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Learn how to cut dragon fruit, an alien-like fruit that’s known for its striking appearance and refreshing, mildly sweet taste! Mastering the art of cutting this delicious fruit will allow you to showcase it in fruit salads, smoothie bowls, overnight oats, or as an eye-catching cocktail garnish.
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What is dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit that belongs to the cactus family. It originates from Central and South America but is now grown and sold across the globe.
It’s well-known for its unique appearance — a bright pink or yellow, spiky outer layer that encapsulates a soft white or reddish-pink flesh dotted with tiny black seeds. Despite its wild-looking exterior, the flavor of dragon fruit is quite mild. It’s like a cross between a pear and an earthy watermelon with the texture of a kiwi.
Dragon fruit is low in calories yet packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, calcium, and fiber, making it a healthy and refreshing snack at any time.
Why cutting dragon fruit correctly matters
Cutting a dragon fruit correctly is essential to showcase its beautiful interior and maximize its unique taste. By learning the right technique, you’ll preserve the fruit’s texture and reduce wastage.
Presenting a well-cut dragon fruit can enhance the look of your smoothie bowls, oatmeal, or fruit salads, making them more visually appealing and appetizing.
Plus, given the dragonfruit’s thick skin, a proper cutting method will help keep you safe and prevent any potential accidents.
Tools you’ll need
To cut a dragon fruit, you’ll just need the following tools:
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- A spoon
How to choose the perfect dragon fruit
Before you learn how to cut dragon fruit, you need to know how to pick one out at the store! This exotic fruit is usually available year-round, but you’ll have the best luck from June to September. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Skin: Choose a dragon fruit with even-colored skin and light green protrusions. Look for a vibrant color — the brighter, the better! Some light beige spots are normal, but avoid those with too many brown spots.
- Firmness: The dragon fruit should yield slightly to the touch but not be overly soft — just like mango, papaya, or avocado.
- Weight: It should feel heavy for its size. If it feels quite light, the fruit is likely past its prime.
- Smell: A ripe dragon fruit has a very subtle but fresh aroma. However, we wouldn’t rely on the smell to determine if it’s ripe as much as other tropical fruits.
- Shape: You’ll want a fairly evenly round-looking dragon fruit. Avoid those that look overly lop-sided or indented.
- Size: The size doesn’t affect the taste but pick one that fits your needs.
How to cut dragon fruit
Whether you’re planning to make a fruit salad, a refreshing smoothie, or a stunning dessert garnish, knowing how to cut dragon fruit into different shapes is essential! Here’s how to can slice, dice, and scoop this crazy fruit.
Peel the fruit
There are two common methods you can use to peel a dragon fruit:
- Scoop: After rinsing the dragon fruit, place it on a cutting board and slice it in half lengthwise. Then, take a spoon and gently scoop the flesh out from the skin, similar to how you would with an avocado or kiwi.
- Peel: Alternatively, slice the dragon fruit in half lengthwise and into quarters. Use your fingers to gently peel the skin away from the flesh. It should come off quite easily.
How to slice it
Place one of the peeled dragon fruit halves on your cutting board with the cut side facing down to provide more stability.
Stabilizing the fruit gently with your non-dominant hand, make vertical cuts along the width of the dragon fruit. The thickness of the slices depends on your needs and preferences, but we usually go for about ½-inch to ¾-inch.
How to cube it
After you’ve sliced your dragon fruit, lay each slice flat and cut it in half lengthwise to make two strips. Rotate the strips and make crosswise cuts to form approximately 1-inch cubes.
Remember, consistency is key here. Try to make your cubes the same size to ensure they look good and disperse evenly in your dishes.
How to make spheres
Hold one half of your unpeeled dragon fruit firmly. Press a melon baller into the flesh, then twist and scoop to create a small, round sphere. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all of the dragon fruit flesh.
Tips for cutting dragon fruit
- Sharp knife: Always use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.
