The dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya, is a total flavor explosion! But here’s the catch: to get that perfect taste, you’ve got to catch it when it’s fully ripe. Whether you’re trying your hand at growing this cool cactus at home or just picking some up at the grocery store, knowing when it’s ready to eat makes all the difference.
Packed with Vitamins and Good Stuff
There’s a good reason dragon fruit has become a superstar in the produce aisle lately—it’s incredibly healthy. Originally from Central and South America, this fruit is super hydrating and low in calories since it’s about 90% water.
Here’s a quick look at the nutrients packed inside:
- Iron
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamins C and E
A ripe dragon fruit can weigh up to a pound, making it the perfect refreshing snack for a hot summer day. The easiest way to enjoy it? Just slice it in half and scoop the flesh right out with a spoon!
How to Spot a Ripe One
The biggest giveaway for ripeness is the skin. You’re looking for a vibrant, bright pink color. If you still see green patches, it’s not quite there yet. If you’re harvesting them yourself, be gentle! These fruits are surprisingly sensitive to pressure and can bruise easily.
While pitahayas can ripen a little bit after being picked (which helps since they often travel long distances to get to us), they won’t be quite as sweet or aromatic as a fruit that ripened fully on the vine. When you’re shopping, try to find one where the color is even all the way around.
The Best Way to Store Your Haul
Just like most tropical fruits, dragon fruit isn’t a big fan of the fridge. Storing it at temperatures that are too cold can actually dull that delicious flavor. Luckily, dragon fruit is in season pretty much year-round now. While they started in the Americas, they’re grown all over today—for example, from January to June, a lot of our fruit comes from warm regions in the Northern Hemisphere, like Vietnam.
Even though they handle shipping fairly well, that high water content means they don’t have a massive shelf life. You’ll want to eat them within a few days of buying. The “sweet spot” for storage is somewhere cool but not chilly—ideally between 50-60°F. If you don’t have a cool pantry or cellar, keeping them on the kitchen counter for a day or two is perfectly fine!
