Pitahaya (Dragon Fruit). Pitahaya or dragon fruit at home (with photo) Pitahaya with red flesh

Greetings to everyone who decided to get acquainted with the unusual today. Today we will talk about an exotic fruit from Thailand - pitihaya. Dragon eye fruit is its name. Sometimes it is called Dragon Eye, Dragon Fruit or Dragon Heart. There are so many different names for pitahaya.

It's time for vacation. And everyone wants to visit some resort, preferably foreign. Of course, this is a question of possibility. If so, then you can rush to the Bahamas, but no, you can arrange a supposed foreign vacation at home. The main thing here is the setting, and more photos.

As great minds said, “Learning enlightens and enriches.” In addition, it is always useful to learn about the area or customs of the country where you want to visit. An important thing when traveling is food. Wherever you go, you want to eat everywhere. You won’t take food with you, although there are such shots)

In general, about food, if you are not sure what the served dish is prepared from, it is better to ask around or, thanks to the World Wide Web, google the name so as not to suddenly get an upset stomach.

Don’t be surprised, the body of people living in different climatic conditions and accustomed to a certain diet has an individual reaction to foods. This applies not only to seafood or vegetables, but even to fruits. Many foreigners traveling around the world are allergic to unusual fruits. And good if you have insurance. And if not?

For example, one of the favorite travel destinations for tourists is Thailand. A wonderful place with access to two oceans at once. In addition, the very season falls just at the beginning of spring, it’s cold here, and it’s summer there.

Find the cheapest tours to Thailand, real-time prices

Dragon eye: a fruit from Thailand

Why did I start telling all this, I want to talk about unusual fruits just from Thailand, one of which is called dragon eye fruit.

Agree, it’s an unusual name; I’d like to start a little with the history of this fruit. The strange thing here is that there are two Thai fruits that are considered the eye of the dragon - Pitaya and Longan. I will explain the difference between them to you.

So, as for Longan, the translation of the name from Thai means “dragon eye”. That's probably all... Outwardly, it has nothing in common with a dragon at all. Rather, longan looks like a small potato with a transparent jelly-like pulp inside and a large black seed.

Although China is the birthplace of this wonderful fruit, it is very popular in Thailand. Other countries where it is cultivated:

• Indonesia;
• Taiwan.

Wherever the climate allows, because Longona trees are not at all adapted to the cold. Although there are several artificially bred varieties for the mountainous areas of China.

What does dragon eye taste like?

The taste is reminiscent of green strawberries that are just beginning to ripen, but this is also not necessary, it has a sweet and sour taste. Honestly, this is not an acquired taste, if you want to evaluate it on its merits, then there is nothing better than a personal test.

Now let's talk about Pitaya, this fruit is also considered a dragon's eye. Whether to argue with this or not is up to you. But at least its outer skin resembles dragon scales. That's probably why they call it dragonfruit. In addition to this name there are several more:

• Dragon fruit;
• Dragon Heart;
• Pitahaya, etc.

In the areas and countries where it is grown its name is for dragon's eye.

The taste is like an exotic miracle kiwi, only sweet and there are more small seeds. To be honest, it’s precisely this feature that I don’t like; if they weren’t there, the taste would be simply awesome.

another type of dragon eye

How to eat and peel an exotic fruit

If you decide to try dragon fruit, do not try to peel it; it is most convenient to simply cut it into slices like a watermelon. Well, or cut it in half and eat it with a spoon, at your discretion.

Australia is considered the birthplace of pitaya, but due to the suitable climate, the fruitful cactus tree has taken root in.

What does a dragon's eye look like?

The external description of the dragon heart resembles a scaly dark pink peel. There are yellow and purple peel colors, even inside the dragonfruit can be either white or dark red. And all because this fruit grows on cacti, which grow to the size of an average tree.

The benefits of pitaya are well deserved. The presence of a whole list of vitamins and nutrients, while maintaining a minimum calorie content, makes the fruit indispensable especially for sports fans.

Benefits and calorie content of dragon fruit

• High content of vitamin C helps maintain the body's immunity in shape;
• Various antioxidants, which prolong the youth of cells and neutralize free radicals in the body;
• Minerals: iron; calcium; phosphorus;

• Fruit acids;
• Alimentary fiber;
• A large number of fiber, which helps cleanse toxins and regulate the intestines;
• Includes B vitamins;
• Improves the condition of diabetics by helping regulate sugar, but also in dosed quantities.
• The calorie content of dragon fruit is approximately 30-50 kcal per 100 grams.