- Use the right spoon: Use a sharp-edged spoon to easily scoop out the flesh.
- Rinse the fruit: Always rinse a dragon fruit before cutting it. This will prevent dirt and bacteria from contaminating the flesh.
- Cutting board: Cut on a sturdy cutting board or surface to prevent the fruit from slipping. If needed, place a damp paper towel underneath the cutting board.
- Temperature: Chill your dragon fruit before cutting and serving it for the best flavor.
How to store cut dragon fruit
Once your dragon fruit is cut, you can store it in one of two ways to help retain its freshness and flavor. Here’s what to do:
- Fridge: Place the cut dragon fruit in an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cut dragon fruit in a single layer on a lined baking tray, then transfer the solid pieces to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be kept this way for up to 3 months. Once frozen, it’s best to use dragon fruit for recipes like smoothies and smoothie bowls.
Dragon fruit recipe ideas
Dragon fruit is an ideal addition to fruit salads and other breakfast classics. and can also be used as a garnish in cocktails or desserts. For some inspiration, test these ideas out:
- Dragon fruit agua fresca
- Tropical fruit salad with pineapple, banana, watermelon, papaya, and mango
- Smoothie or smoothie bowl
- Cocktail garnish
- Vegan fruit tart decoration
- Fresh mango salsa with dragon fruit instead
- Topping for oatmeal, overnight oats, or vegan yogurt
FAQ
The skin of dragon fruit is technically edible, but it is very bitter in taste and leathery in texture. It should generally be discarded unless you’re making a dish like oseng-oseng (a type of stir-fry) or dragon fruit skin tea.
Absolutely not! Much like kiwi seeds, dragon fruit seeds are entirely edible. In fact, they’re a source of numerous health benefits, so don’t feel the need to remove them!
Yes, dragon fruit can be eaten immediately after cutting it. It’s best to let it chill for a few hours or overnight before cutting it so it’s perfectly refreshing.
If your dragon fruit has become overripe, you can still use it in smoothies, smoothie bowls, or sauces. If you still won’t be able to use it right away, freeze it first.
When it comes to texture, there’s little difference between white and pink dragon fruits. In terms of flavor, white dragon fruit typically has a milder taste, while the pink variety tends to be sweeter and more juicy.
More how to cut recipes
How to Cut Dragon Fruit (Perfectly)
Equipment
- Spoon
Instructions
- After rinsing the dragon fruit, place it on a cutting board and slice it in half lengthwise. Then, take a spoon and gently scoop the flesh out from the skin, similar to how you would with an avocado or kiwi.
- Alternatively, slice the dragon fruit in half lengthwise and into quarters. Use your fingers to gently peel the skin away from the flesh. It should come off quite easily.
Slices
- Place one of the peeled dragon fruit halves on your cutting board with the cut side facing down to provide more stability.
- Stabilizing the fruit gently with your non-dominant hand, make vertical cuts along the width of the dragon fruit. The thickness of the slices depends on your needs and preferences, but we usually go for about ½-inch to ¾-inch.
Cubes
- After you've sliced your dragon fruit, lay each slice flat and cut it in half lengthwise to make two strips. Rotate the strips and make crosswise cuts to form approximately 1-inch cubes.
Spheres
- Hold one half of your unpeeled dragon fruit firmly. Press a melon baller into the flesh, then twist and scoop to create a small, round sphere. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all of the dragon fruit flesh.
Notes
- Sharp knife: Always use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts.
- Use the right spoon: Use a sharp-edged spoon to easily scoop out the flesh.
- Rinse the fruit: Always rinse a dragon fruit before cutting it. This will prevent dirt and bacteria from contaminating the flesh.
- Cutting board: Cut on a sturdy cutting board or surface to prevent the fruit from slipping. If needed, place a damp paper towel underneath the cutting board.
- Temperature: Chill your dragon fruit before cutting and serving it for the best flavor.
