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Red Dragon fruits grow on long, thin, vining cactuses that are often seen growing up trees, fences or walls. On the outside, Red Dragon fruits look almost identical to the white-fleshed variety. The brightly colored oblong fruits are about 10 centimeters in length and can weigh up to a pound. They have pink to magenta-colored skin that has the appearance of succulent, fleshy scales overlapping, leaving small, green-tipped protrusions along its length. The skin is thin, with an average thickness of only 3 millimeters, so the flesh to rind ratio is high. The bright magenta flesh of the Red Dragon fruit is the result of a compound called betacyanin, which is the same pigment present in beets and prickly pear fruit. The pulp has the texture of a kiwi fruit, with small, black edible seeds throughout. Red Dragon fruit is sweet, though not as sweet as the white-fleshed variety, and has a mild acidity.
Red Dragon fruits are available year-round.
Red Dragon fruits, or Pitaya Roja, are botanically classified as Hylocereus constaricensus and sometimes Hylocereus polyrhizus. The former classification references its native Costa Rica. The red-fleshed Dragon fruits are rarer than the yellow skinned variety, and are not nearly as widely available as the white-fleshed variety. Red Dragon fruits are often called Costa Rican Dragon fruit or Purple Pitaya, and sometimes Strawberry Pear Cactus. In the United States, Florida and California produce these brightly fleshed fruits, in the off-season, they come directly from their native Nicaragua or Costa Rica.
Red Dragon fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C and has a high fiber content. They are also a good source of potassium and phosphorus, as well as other minerals and B-complex vitamins. Red Dragon fruit is rich in protein, antioxidants (from the betacyanins), lycopene and carotene. Dried Red Dragon fruit has ten-times the nutritional benefits of the fresh fruit. The benefits of Dragon fruit include improving the health of the eyes and skin, including protecting the skin from ultraviolet damage. Eating too much fresh Red Dragon fruit can cause a laxative affect.
Red Dragon fruit is often eaten raw, scooped with a spoon directly from the rind. Many prefer to refrigerate the fruits prior to eating, to chill the pulp within. Slice the fruit lengthwise or in half to expose the seeded flesh. The pulp can be added to smoothies or used to make sorbet and other desserts. Remove the flesh with a melon-baller and add to green or fruit salads for a topical addition. Red Dragon fruit will stain the skin and clothing, use care when preparing. Store Red Dragon fruit in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. The fruit can be frozen for up to a year when sealed in a plastic bag. Red Dragon fruit can also be dried to preserve.
Red Dragon fruit has been used by the indigenous people of Costa Rica and the surrounding areas for centuries.
Red Dragon fruit is native to what is now Costa Rica and has a range from Nicaragua just to the north, and down along the western coast of South America to Peru. The red-fleshed Dragon fruit variety has been planted in many different tropical and subtropical locations as the popularity of the white-fleshed Dragon fruit has increased. It is a hardy plant that is native to arid topical regions, but can grow in many sub-tropical regions around the globe. The Costa Rican Pitaya can be found growing in Malaysia, Taiwan, and in Southern California and Florida in the United States. Red Dragon fruit is also grown in Vietnam, where it is known as Trai Thanh long do. Since 2015, growers are planting more Red Dragon fruit cactus than the white variety because it tends to flower more, produce more fruits, and can fetch a higher price on the global market.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Red Pitaya Dragon Fruit. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Red Pitaya Dragon Fruit using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Dragon Fruit | Listen |
| Food Fable: Dragon Fruit | Listen |
Description/Taste
Red Dragon fruits grow on long, thin, vining cactuses that are often seen growing up trees, fences or walls. On the outside, Red Dragon fruits look almost identical to the white-fleshed variety. The brightly colored oblong fruits are about 10 centimeters in length and can weigh up to a pound. They have pink to magenta-colored skin that has the appearance of succulent, fleshy scales overlapping, leaving small, green-tipped protrusions along its length. The skin is thin, with an average thickness of only 3 millimeters, so the flesh to rind ratio is high. The bright magenta flesh of the Red Dragon fruit is the result of a compound called betacyanin, which is the same pigment present in beets and prickly pear fruit. The pulp has the texture of a kiwi fruit, with small, black edible seeds throughout. Red Dragon fruit is sweet, though not as sweet as the white-fleshed variety, and has a mild acidity.
Seasons/Availability
Red Dragon fruits are available year-round.
Current Facts
Red Dragon fruits, or Pitaya Roja, are botanically classified as Hylocereus constaricensus and sometimes Hylocereus polyrhizus. The former classification references its native Costa Rica. The red-fleshed Dragon fruits are rarer than the yellow skinned variety, and are not nearly as widely available as the white-fleshed variety. Red Dragon fruits are often called Costa Rican Dragon fruit or Purple Pitaya, and sometimes Strawberry Pear Cactus. In the United States, Florida and California produce these brightly fleshed fruits, in the off-season, they come directly from their native Nicaragua or Costa Rica.