Tip: When you sunbathe on Thai beaches, you can get sunburned. A body mask and pitahaya will help normalize and soothe your skin.

Of course, you shouldn't jump straight into dragon fruit. You don’t know, maybe you have an allergy, try a little first, and if everything is OK, you can eat calmly. There are no contraindications to pitahaya.

Unfortunately, the Thai fruit is very delicate and difficult to transport, which is probably why you rarely see pitahaya here, and if you do, the price is steep.

Many of those who have tried this exotic praise it very much, claiming that it tastes something between a banana and kiwi.

Growing dragon eyes at home

Growing this unusual fruit cactus is possible even at home. The main thing here is a careful approach. So that you can regularly enjoy pitaya without buying it at the store, you will need to work hard.

So, caring for a cactus tree with dragonfruit at home begins with planting seeds. You should buy ripe, exactly ripe, fruit in the store so that its seeds are ripe. Then select seeds from it and place them under a damp cloth to germinate.

Observe them regularly; as soon as the seeds sprout, immediately transplant them into separate pots. Remember, the cactus grows quite tall and sprawling, so plant one seed in one pot.

The cactus grows very quickly, so feed it regularly with fertilizers, approximately every second watering. To do this, dilute three grams of fertilizer in a liter of water and water.

Remember that this is a cactus, which means you need to water it once a week or even every week and a half. In general, focus on drying out the soil in the pot. It all depends on the intensity of the sun's rays. The plant loves the sun, so it should be kept on the south side near the window.

In winter, the plant can withstand cold down to zero degrees, and should be watered much less, even once a month. The cactus will not only give you fruit, but also decorate your home with its exotic appearance.

Dress and dragon eye

But as they say, love works wonders. In short, he asked me to help. Well, in order to save his girlfriend from a possible stomach upset, I advised that the safest option is to prepare several simple salads, including fruit ones.

Well, it’s much simpler and without adventure, I thought. And I was very wrong. I won’t tell you how hard it was to prepare two unfortunate salads. The result of common efforts, one is a parody of Greek, the second is fruity. And of course wine, flowers and other little things.

The next day I see a friend with such a depressed expression that it’s immediately clear that dinner was not a success. I come up and ask, “How was dinner?” He says that everything started out great, the girl was delighted with the surprise, knowing the guy’s dislike for the kitchen, she appreciated his gesture.

They started dinner, chatting about everything, then my friend decided to show gallantry and court the girl. He had just started to put fruit salad on her plate when the plate slipped from his hand, apparently he was very nervous, and the salad fell on the girl’s dress.

What a scream started here. The problem is that the dress was white, and the fruits from the “impossible to wash” series were strawberries, oranges, and most importantly pitahaya. It’s just that a friend decided to show the breadth of his soul and did not skimp on a romantic date.

We chopped the ingredients quite coarsely, but did not cut off the peel from the exotic fruit, leaving it for beauty. Who knew that stains from the red peel of fruit cannot be washed off? What a scandal awaited my friend, I sympathized with him in absentia.

In general, I came to a conclusion. Guys, it still won’t work, especially if you are not a macho, but a modest guy like my friend.

Dragon's eye - possible harm

Before you try anything new, it's a good idea to take precautions. Read about the properties of the fruit, maybe you are allergic to any component of the dragon fruit. It would be a good idea to ask your friends and acquaintances about the fruit; maybe you shouldn’t experiment and throw money away.

On the other hand, we won’t know anything if we don’t try, right? I wish you successful experiments, share the articles with your friends. See you!

In contact with

Pitahaya is the name for several species of cacti and their often edible fruits. Pitaahaya is native to South America.

This plant belongs to the cactus family of the genus Hylocereus. Grown in the tropics, some species of the genus Hylocereus have large fruits with large scales, giving them the name dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit. Photo

Pitaahaya grows in tropical forests, using trees as supports, reaches 10 meters in height and is widespread in Central America and northern South America. In addition, it is cultivated in Southeast Asia, China, Australia and Israel.

The fruits of this plant are oblong-ovoid berries. The peel is hard. The usual weight is from 300 to 850 grams, the record is 1.5 kg. The fruits are edible, juicy and with numerous, small, black edible seeds in the pulp, about 1 mm. The hard outer shell is inedible. Dragon fruits have a sweet taste similar to kiwi and a very subtle smell. They are good Compatible with almost all foods.

