How to eat pitaya

How to eat pitaya

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a fruit with origin in Central America. Famous for its oval shape and spiny shell, dragon fruit has exceptional nutritional value that makes it a delicious food loaded with benefits for the body. Do you want to discover everything about pitaya? You have reached the ideal place. At UNCOMO we not only explain the nutritional properties, benefits or medicinal uses of this rich fruit, but we also give you the best recipes for you to learn below. how to eat pitaya or dragon fruit. Enjoy the pitahaya while you get the most out of this tasty fruit.

Origin, properties and benefits of pitaya

Dragon fruit, also popularly known as pitahaya or pitaya Although in other countries it receives other names, it is a fruit that originates from Central America. It is a characteristic fruit due to its oval shape and its carcass of thorns. There are several varieties that vary the image of its pulp and its shell: the yellow pitaya on the outside and with the white meat full of seeds or the most characteristic the red pitahaya on the outside and with white or red pulp with seeds. Dragon fruit is aromatic and very sweet, making it a delicious fruit.

As if that were not enough, the nutritional value it provides is extraordinary, as are its properties. The pitaya is rich in antioxidants, mucilages, ascorbic acid and phenols, among others, but it stands out for being a source of vitamins (C and B), rich in minerals, having a high water content, having vegetable protein and containing a large amount of fiber. It also stands out for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.

With all this, the dragon fruit is a highly beneficial food, since it acts by providing health to various areas of our body. These are the main benefits of pitaya for health:

  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Stimulates the production of red, white and platelet blood cells.
  • Its antioxidant power delays cellular aging.
  • Reduces the risk of heart attacks (brain and heart).
  • Being a source of fiber, it helps regulate intestinal transit. In addition, its seeds have a laxative effect.
  • Prevents kidney stones.
  • Regulates blood sugar or glucose levels.
  • Inhibits the growth and development of tumor cells.
  • It stimulates collagen production.
  • It improves the absorption of iron, which is why it helps fight anemia.
  • Strengthens the formation of bones and teeth.
  • Prevents arteriosclerosis.
  • The pitahaya is used to lose weight, so it is a perfect fruit to include in a diet to lose weight in a healthy way, since being rich in water and low in carbohydrates, its caloric intake is low.
  • Taking dragon fruit in infusion will help reduce anxiety and stress disorders, as well as other nervous conditions, reduce insomnia and relieve headaches or headaches.
How to eat pitaya - Origin, properties and benefits of pitaya

What does dragon fruit taste like?

Many people who have not yet tried this fruit but are thinking of doing so are curious to know what does pitaya taste like or dradon’s fruit. The truth is that the taste of this fruit is sweet and, in fact, it can be described as a mix between kiwi and pear flavor.

Therefore, if you like these other two fruits, you will surely love pitahaya and if sweet fruits are one of your favorites, then you are probably going to like this one as well.

How to eat dragon fruit

Now that you know all the properties and benefits that dragon fruit brings to the body, it is essential that you discover the best ways to consume this delicious fruit. Pitaya, like any other fruit, is usually eaten fresh. If you wonder where to buy pitahaya or dragon fruit, the answer depends on where you live. There are countries where they can be found in the usual supermarkets, markets and small food stores, on the other hand, in other countries, you will generally only find them in supermarkets and stores specialized in Asian and Latin American foods.

For consume fresh dragon fruit, you should choose one that is ripe. You will notice that the color of its shell is bright (it will be much easier for you to find the red or pink ones). The more ripe the fruit is, the more delicious it will taste. Look to the touch if the skin is too soft, in this case it will not be as good. In case it is very hard, we advise you to wait a couple of days before eating it.

Once you have selected your dragon fruit, cut it in half using a sharp knife. You will find its white and shiny pulp, similar to that of the kiwi, since it is also full of black seeds. With the help of a spoon, remove the pulp, which will separate easily if the pitaya is ripe. And to eat! You can cut it in four or take the spoon directly to your mouth. A delight.

If you don’t want to consume the fresh dragon fruit, write down some of the best recipes with pitaya.

Pitaya smoothies

Dragon fruit is a delicious and sweet food that can become the main ingredient in a rich and nutritious smoothie. If you choose to eat the dragon fruit with this option, take note of the following recipe from pitaya smoothie:

  1. Prepare the fruit with which you will make the smoothie. We recommend that in addition to dragon fruit you include blueberries, bananas, kiwi or any other fruit that you like.
  2. Cut the pitaya and remove the pulp to cut it into small cubes. Do the same with the rest of the selected fruits.
  3. Find a base to create the smoothie. Dragon fruit has a creamy texture so a creamy base will be ideal to pair it with. Opt for yogurt or milk.
  4. If you like your smoothies very sweet, you can add additional ingredients such as grape or apple juice, honey, syrup, or almond butter.

With all the ingredients ready, it’s time to place them in a blender to blend until a creamy and delicious dragon fruit smoothie. If it is too thick you can soften it with juice, water or milk. If, on the contrary, you want it to be thicker, just add a teaspoon of oats. Delicious and refreshing!

How to eat pitaya - Pitaya smoothies

Fruit skewers with pitaya

Do you want to enjoy everything the taste of dragon fruit? Sign up for this original and delicious recipe. We propose you Make Fruit Skewers grilled. The realization of this dish, ideal to enjoy a different dessert or an innovative starter, is very simple. Take note:

  1. Prepare the dragon fruit. Peel it, remove the pulp and cut it into cubes. The skewer, in addition, should be combining the pitaya with other tropical fruits, we recommend kiwi, mango or pineapple. Cut all the selected ingredients into small pieces.
  2. Soak the wooden toothpicks for 10 minutes to avoid charring on the grill. In case of using metal skewers you can skip this step.
  3. Place the pieces of fruit on the skewers, alternating the selected ingredients.
  4. Next, put the skewers on the grill over medium-high heat and let them grill until lightly browned.
  5. When they’re done, sprinkle them with sugar and … let’s eat!
How to eat pitaya - Fruit skewers with pitaya

Dragon fruit sorbet

The most refreshing option that we propose you for eat dragon fruit is to prepare with her a straw. You dare? It is easy!

  1. Peel the pitaya and remove the pulp. You can keep the shell to serve the sorbet in a different and original way.
  2. Make a mixture of dragon fruit, 3/4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The ingredients must be blended.
  3. Pour the mixture into a baking pan and place it in the freezer for 2 hours. After this time, stir the mixture with a spoon and put it back in the freezer. You should shake the frozen straw every two hours until 8 hours have passed since it was first frozen, and then let it sit overnight in the freezer.
  4. After this time, you will have your sorbet ready to taste and accompany your cakes or other pastries. Enjoy it!
How to eat pitaya - Dragon fruit sorbet

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