Exotic fruit "Dragon's Eye": what is useful and how to grow at home. Dragon heart fruit (pitaya)

Pitaya or pitahaya is an incredibly beautiful fruit, with the same interesting name as its appearance. This tasty and very useful exotic fruit is used in the preparation of desserts, salads and drinks. How to eat pitahaya fruit and what benefits it has is our today's topic.

This interesting exotic fruit has so many names that sometimes you start to doubt whether the same fruit is in question. Dragon fruit, dragon fruit, dragon eye fruit, pitahaya, pitahaya, dragon heart, and that's not all. In the countries where it is grown, there are several more names. But, it is enough to see this miracle once and you will not forget it again.

What is pitahaya fruit

This is a fruit with a bright pink or red skin, smooth with leafy growths. The flesh is white with black seeds, soft and creamy, with a pleasant, delicate aroma. It is because of its beauty that this fruit is often used to decorate tables at special occasions.

Pitaya grows on small trees of the cactus family! There are plantations with pitahaya trees in Southeast Asia, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Also cultivated in the USA, Australia and Israel.

Today, the main supplier of these fruits to the world market is Southeast Asia, despite the fact that America is the birthplace of the dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit is about the size of a large apple, only slightly elongated. One fruit can weigh from 10 to 600 grams, some can reach a kilogram. The taste of dragon fruit is reminiscent of banana and kiwi.

Today, the most common 3 types of pitaya fruit are:

• white pitahaya- pink or red skin, white flesh, black seeds.
• Red- bright pink skin, bright red flesh, richer taste.
• yellow- yellow skin, white flesh, black seeds.

The pitahaya fruit is very easily damaged and therefore difficult to transport, especially over long distances. That is why this fruit is a rarity in our country, and, moreover, quite expensive.

Calories: This fruit is quite rich in vitamins and nutrients, but it has a very low calorie content. Only 50Kcal per 100 grams of pulp.

Dragon fruit - beneficial properties

Like all exotic fruits, patahaya contains many vitamins, especially vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, fruit acids and dietary fiber.

Benefits of pitahaya fruit:

• Contains a lot of fiber than helps to regulate the work of the intestines and removes toxins and toxins;

• Rich in Antioxidants and, natural neutralizers of free radicals, which are responsible for the formation of cancer cells and aging of the body;

• Has anti-inflammatory properties than improves well-being in arthritis and other chronic diseases;

• Useful for diabetes as it regulates blood sugar levels;

Yellow, red and white dragon fruit

• Due to the high content of vitamin C, strengthens the immune system, and regular consumption serves as a preventive measure against the occurrence of respiratory diseases such as asthma;

• Contains B vitamins- B1, B2 and B3, iron, calcium phosphorus, proteins, fiber, niacin and vitamin C. It is a good source of nutrients while remaining very low in calories;

• Mask for the face from dragon fruit puree, excellent anti-aging care - improves skin elasticity and tones it;

• Pitahaya pulp is great for soothing sunburned skin.. While on vacation in Southeast Asia, this is a great and natural way to hydrate and restore skin after sunbathing.

In addition to all that has been said, pitaya is simply a delicious and vitamin fruit, which also gives incredible aesthetic pleasure.

How to eat dragon fruit

The pulp of the dragon fruit has a sweetish taste, the texture is soft, some may find the fruit somewhat insipid, so it is recommended to eat it chilled, make juice and even wine. Pitahaya pulp is not combined with products with a sharp taste.

For eating, the dragon fruit is cut vertically in half and the pulp scooped out with a spoon, or cut into slices like a melon. The skin is inedible.

There is a very interesting way to serve pitahaya: The fruit is cut into 2 halves, and with the help of a knife they scoop out all the contents, leaving 2 empty boats. Next, the pulp is cut into cubes, if desired, additional decorations or ingredients are added, and put back into the boats from the peel. It turns out an incredibly beautiful fruit salad.

How to choose and store pitaya fruit

When choosing a pitahaya fruit, you should avoid buying an overripe fruit, it usually has darker spots on the surface. It is easier to navigate by the color of the peel, it should be even, and its color should be bright.

The fruit itself should be slightly soft, like avocado. If the fruit is hard and there is no choice, then you will have to leave it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, it will ripen. Leaf growths should not be dry, this is a sign that the fruit has been lying for a long time after picking.

