master-cooks | How To Best Cut And Prepare A Dragon Fruit

To prepare a dragon fruit, begin by selecting a ripe one, which typically has vibrant, evenly colored skin without too many blemishes or soft spots. Rinse the fruit under cool water to remove any dirt or residue. Place the dragon fruit on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice off both ends to create a stable base. Stand the fruit upright and carefully slice it in half lengthwise. This will reveal the white or red flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. Once halved, you have a couple of options for extracting the flesh. You can use a spoon to scoop it out, similar to an avocado, or peel away the skin with your fingers, starting from one end. The skin should come off easily if the fruit is ripe. After removing the flesh, you can cut it into cubes, slices, or any preferred shape. Dragon fruit can be enjoyed on its own or added to salads, smoothies, or desserts. Its subtle sweetness pairs well with other tropical fruits. Store any leftover fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for a few days.

How can you tell if the inside will be pink or white?

There are three primary varieties of dragon fruit. The most prevalent type, hylocereus undatus, features a pink exterior and white flesh filled with small black seeds.

The second variety, hylocereus costaricensis, appears quite similar on the outside, but its interior is a dark pink with black seeds. Without a label, it can be difficult to determine whether the flesh will be white or pink.

Finally, there is the yellow dragon fruit, known as hylocereus megalanthus. This variety is generally smaller, with white flesh and slightly larger black seeds.

How to pick a ripe dragon fruit?

When choosing dragon fruit, start by looking for one with uniformly colored skin that is bright pink, yellow, or red. The skin should be smooth and free of spots, blemishes, or wrinkles, as these can suggest that the fruit is overripe. It should yield slightly when squeezed, much like a cantaloupe or avocado. If it feels too soft, it may be mushy and overripe on the inside.

Tools you will need to cut a dragon fruit

Fortunately, you don't require any special tools to slice a dragon fruit. All you need is a bowl for rinsing the fruit, a teaspoon of salt, a cutting board, a serrated or sharp chef's knife, and a large spoon for extracting the flesh.

How to wash dragon fruit

To effectively clean a dragon fruit and reach all the nooks and crannies, mix 1 teaspoon of salt into a bowl of water and submerge the dragon fruit. Gently swirl it for a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly under cold water to wash away any salt.

The easiest way to enjoy dragon fruit

Putting aside all the elaborate preparations, casually scooping out pieces of dragon fruit with a spoon is a simple and enjoyable way to savor the fruit.

How to cut the fruit while keeping the shell intact

Presenting cut dragon fruit in its shell creates a stunning display and is one of the ways to prepare it.

Slice in lengthwise

Begin by setting the dragon fruit on the cutting board, standing it upright in front of you. Next, take a sharp knife and slice it in half lengthwise.

Scoop out the flesh

With a large spoon, gently run it along the shell of each half to remove the inner flesh in one piece.

Place it face down on the cutting board

Place the fruit upright in front of you, ensuring the cut side is facing down on the cutting board.

Slice it lengthwise

Cut the dragon fruit into slices that are ½ to 1 inch thick.

Cut crosswise

Rotate the dragon fruit and slice it crosswise to form cubes.

Cutting into half moons

As an alternative cutting method, you can cut the dragon fruit into half-moon shapes to enhance a dish or to layer on a smoothie bowl or salad.

Trim off the ends

To begin this method, trim off both ends of the dragon fruit and dispose of them.

Cut in half lengthwise

With a sharp knife, slice the dragon fruit in half lengthwise.

Peel the skin

Using your hands, remove the skin from the flesh and throw it away.

Slice

Position the fruit horizontally in front of you and cut it into ¼-inch thick slices to create half-moon shapes.

How long will dragon fruit last once cut?

The dragon fruit can be stored for up to two days once it's been sliced. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the dragon fruit by placing it in a freezer-safe container, where it will remain good for up to three months.

What are the ways to use dragon fruit?

Dragon fruit is remarkably adaptable and can enhance a variety of snacks and meals. One popular way to enjoy this treasured fruit is by adding it to smoothies. Simply blend it with a frozen banana, some berries, coconut water or milk, and a handful of greens for a tasty and refreshing beverage. You can also use an ice cream maker to whip up a frosty sorbet or smoothie bowl.

Incorporate cubed dragon fruit into fruit salads alongside mangoes, berries, and pineapple for a revitalizing side dish or dessert. Combine it with chopped kale, romaine, or butter lettuce for a flavorful salad.

Get creative with a salsa by mixing chopped tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, and red onion. This can be a delightful addition to guacamole for a touch of sweetness. It also pairs wonderfully with ceviche and adds a refreshing element to a poke bowl.

Dragon fruit can be transformed into sauces to drizzle over desserts or grilled meats. Substitute it for other fruits to create a distinctive jam. Its vibrant appearance can elevate the presentation of any dish. Try it cubed on oatmeal, thinly sliced on pancakes, elegantly fanned next to grilled salmon, or diced over Mexican dishes.

How To Best Cut And Prepare A Dragon Fruit