Pitahaya contains minerals, vitamins (especially the red-skinned fruits) and fiber. Pitahaya is red in color and contains more phosphorus, while the yellow fruit contains more calcium.

According to Dragon Fruit Research contain many antioxidants, including:

• beta carotene,
• lycopene,
• vitamin E.

They may also represent a potential source of probiotics, which promote the development of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the seeds should not be consumed in large quantities, as they are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, approximately 50 percent, compared to omega-3 (about only 1 percent) and omega-9 (about 20 percent). Considering that the abundance of omega-6 can lead to an imbalance of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body, it is better to limit the consumption of seeds.

Due to its high fiber content, consumption of dragon fruit promotes intestinal motility, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, helps regulate blood pressure, and also aids in weight loss. The high vitamin C content is beneficial for strengthening the immune system and for collagen production. Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant precursor to vitamin A, which protects the eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays and also improves the body's immune response. Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is one of the key antioxidants in the fight against free radicals. It prevents heart disease, various forms of cancer and age-related macular degeneration.

Chemical composition

Fruits consist mainly of water (the amount can vary between 80–90%), fiber, protein and fat.

Pitahaya contains:

• vitamin A,
• vitamin C,
• vitamins B1, B2, B3 and vitamin E, which is contained in the seeds.

Minerals:

• potassium,
• iron,
• sodium,
• phosphorus and calcium.

Pitihaya fruits also contain flavonoids and substances that have antioxidant properties.

The abundance of fiber gives this fruit mild laxative properties, so this fruit is a good preventive method for constipation.

Availability vitamin C and other substances with antioxidant properties have beneficial effects on health. Its consumption strengthens the immune system and helps combat the effects of free radicals, which has a positive effect on slowing down the aging process of body cells. Free radicals, a byproduct of human metabolism, are the cause of many serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and degenerative diseases.

Eating pitahaya is a good way to prevent many of these diseases. Fiber, in addition to the beneficial substances present in pitahaya, is useful for lowering blood cholesterol levels. This will reduce the risk of dangerous plaques forming in the blood vessels and is therefore a good prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin C present in pitahaya, in addition to strengthening the immune system, helps cope with stress.

Recent studies have shown that this fruit is capable of reduce level Sahara in people with type 2 diabetes.

Flavonoids have a wide spectrum biological activity. In addition to antioxidant properties, they also have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-atherosclerotic effects.

Pitahaya: benefits and harm

Dragon fruit has anti-inflammatory properties. Its consumption may be useful in solving problems associated with joint inflammation. The pulp of the fruit, in addition to having a good taste, can be used to treat and prevent pimples and blackheads by applying to the skin.

Recent studies have been conducted on leaf, peel, pulp and flower extracts of various varieties of dragon fruit. Experiments conducted on laboratory rats showed that this plant and its fruits accelerate the healing process of wounds.

100 g of pitahaya pulp has only 38 calories.

Consumption of fruits prevents the formation of tumor cells, cleanses the blood and liver, and also accelerates the removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body. In addition to preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease, it regulates blood pressure. Phosphorus contained in the fruit stimulates brain activity, improves memory and concentration.

Dragon fruit also has diuretic properties and fights cellulite. Beta-carotene, an important antioxidant, protects the eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays, vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and, together with vitamin E, fights free radicals, is a good prevention of various forms of cancer and age-related macular degeneration.

Consumption and contraindications

When choosing this fruit, you should pay attention to the color; it should be bright and rich, which indicates its ripeness. There should be no traces of rot anywhere.

Dragon fruit is cut in half and eaten using a teaspoon. To improve the taste, the pulp is seasoned with sugar and lemon. A juicy drink is also prepared from the pulp.

There are no health risks associated with the consumption of pitahaya fruit. Consumption of this fruit is safe for pregnant women. There may be mild allergic reactions.

Consumption of red pulp pitahaya suggests a reddish color to urine and stool; this is a temporary change that goes away in a day or two.

It is advisable not to give this fruit to small children, so as not to provoke diathesis.

Pitahaya is an exotic and strange fruit that has recently appeared on store shelves. In appearance, it does not look like an edible plant and is a large raspberry cone. Today it is added to various desserts, smoothies and salads, however, many people have not even heard of it. In this article we will look at beneficial features This tropical fruit is also called dragon fruit.