An interesting video about how white pitahaya differs from red:

Dragon fruit is stored for a short time, only 5-6 days in the refrigerator. The fresher the product, the more useful properties it has.

Dragon heart fruit - contraindications and harm

As is common with exotic fruits, some people are allergic to dragon fruit, so try to eat very little the first time. If no negative reactions followed, then you can safely use this wonderful fruit.

As for other contraindications, science about them is still unknown. Of course, people with chronic diseases should always consult their doctor before introducing new foods to their diet.

Pitahaya fruit, unfortunately, due to its fragility, is almost impossible to find on store shelves in our country, but those who like to relax in the exotic countries of Southeast Asia have every chance to try it.

Pitahaya (or pitahaya) is a fruit that ripens after the flowering of a climbing cactus that grows in South and Central America, as well as in Mexico. The plant blooms in large and very fragrant white inflorescences that open only at night. The fruit itself is the size of a large apple, only oblong in shape. Weight can reach 600 grams.

The nutritional properties of pitahaya were first discovered by the Indians and Aztecs. The pulp of the fruit was eaten raw, and the seeds were cooked, ground, and then used as a seasoning for stew.

Interesting! According to legend, the first pitahaya on earth appeared from the mouth of a fire-breathing dragon. This happened at a time when the beast was near death and could not protect itself from people with flames. And since the warriors liked its taste very much, all the dragons were destroyed, and the fruit was called the Dragon Fruit, which remains in use today in Eastern countries.

The appearance of the fruit is somewhat reminiscent of dragon scales. The dense peel of bright pink or yellow, covered with small growths, the tips of which have a greenish tint, hides the juicy pulp with little or no smell. The color of the pulp differs depending on the variety - it can be white or red-purple.

Chemical composition

Nutritional value of 100 g:

• Calories 50 kcal
• Proteins 5 g
• Fats 3 g
• Carbohydrates 12 g

The benefits of the Dragon Fruit are undeniable, since it contains a lot of substances necessary for the health of the human body. Among them should be highlighted:

• Thiamine (vitamin B1);
• Riboflavin (B2);
• Niacin (B3);
• Minerals: potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron.

The fruit is quite watery and only 50 calories per 100 grams of its pulp. That is why many use in the diet menu.

Beneficial features

Pitaya is well absorbed, does not cause a feeling of heaviness, helps with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and eliminates pain. Also, scientists have proven that this fruit has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and thyroid gland. People who have problems with the cardiovascular and endocrine system should definitely include it in their diet.

The fruit is also useful for diabetics, as it can normalize blood sugar levels. Calcium in the composition of pitaya makes it indispensable for those who suffer from diseases of the joints and bones. Regular consumption of the fruit will help strengthen hair, teeth, and nail plates. The content of vitamin C helps to strengthen and prevent.

Pitahaya seeds contain tannin, a substance that has a beneficial effect on vision. Of course, it is not able to completely restore vigilance, but with regular use it can slow down the process.

The pulp of the Dragon fruit is also successfully used in cosmetology. Many well-known companies add it to masks, shampoos and creams. At home, making a toning and firming face mask is as easy as shelling pears. You just need to peel the pulp from the seeds, knead it and apply to the skin.

Interesting! Pitahaya pulp soothes and restores sun-burned skin.

Contraindications and possible harm

Since pitaya is an exotic and unfamiliar fruit for our body, when first consumed, it can lead to an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes. To avoid such consequences, it is recommended to try a small piece and wait a while. However, even in the absence of zeal, you should not be zealous - consumption in large quantities can lead to diarrhea or heartburn.

Important! Pregnant women and young children are not recommended to use pitaya due to the same allergenicity of the product.

Other contraindications have not yet been identified, but people suffering from chronic diseases should still consult their doctor before trying pitahaya. The same applies to other exotic fruits.

Pitaya is mostly eaten raw. The fruit is divided into slices, like a melon, or cut in half and the pulp scooped out with a spoon. To choose a quality fruit and preserve all its beneficial properties, you need to pay attention to some nuances.

Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit, popular all over the world for its eye-catching shell and pleasant aroma, is the fruit of a vine-shaped climbing cactus. This plant was originally found in South and Central America, now it is grown in the suitable climate of Southeast Asia: in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. Pitahaya, which has many other names, is used to prepare exotic dishes, delicious desserts and drinks.

