Sakshita Khosla | Updated: July 19, 2018 18:12 IST
The bright pink and scaly outer covering of the dragon fruit, or pitayah, is striking enough to propel this beautiful fruit to the top of the most-loved exotic fruits out there. The pulp of the fruit is either a deep reddish pink hue or is white in colour and is speckled with tiny black bead-like edible seeds, much like you would see in kiwi. Dragon fruits are not very common in Indian grocery marts and you may not find them at your local subzi or fruit wallah's cart. But, they have become more and more popular in the subcontinent, especially among the urban population. Dragon fruits aren't just delicious to eat but also come with a host of health benefits, and are incredibly versatile too. The aesthetic appearance of the dragon fruit makes it a common feature in desserts, salads, mocktails and smoothies. It can also be enjoyed as a quick and refreshing healthy snack, between meals.
(Also Read - 7 Amazing Dragon Fruit Benefits: The Antioxidant & Vitamin Powerhouse)
Did you know that the dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family? This, of course, justifies its scaly covering. It is full of fibre and, hence, can be easily incorporated into your weight loss or healthy diet. The fruit has a somewhat bland taste and, hence, is usually consumed with a little sugar or honey drizzled on top of it. A 100-gm serving of dragon fruit contains 268 calories, with 3.57 gm of protein, according to the United States Agriculture Department data. It is also full of antioxidants, which fight skin infections and are important for maintaining a healthy heart.
(Also Read - How to Eat Dragon Fruit: 5 Delicious Ways to Try it)
Here are some reasons dragon fruit should be included in your diet:
How To Peel Dragon Fruit
Peeling a dragon fruit may look like a daunting task, but it's quite a simple one, all thanks to its thick outer covering. Depending on what you need your dragon fruit pulp for, there are different methods of peeling and cutting a dragon fruit:
So, now you know! Peeling a dragon fruit is extremely easy and if you can lay your hands on some ripe dragon fruit, be sure to add it to your grocery bag and consume it for its amazing health benefits.
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About Sakshita KhoslaSakshita loves the finer things in life including food, books and coffee, and is motivated by self-indulgence and her love for words. When not writing, she can be found huddled in the corner of a cosy cafe with a good book, caffeine and her own thoughts for company.