The birthplace of pitahaya is American lands. The Aztecs were the first to appreciate the interesting taste of this plant back in the 13th century. It is the fruit of a vine-like or tree-like cactus that is well adapted to life in tropical climates and arid areas. Currently, dragon fruit is actively cultivated in Japan, China, Thailand, Mexico, Vietnam, Hawaii and the Philippines.

Pitahaya has a dense skin of a deep pinkish-red color. It separates very easily from the edible pulp. The inside of the fruit is a white core with small seeds, the appearance of which resembles poppy grains. This fruit is characterized by a special delicate aroma, and its average weight is about 200 grams. This plant is extremely prolific and can produce up to 6 harvests throughout the year.

The benefits of pitahaya are due to its chemical composition, which includes a large amount of water and 13% carbohydrates. But there are practically no proteins and fats in this overseas fruit. The calorie content of dragon fruit is low - only 50 kcal per 100 grams of product.

The composition of pitahaya also includes vitamins B and C, fiber, phosphorus, iron, potassium and minerals. The seeds of this tropical fruit contain tannin. The presence of all vital substances for humans and low calorie content make dragon fruit suitable for dietary nutrition.

The taste of pitahaya can vary depending on the plant variety. Yellow fruits are considered the most saturated and resemble a mixture of kiwi and banana. Red fruits have a lighter flavor and may seem a little bland to some, so they are usually eaten in fruit salads or as an addition to other dishes.

Pitahaya has many beneficial properties such as:

• Improved mood.
• Prolonging youth and slowing down the aging process.
• Stimulating brain function.
• Lowering cholesterol levels.
• Improved vision, which is due to the presence of tannin in the composition.
• Prevention of heart disease.
• Effective help for hypertension.
• Reduced blood sugar levels.
• Relief from intestinal disorders.
• The ability to remove waste and toxins from the body.
• Cancer prevention.
• Strengthening the immune system.
• Eliminate constipation.
• Anti-inflammatory effect.

Research by scientists has shown that pitahaya has a positive effect on oxidative processes in the body and helps prevent complications associated with diabetes. Regular consumption of these exotic fruits reduces the risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, dragon fruit seeds have been shown to be effective in fighting autoimmune diseases.

Pitahaya can cause flatulence, heartburn, diarrhea and food allergies. When using for the first time, it is recommended to limit yourself to a small piece and observe the body’s reaction. In the absence of negative reactions, you can fully enjoy this unusual fruit. However, you should not give it to small children, as it can cause diathesis and other unpleasant consequences. In addition, individual intolerance to individual components that make up the fetus should be taken into account.

There are three ways to eat pitahaya:

• Cut the fruit lengthwise into two parts, then cut each of them into small slices.
• Lightly cut the peel and slide it down.
• Divide the fruit in half and use a spoon to scoop out the pulp from the resulting halves, which resemble improvised bowls.

Pitahaya can be eaten not only fresh. In some countries, including Nicaragua, Guatemala and Colombia, dragon fruit juice is used to make sherbet, yogurt, candy and ice cream. Its pulp is used for sauces, jams and marmalades.

The pitahaya peel is not eaten, but the seeds are recommended to be chewed thoroughly for better absorption. Fruits are digested very quickly in the body, so experts advise eating them on an empty stomach or in the first half of the day so that the body absorbs as many enzymes and beneficial nutrients as possible. Dragon fruit is typically eaten raw, but can also be included in fruit smoothies.

The taste of pitahaya reveals strawberry and pear-shaped notes. In Spain, a national drink is prepared from these exotic fruits, for which their juice is mixed with lime. Mexican farmers use dragon fruit in the production of wines, liqueurs and other alcohol.

In some countries, the flowers of the plant are used to brew unusual aromatic tea. Various cosmetics are created from the peel of the fruit, including creams and shower gels, liquid soap, anti-aging body masks and shampoos.

When choosing pitahaya, you must adhere to the following rules:

• The fruits should be slightly soft (like an avocado).
• Avoid buying overripe fruits. They can be identified by the presence of dark spots on the surface.
• The peel should be smooth without bulges or damage.
• Withered leaves are a sign that the fruit has been sitting for a long time after picking.