Pitahaya fruit

The Aztecs knew about the dragon fruit. The cactus grows profusely in Mexico, and the Indians soon discovered that it was suitable for food. They even used the seeds, roasting them, grinding them, using them as a food supplement. Pitahaya has many names: prickly pear (although the surface of the fruit does not prick at all), pitahaya, dragonfruit, the rest of the “nicknames” of the fruit are also associated with a fire-breathing one.

The Dragon Eye fruit is unusual in both taste and appearance. The size of the fruit is comparable to a large apple, it is covered with a dense skin that forms curved scales with greenish tips. On average, dragon fruit weighs about 500 grams, but it happens that it reaches one kilogram, it has different varieties. Growing a plant is possible at home. Harvest after flowering can be removed in a month.

The fruit of the plant is easily cut, the flesh is of various colors and contains black seeds that look like dots. There are several varieties that differ in skin color. Often found red pitahaya, which has a red skin, and the flesh is white and pink. The fruit has a slightly bland and grassy taste, reminiscent of kiwi and banana. The Costa Rican pitahaya has the same red flesh and skin. Less common fruit with a yellow peel. This variety of pitahaya has white, aromatic flesh.

Dragonfruit is almost tasteless. Fresh and ripe pitahaya fruit should have tender flesh. The Indians believed that the Dragon Heart fruit absorbed the fiery power of this mythical creature. Anyone who eats the pulp of pitahaya receives part of the power of a flying monster, gains courage and power. Modern research confirms this to some extent. It was possible to find out that the substances contained in the pulp of the fruit have a beneficial effect on the activity of the heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Biochemical composition

Pitahaya is recognized as a dietary product. 100 g of pulp contains approximately 50 kcal, and also fats (0.1-0.58 g), ash (0.5 g), proteins (0.52 g), fiber (0.35-0.9 g), carbohydrates (10-13.5 g), water (up to 90 g). Pitahaya fruit contains a large amount of vitamin C (from 5 mg to 25 mg), which helps to strengthen the body's immune system. Dragonfruit pulp contains antioxidants that can fight aging. In the fruit of the plant - iron (0.35 mg to 0.69 mg), phosphorus (from 15.5 mg to 35 mg), calcium (from 6 mg to 9.5 mg), potassium (110 mg -115 mg). Contains B3 vitamins (0.2 mg to 0.4 mg).

Beneficial features

The Dragon Eye fruit has amazing benefits for the human body. The pulp contains a lot of liquid, small bones, which can cause diarrhea to naturally cleanse the intestines. The cactus fruit is considered a good remedy for bloating. The seeds contain tannin, which has a beneficial effect on vision, and other components contribute to the normal functioning of the heart and endocrine system.

Pitahaya is an amazing fruit, its properties reduce blood glucose, normalize blood sugar in diabetics. Due to its low calorie content, dragonfruit often appears in diets, allowing you to get full without getting fat. The cactus fruit has properties that contribute to the removal of toxins, the normalization of the intestines. Pitahaya finds its application in the cosmetic industry.

Contraindications

Like any exotic fruit, pitahaya requires caution in use. An excess of fruit leads to flatulence, causes heartburn. An individual allergic reaction to the fetus is also possible. If this is your first time trying sweet pitaya fruit pulp, start with small portions. It is better not to give pitahaya to children, it can cause diathesis. In adults, the pulp can cause diarrhea.

How to eat dragon fruit

There are several ways to get to the delicious pulp of the pitahaya. How to do this can be seen in the photo or video at the end of the text. Before use, the dragonfruit is peeled, then the peel is removed by grabbing and pulling on the curved scales. Pitahaya pulp can be eaten like an apple or cut into slices, as is done with an orange or melon. There is a way when the fruit is cut vertically in half, and the pulp is taken out with a spoon. It must be remembered that the skin is inedible.

Dish recipes

Fruit salad

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes.

Servings: 2 persons.

Calorie content of the dish: 475 kcal

Cuisine: Asian.

The pulp of exotic fruits will not burden this salad, giving it lightness and Asian sourness in the hot summer. The recipe is simple, which also needs to be adopted by the hostesses, to whom the guests suddenly descended. You can surprise with sophistication, spending a minimum of time. Pitahaya salad is suitable for those who are losing weight, because it contains only fruits and honey, and the calorie content of the dish pleases.