Nutritional Value
Red Dragon fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C and has a high fiber content. They are also a good source of potassium and phosphorus, as well as other minerals and B-complex vitamins. Red Dragon fruit is rich in protein, antioxidants (from the betacyanins), lycopene and carotene. Dried Red Dragon fruit has ten-times the nutritional benefits of the fresh fruit. The benefits of Dragon fruit include improving the health of the eyes and skin, including protecting the skin from ultraviolet damage. Eating too much fresh Red Dragon fruit can cause a laxative affect.
Applications
Red Dragon fruit is often eaten raw, scooped with a spoon directly from the rind. Many prefer to refrigerate the fruits prior to eating, to chill the pulp within. Slice the fruit lengthwise or in half to expose the seeded flesh. The pulp can be added to smoothies or used to make sorbet and other desserts. Remove the flesh with a melon-baller and add to green or fruit salads for a topical addition. Red Dragon fruit will stain the skin and clothing, use care when preparing. Store Red Dragon fruit in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. The fruit can be frozen for up to a year when sealed in a plastic bag. Red Dragon fruit can also be dried to preserve.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Red Dragon fruit has been used by the indigenous people of Costa Rica and the surrounding areas for centuries.
Geography/History
Red Dragon fruit is native to what is now Costa Rica and has a range from Nicaragua just to the north, and down along the western coast of South America to Peru. The red-fleshed Dragon fruit variety has been planted in many different tropical and subtropical locations as the popularity of the white-fleshed Dragon fruit has increased. It is a hardy plant that is native to arid topical regions, but can grow in many sub-tropical regions around the globe. The Costa Rican Pitaya can be found growing in Malaysia, Taiwan, and in Southern California and Florida in the United States. Red Dragon fruit is also grown in Vietnam, where it is known as Trai Thanh long do. Since 2015, growers are planting more Red Dragon fruit cactus than the white variety because it tends to flower more, produce more fruits, and can fetch a higher price on the global market.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Garden of Vegan | San Diego CA | 530-366-7102 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Sheerwater | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Pitaya Dragon Fruit. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Red Pitaya Dragon Fruit using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 200 days ago, 5/16/20 Sharer's comments : El dragon! 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 266 days ago, 3/10/20 
Dean's Produce
Dean's Produce - Broadway
Near Millbrae, California, United States451 Broadway Millbrae CA 94030 650-692-1042 https://www.deansproducemarkets.com About 284 days ago, 2/22/20 Sharer's comments : So nice. 
Pasar Modern BSD City
Near Pondok Pucung, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 340 days ago, 12/27/19 Sharer's comments : buah naga di pasar modern bsd city tangerang 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 343 days ago, 12/25/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 349 days ago, 12/18/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 349 days ago, 12/18/19 
Pasar Anyar
Near Bogor, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 382 days ago, 11/15/19 Sharer's comments : red dragon di pasar anyar bogor 
4 Seasons Bio - Organic Food Market
4SeasonsBio
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceNikis 30 About 391 days ago, 11/07/19 Sharer's comments : Dragon fruits š² Local production š¬š· 
pasar tanah tinggi tangerang
Near Tangerang, West Java, IndonesiaAbout 416 days ago, 10/13/19 Sharer's comments : buah naga 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 424 days ago, 10/04/19 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 428 days ago, 10/01/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Dragon Fruit in from Wallace Farms in Bonsall 
99 Ranch Market
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout 431 days ago, 9/27/19 Sharer's comments : buah naga merah di ranch market 
pasar parung bogor
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 438 days ago, 9/21/19 Sharer's comments : buah naga di pasar parung bogor 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 442 days ago, 9/17/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 455 days ago, 9/03/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 460 days ago, 8/30/19 
Buford Highway Farmers Market
Buford HWY Farmers Market
Near Doraville, Georgia, United States5600 Buford HWY NE Doraville GA 30340 770-455-0770 About 466 days ago, 8/24/19 Sharer's comments : Red Dragon Fruit at Buford Farmers Market 
Sasoun Produce
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 1-323-928-2829 About 482 days ago, 8/07/19 
99 Ranch
Near Albany, California, United StatesAbout 487 days ago, 8/03/19 
Specialty Produce
Specialty
Near San Diego, California, United States619-295-3172 About 494 days ago, 7/27/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Dragon Fruit in from Wallace Ranch! 
Sasoun Produce
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United States5116 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles CA 90029 1-323-928-2829 About 495 days ago, 7/26/19 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 520 days ago, 7/01/19 
99 Ranch
99 Ranch Market - McKinley St
Near Corona, California, United States430 McKinley St Corona CA 92879 951-898-8899 About 521 days ago, 6/30/19 
Gold Fortune Supermarket
Gold Fortune Supermarket
Near Cerritos, California, United States13321 Artesia Blvd Cerritos CA 90703 562-802-8888 About 528 days ago, 6/22/19 
Albertsons
Albertsonās - Harbor Blvd
Near Costa Mesa, California, United States2300-c Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92626 949-515-7227 About 529 days ago, 6/21/19 
Foodtown
Food Town Grocery
Near Davie, Florida, United States6431 Stirling Rd Davie, Davie 33314 1-954-797-7791 About 685 days ago, 1/17/19 Sharer's comments : Red Pitaya Dragon Fruit spotted at Foodtown. |