Unfortunately, pitahaya is a rather rare fruit for Russian consumers. While vacationing in Asia, instead of sweets or cakes, be sure to try the exotic fruits of this plant, and you will not remain indifferent to them. They can be a real boon for vegetarians, raw foodists and vegans who vacation or live in the tropics.

Fans of travel and exotic fruits know the original and seemingly not very remarkable longan fruit, which has another name - “dragon eye”. It rarely appears on the shelves of our stores, and that’s all the more interesting. Let's see where and how this plant grows, what is remarkable about it, what beneficial properties it has, and with whom it should not be confused.

Longan, or “dragon eye”: what is it

First, let's figure out what kind of fruit the “dragon eye” is. This is the fruit of the evergreen tree of the same name.

It is not for nothing that he received the second name “dragon eye”. The fruits of this tree are small and round, covered with a hard skin. Inside there is light and translucent glassy pulp, in the center of which there is a large black or dark red seed, occupying almost half of the entire fruit. When cut, longan really resembles the eye of a dragon or a strange reptile.

How does dragon eye grow?

China is considered the birthplace of this plant, but it is also common in Taiwan, Indonesia, Burma and Vietnam. It is grown on a large scale in China and Burma. The trees are quite tall and can reach a height of 10-20 meters. The leaves vaguely resemble laurel leaves in shape.

The fruits grow on trees in large clusters, which is why longan is often compared to grapes. The closest relatives of the “dragon eye” are lychee and rambutan. The fruit ripens from June to August. Fruits purchased at the beginning of summer have not reached their ripeness and therefore may taste bitter or sour. To help them reach greater maturity, leave them at room temperature for a few days.

Longan ripens in such luxurious bunches

The diameter of the fruit is from 1 to 2.5 cm. The color of the skin varies from yellowish-red to brown. The skin itself is hard and dense, a bit like a quail egg shell and is cleaned accordingly.

What does dragon eye fruit taste like and how to peel and eat it?

Longan pulp is very juicy and soft. Its color can vary from completely transparent to white or pinkish. These fruits taste sweet or more sour, depending on the degree of ripeness. In the taste, many hear shades of musk, kiwi or melon.

Similar to its appearance, the texture of the dragon's eye pulp resembles that of a grape. Before eating the dragon's eye fruit, you need to peel it from its thick skin. To do this, place the berry between your thumb and index finger and press lightly. The skin will crack and can be easily peeled off. A round, glassy fruit will remain, with a dark seed visible inside.

Beneficial properties of the dragon's eye fruit and its calorie content

Longan contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements. It is especially rich in vitamins A and C. Thanks to the content of corylagic, gallic and ellagic acids, the fruit has antioxidant properties.

“Dragon Eye” is a dietary fruit because it contains only 60 calories per 100 g. Its low sugar content allows it to be consumed even if you have diabetes. Eastern doctors recommend introducing longan into the diet of people suffering from anemia, pallor and chronic fatigue. The fruits of this plant are an excellent tonic.

“Dragon Eye” helps cleanse the liver and protect it from the effects of adverse factors. It helps cope with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and is an excellent anthelmintic. This fruit is also considered a good aphrodisiac.

Longan is one of the fruits that has virtually no contraindications for use. The only risk factor is individual intolerance. Therefore, if you are trying this fruit for the first time, you should not consume it in large quantities.

How to select and store the exotic dragon eye fruit

If you come to China, Taiwan or Indonesia, where these fruits are sold in any market, it will be easier for you to choose the right longan. You will be able to taste the fruits from the bunch before purchasing. The sweetest and ripest fruits are not those that have just been picked from the tree, but those that have already been lying on the counter. Good fruits do not have any external defects, signs of mechanical damage or cracks. Longan can be stored in the refrigerator for a week. At room temperature it will begin to deteriorate in 2-3 days.

Dragon eye fruit: growing at home

Longan is quite easy to grow at home. The main thing is to follow simple rules for planting and caring for the plant.

How to prepare the soil and container for growing

After you have eaten the fruit, the pit must be carefully cleared of any remaining pulp and planted as soon as possible. If it is not possible to plant right away, dry the seed well so that it does not rot and wrap it in a paper napkin. In this form it can be stored for up to 12 days.

The root system of the plant is quite extensive, so the container for planting must be chosen wide and deep. A drainage layer of river sand or small stones is laid at the bottom. Specialized flower shops sell ready-made soil mixtures for exotic plants. You can use them.