Ingredients:

• red pitaya - 1 piece;
• mango - 1 pc.

For sauce:

• juice of 1 orange;
• honey - 1 teaspoon.

Cooking method:

1. Carefully remove the white pulp of the pitahaya, cutting the fruit lengthwise. Cut into cubes.
2. Peel the skin off the mango. Cut into cubes.
3. Stir, fold the pieces into an empty dragon fruit skin.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad, for which mix orange juice, honey, sugar syrup.

Fruit salad

Cooking time: 10 minutes.

Servings: 4 persons.

Calorie content of the dish: 870 kcal

Purpose: lunch, dinner, dessert.

Cuisine: Asian.

Difficulty of preparation: easy.

This pitahaya salad has many different ingredients that are not so figure-safe. Sour cream and nuts are useful, but are not dietary products. The salad is easy to prepare, the Asian fruit looks harmonious with the sauce of sour cream and nuts, and what a healthy dish: vitamins, proteins, trace elements in one plate. Worth noting for pitahaya lovers.

Ingredients:

• yellow pitahaya - 2 pieces;
• vanilla sugar - a bag;
• sour cream - 150 g;
• nuts (preferably hazelnuts) - 50 g.

Cooking method:

1. Cut the flesh of the pitahaya into cubes.
2. Pour over the sauce, which is made from sour cream with the addition of vanilla sugar and chopped nuts.

Cooking time: 2-3 hours.

Servings: 4 persons.

Calorie content of the dish: 230 kcal.

Purpose: for dessert.

Cuisine: Asian.

Difficulty of preparation: easy.

Sorbet is a light variation on the ice cream theme. Fruit puree or pulp is frozen and served as a dessert in bowls. For the preparation of sorbet with pitahaya, the traditional recipe is preserved: water, sugar and lemon juice are present. This icy delicacy, which is so refreshing in the hot summer, is so harmonious with the secret Asian ingredient that will refresh and invigorate, reminiscent of the tropics and paradise islands of Thailand.

Ingredients:

• pitahaya - 2 pieces;
• cold water - 3/4 cup;
• lemon juice - 1 tablespoon;
• cane sugar - 2 tablespoons.

Cooking method:

1. Puree the pulp of pitahaya with a blender.
2. Add water, lemon juice and sugar.
3. Freeze delicious juice, serve sorbet in pitahaya peel.

Video

PITAYA /Nina Panish/

Pitaya - fruit grows on a cactus,

In dry winds, in hot sands.

The fruits bloom in a scorching degree,

But the cactus can not be otherwise.

Pitaya - joy, taste and benefit,

The mystery of color, the miracle of form!

Sophistication is as simple as prose,

Ascends in the diet of our norm.

I will consider buying a pitaya,

Her braiding,

And feeding myself with the pulp,

I'll put the details on the page.

Pitaya or pitahaya is an incredibly beautiful fruit, with the same interesting name as its appearance. This tasty and very useful exotic fruit is used in the preparation of desserts, salads and drinks. How to eat pitahaya fruit and what benefits it has is our today's topic.

2. Dragon fruit - beneficial properties

3. How to eat dragon fruit

4. How to choose and store pitaya fruit

5. Pitahaya - contraindications and harm

This interesting exotic fruit has so many names that sometimes you start to doubt whether it is the same fruit or not. Dragon fruit, dragon fruit, dragon eye fruit, pitahaya, pitahaya, dragon heart, and that's not all. In the countries where it is grown, there are several more names. But, it is enough to see this miracle once and you will not forget it again.

What is pitahaya fruit

This is a fruit with a bright pink or red skin, smooth with leafy growths. The pulp is white with black seeds, soft and creamy, with a pleasant, delicate aroma. It is because of its beauty that this fruit is often used to decorate tables at special occasions.

Pitaya grows on small trees of the cactus family! There are plantations with pitahaya trees in Southeast Asia, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Also cultivated in the USA, Australia and Israel.

Today, the main supplier of these fruits to the world market is Southeast Asia, despite the fact that America is the birthplace of the dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit is about the size of a large apple, only slightly elongated. One fruit can weigh from 10 to 600 grams, some can reach a kilogram. The taste of dragon fruit is reminiscent of banana and kiwi.

