosteens in the U.S.; Growing Your Own Fruit Plants: Fresh Harvests, Unique Varieties, and Landscape Beauty; Fruit Trees for Every Garden: Selection, Planting, and Long-Term Rewards; Understanding Fruit Types: Botanical Classification Beyond Sweet vs. Savory; Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus): Magenta-Fleshed Pitaya

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