How to plant seeds and care for crops

There is a small light spot on each seed. When landing, it should be on the side. Don't bury it too deep. You can even simply sprinkle it with soil to make it easier for the sprout to break through to the surface.

Since the plant is very sensitive to drafts, it is necessary to arrange a “greenhouse” for it. You can make it from a simple glass. The sprout will appear approximately on the 10th day.

Seedling care

Longan is a very heat-loving plant. The temperature around it must not be allowed to drop below +22°C. To maintain the optimal temperature, you can even use a special heating mat that is placed under the pot.

The plant loves moist soil and good lighting. Use a spray bottle with water at room temperature and a phytolamp. Longan takes any organic and mineral supplements very well. The plant dies at a temperature of -2°C. Therefore, in winter it is necessary to bring it into a heated and well-lit room.

The fruit begins to bear fruit only at 4-5 years of age.

Photo of dragon heart fruit

Dragon eye fruit is often confused with dragon heart fruit. However, these are two completely different fruits that are not even remotely similar to each other. “Dragon's Heart” is also called pitahaya or pitaya. It has a very bright and attractive appearance. Its color is bright pink, and its body is covered with scales with bright green tips. The plant itself belongs to the Cactus family. Inside the fruit there is juicy pulp with many small black seeds. The color of the flesh can be white or bright purple.

Fruit “Dragon”: front and profile photos

How to clean and eat the "heart of the dragon"

Those who came across this fruit asked themselves the question: how to clean the “dragon fruit”? Despite the fact that its bright peel seems quite hard and dense, it is quite soft and can be easily peeled with a knife.

There are several options for eating dragon heart fruit:

• cut the fruit into slices and eat like a watermelon;
• cut into two pieces and serve with small spoons;
• Peel the fruit and cut into small slices that can be eaten with a fork.

The fruit can be eaten with a spoon, like ice cream.

Before eating the dragon fruit, you can remove the skin from it.

You can also cut the fruit into slices

Pitahaya also comes in such an unusual color

Fruit “Dragon Heart”: beneficial properties and contraindications

One of the most important beneficial properties of pitahaya is its low calorie content. Therefore, nutritionists recommend consuming this fruit during various diets or fasting days. It helps normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cope with bloating. Pitaya seeds are rich in tannin, so consuming them will be beneficial for those with impaired vision. The fruit is also recommended for people suffering from diabetes.

The fruits have a positive effect on the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. A large amount of calcium makes the fruit useful not only for adults, but also for children.

This fruit is included in various drinks and desserts. The beneficial properties of “dragon fruit” are also used for cosmetic purposes, adding it to masks, creams and shampoos.

As you understand, “dragon eye” and “dragon heart” are two completely different fruits, and they should not be confused at all. They both deserve a place in your diet. If you go on vacation to Thailand or China, be sure to treat yourself to these delicious fruits!

Pitahaya is the fruit of a cactus climbing vine-like plant. There should be no question whether it is a fruit or a berry - this fruit is also called dragon fruit. Pitahaya fruit originally grew in Mexico and Central and South America. Now it can be found in Australia and Southeast Asia. Mainly in Thailand and Vietnam.

From this article you will learn:

Types of pitahaya

There are three types of this fruit:

1. Red pitahaya has a bright pink skin with green shoots and white flesh. What it tastes like: bland, watery and herbal. In Russia this variety is almost always found.
2. Yellow, with the same shell. The inside is white or yellowish. Very sweet and aromatic. Quite a rare species.
3. Costa Rican pitaya is completely red, even the flesh. The skin is almost the same as that of the red variety.

Beneficial properties and harm of pitahaya

What it contains:

• calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium;
• vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C;
• carbohydrates, a little protein, fat and fiber;
• more than 80% water.

What are the benefits?

This product contains only 40-50 calories per 100 g. It can be eaten when losing weight, it helps fats break down faster. It is useful for problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Pitaya relieves pain and eliminates bloating, and gives a mild laxative effect.

See also the beneficial properties of delicious and sweet mango in the article:.

Useful for diabetics as it normalizes blood glucose levels. Helps improve the condition of diseases of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Strengthens the immune system, slows down the aging process. When added to homemade masks, it increases skin elasticity and smoothes wrinkles.

Strengthens bones, teeth, nails and hair. Slows down vision loss. Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Has an anti-inflammatory effect. Improves brain function.

It turns out that pitahaya is both a delicious dessert and a means of traditional medicine and cosmetology.