Today, the most common 3 types of pitaya fruit are:

§ White Pitahaya - pink or red skin, white flesh, black seeds.

§ Red - bright pink skin, bright red flesh, richer flavor.

§ Yellow - yellow skin, white flesh, black seeds.

The pitahaya fruit is very easily damaged and therefore difficult to transport, especially over long distances. That is why this fruit is a rarity in our country, and, moreover, quite expensive.

Calorie content: This fruit is quite rich in vitamins and nutrients, however, it has a very low calorie content. Only 50Kcal per 100 grams of pulp.

Dragon fruit - beneficial properties

Like all exotic fruits, patahaya contains many vitamins, especially vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, fruit acids and dietary fiber.

Benefits of pitahaya fruit:

§ Contains a lot of fiber, which helps to regulate the work of the intestines and removes toxins and toxins;

§ Rich in antioxidants, natural neutralizers of free radicals, which are responsible for the formation of cancer cells and aging of the body;

§ It has anti-inflammatory properties, which improves well-being in arthritis and other chronic diseases;

§ Useful for diabetes, as it regulates blood sugar levels;

Yellow, red and white dragon fruit

§ Due to the high content of vitamin C, it strengthens the immune system, and regular consumption serves as a preventive measure against the occurrence of respiratory diseases such as asthma;

§ Contains B vitamins - B1, B2 and B3, iron, calcium, phosphorus, proteins, fiber, niacin and vitamin C. It is a good source of nutrients while remaining a very low-calorie product;

§ Mask for the face

from dragon fruit puree excellent anti-aging care - improves skin elasticity and tones it;

§ Pitahaya pulp is great for soothing sunburned skin. While on vacation in Southeast Asia, this is a great and natural way to hydrate and restore skin after sunbathing.

In addition to all that has been said, pitaya is just a tasty and vitamin fruit, which also gives incredible aesthetic pleasure.

How to eat dragon fruit

The pulp of the dragon fruit has a sweetish taste, the texture is soft, some may find the fruit somewhat bland, so it is recommended to eat it chilled, make juice and even wine. Pitahaya pulp is not combined with products with a sharp taste.

For eating, the dragon fruit is cut vertically in half and the pulp scooped out with a spoon, or cut into slices like a melon. The skin is inedible.

There is a very interesting way of serving pitahaya: The fruit is cut into 2 halves, and with the help of a knife they scoop out all the contents, leaving 2 empty boats. Next, the pulp is cut into cubes, if desired, additional decorations or ingredients are added, and put back into the boats from the peel. It turns out an incredibly beautiful fruit salad.

How to choose and store pitaya fruit

When choosing a pitaya fruit, you should avoid buying an overripe fruit, it usually has darker spots on the surface. It is easier to navigate by the color of the peel, it should be even, and its color should be bright.

The fruit itself should be slightly soft, like an avocado.

If the fruit is hard and there is no choice, then you will have to leave it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, it will ripen. Leaf growths should not be dry, this is a sign that the fruit has been lying for a long time after picking.

An interesting video about how white pitahaya differs from red:

Dragon fruit is stored for a short time, only 5-6 days in the refrigerator. The fresher the product, the more useful properties it has.

Dragon heart fruit - contraindications and harm

As is common with exotic fruits, some people are allergic to dragon fruit, so try to eat very little the first time. If no negative reactions followed, then you can safely use this wonderful fruit.

As for other contraindications, science about them is still unknown. Of course, people with chronic diseases should always consult their doctor before introducing new foods to their diet.

Pitahaya fruit, unfortunately, due to its fragility, is almost impossible to find on store shelves in our country, but those who like to relax in the exotic countries of Southeast Asia have every chance to try it.

The American continent is considered the birthplace of pitahaya, but the countries of Southeast Asia are the main exporter of this exotic fruit. In addition to the Southeast Asian region, this fruit grows in Japan, Northern Australia, Armenia, Israel and the Hawaiian Islands (USA). Pitahaya also has a second name - dragon fruit, which appeared due to the legend of the battle between people and dragons. When the weakened dragons began to surrender under the onslaught of a man, instead of a flame, a fruit of an unusual shape and color erupted from the fiery mouth. This fruit was pitahaya, which later began to be called dragon fruit, which in translation into Russian means dragon fruit.

The fruit of the dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family and grows on an epiphytic vine-like climbing cactus. The plant, which can grow up to 10 m in height, is the closest relative of the sweet pitaya. Epiphytes attach to other plants, but do not suck out their juices, but look for a foothold for further growth.

The cactus blooms exclusively at night. The process of the appearance of white flowers is accompanied by a specific smell. 30-50 days later, fruits begin to set. In a dry climate and the absence of sudden changes in temperature, the plant can bear fruit up to 6 times a year.

What does a dragon fruit look like?

Pitahaya fruits are oval in shape and similar in size to a large apple. Weight ranges from 100 to 800 g. Individual specimens can reach a kilogram. Covered with scaly peel of yellow, raspberry or pink color. The flesh can be white or pale pink with small black seeds. The texture of the inner part of the pitahaya is very similar to kiwi.

Today white, red and yellow dragon fruit are cultivated. Only the last two species are exported. The main reason for the high cost and rarity of pitahaya is the difficulty in transporting fruits. At the slightest contact, they are damaged and begin to deteriorate.

Dragon fruit season in Thailand

The harvest period for dragon fruit is June-September. The plant is very unpretentious, therefore, under suitable climatic conditions, it can bear fruit all year round. Despite the fact that pitahaya loves a dry and hot climate, the fruit can survive short-term frosts. With heavy rains, it begins to rot.

Growing pitahaya is quite profitable and simple business. Unlike most other fruit trees, the cactus does not require maintenance. On average, up to 30 tons of fruits are harvested per hectare of plantations annually. The fruit can be seen in Thai markets all year round.

Dragon fruit flavor

The taste of the fruit has an unsaturated, blurry, sweetish taste. It may seem to many that the fruit is a little fresh. It is closest in taste to kiwi, but pitahaya does not have such a pronounced aroma. In Thailand, dragon fruit is sometimes used not for food, but as a decoration.

Health benefits of dragon fruit

Pitahaya can be called one of the healthiest delicacies on the planet. The fruit has many positive properties:

• is a low-calorie product (50 kcal per 100 g) and contains a large amount of lipids;
• helps with abdominal pain and effectively fights indigestion;
• effectively resists bloating and normalizes bowel function;
• positively affects the endocrine and cardiovascular systems;
• improves vision due to the content of tannin;
• recommended for patients with diabetes;
• supplies calcium to the body.

The dragon fruit, which is 85% water, contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, iron and phosphorus. Pitahaya contains a large amount of antioxidants, fiber, improves well-being and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The beneficial properties of the fruit have long been appreciated by cosmetics manufacturers that produce rejuvenating face masks that tighten and tone the skin. The pulp of the fruit effectively helps against sunburn.

Dragon fruit harm

The only contraindication to eating pitahaya is allergic reactions. To determine whether the body is susceptible to allergies, you need to try a small piece for the first time and observe your own body. If nothing happened, then the fruit can be made one of the components of the daily diet.

How to choose the right dragon fruit?

To determine the condition of the fetus, you need to carefully examine its peel. Usually overripe specimens have dark spots on the surface. A mature dragon fruit should be slightly soft to the touch. If a hard fruit was purchased, then it is enough to leave it for several days in the refrigerator - the fruit will ripen and acquire a normal taste and texture.

How is dragon fruit peeled and eaten?

Pitahaya peel is removed quite easily, but there are several universal ways to peel dragon fruit:

1. Gradually remove the peel, starting from the top, and eat the flesh exposed at the same time like an apple.
2. Eat in slices like melon.
3. Make an incision along the entire surface of the fruit and gradually peel off the skin without touching the pulp.

Most often, pitahaya is simply cut into two halves, the contents of each of which are eaten away with a spoon. The skin is not edible. To get the best taste of dragon fruit, it must first be cooled.

The pulp can be combined with other fruits and dishes, but ingredients with a sharp taste should be avoided. Despite the fact that Thais prefer to get rid of black seeds, they contain a large amount of useful substances. The seeds can be chewed, but are difficult to digest and can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.

Most pitahayas around the world are consumed fresh. In Thailand, jams, sweets, yogurts, jellies, sherbet and other sweets are prepared from fruit. It is also used to make refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails, alcoholic drinks and wine.

In cooking, not only pitahaya fruits are used, but also its flowers, which are added to tea.