Harm and contraindications

Some people should not use:

• in young children it contributes to diathesis or problems with the digestive system;
• people with allergies or individual intolerance to any component;
• pregnant and lactating women.

What harm can this fruit cause:

• diarrhea or allergic reaction if trying for the first time;
• heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pain;
• staining urine or feces red if the variety is Costa Rican red.

Advice : If you are trying it for the first time, you need to eat a small piece and wait a while. In the absence of allergic reactions, you can safely eat pitaya.

How to use

They eat only the pulp; the peel is not suitable for this. Several ways to eat pitahaya:

1. Cut in half, then into long slices (like melon or watermelon).
2. If served as dessert, cut in half and offer teaspoons. They are convenient for eating out the pulp - like ice cream from a bowl.
3. Peel and eat, biting into it like an apple.
4. Place on a skewer and grill like a marshmallow.

Pitahaya fruit, how to eat it, useful tips:

1. Fruit salad – cut in half and carefully scoop out the pulp. Grind it into small cubes. Cut any other fruit into pieces of the same size: banana, strawberry, kiwi. Place in the peeled halves and stir. This is a wonderful decoration for the holiday table.
2. The taste will be more pleasant if consumed chilled. Therefore, it is worth putting it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours in advance. It is not recommended to combine the tender, fresh pulp of pitahaya and food with a strong taste.
3. It is in the seeds that substances useful for vision are found. They are difficult to digest, so you need to chew them thoroughly.
4. Juice and wine are made from dragon fruit. They make a variety of desserts: jelly, yogurt, sherbet, sauce, smoothies, cocktails. Pitahaya is added to confectionery, baked goods, various fillings, and dairy products. You can make jam based on this fruit.
5. The flowers are also edible and are mainly used as tea additives. Give the drink a delicate aroma and light taste.

How dragon fruit is prepared in other countries:

1. In Spain they make refreshing light drinks: lemon or lime juice is mixed with pitahaya juice. Here this drink is considered national.
2. Traditional Central American dessert pitahaya with almonds: cut the fruit in half, carefully remove the pulp and cut into cubes. Whisk 100 g of soft cream cheese. During the process, add little by little 50 ml of condensed milk, 50 g of pre-chopped almonds and fruit pulp. Divide the finished homogeneous mixture in half and fill the peel halves. You can use candied fruits as decoration.
3. In Mexico, dragonfruit is used in the production of liqueurs and wines.

How to choose pitaya?

Some tips:

1. Do not buy fruit with dried ends. This means that the collection took place a long time ago and this is not the freshest product.
2. Overripe fruit has dark spots on the skin. A normal fruit should have an even and bright color.
3. Pitaya should be a little soft, similar to an avocado. If you can only find a hard one, let it sit in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
4. Should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days. The more time passes, the less beneficial properties remain.

How to grow at home

This plant propagates by grafting, cuttings or seeds. Growing at home from seeds is not a difficult task.

The seeds are sold in stores, but it is more effective to extract them yourself from a fresh fruit: place a little of the middle pulp in cheesecloth and knead with your hands, then rinse under the tap. The resulting seeds can be planted immediately.

Are you trying to eat healthy? Then this natural dessert is for you:

To do this, you need a seedling pot with large drainage holes or a whole container with medium depth. An equal mixture of sand, peat and perlite is used as soil.

The seeds are distributed evenly over the entire plane; you need to sprinkle the thinnest layer on top to cover them. Water them with a spray after each drying. The container with seedlings is covered with polyethylene. It is necessary to ventilate it twice a day. The air temperature in the room should be 22-25 degrees.

After 2-3 weeks, the first shoots will appear. The polyethylene is removed and the seedlings are placed on the window, but not in direct sunlight.

When the mini-cacti have grown, it’s time to transplant them into separate containers. This must be done every time the previous pot becomes small. Here a different soil is already needed: usual for cacti, or for flowers, but one third replaced by sand.

An adult plant happily absorbs sunlight. Therefore, the best place for it is a south window with maximum lighting. In summer, the normal temperature for this plant is 27 degrees. It is tolerant of temperature changes down to 0 degrees, so in winter it can easily live on an insulated balcony.

Pitahaya is an exotic fruit that has a pleasant, unobtrusive taste and many beneficial properties. It has almost no contraindications. You can use it to make various sweet dishes or their components. Dragon fruit is easy to grow at home.