Introduction
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is not only a healthy and refreshing snack, but it’s also visually stunning with its bright pink or yellow skin and black speckled seeds. Its exotic appearance, however, can make it intimidating to cut for those who are not familiar with it. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you learn how to cut dragon fruit like a pro.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before starting, make sure you have a ripe fruit. The skin should be bright and evenly colored with no signs of wrinkling. The fruit should also be slightly soft to the touch, but not overly so.
Next, cut off the green crown at the top of the fruit using a sharp knife. Then, cut the fruit in half lengthwise to create two even pieces.
Take one half of the fruit and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, starting from the top and working your way down to the bottom. The flesh should come out easily, separating from the skin.
Once all of the flesh is removed from the skin, it’s time to cut it into slices. Cut the flesh into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Alternatively, you can also cut the flesh into cubes or wedges.
Repeat the same process with the other half of the fruit, and discard the skin.
Video Guide
While the above instructions may seem simple, it can be helpful to see how it’s done. We’ve found a great video that shows the entire process from start to finish:
How to Cut Dragon Fruit – Pitaya – Superfood
The video also shows different ways to cut the fruit, including how to cube it and carve it into a flower shape.
Infographic
For those who prefer a visual reference, we’ve created an infographic to help you follow the steps to cut dragon fruit with ease. Here are some tips and tricks to make the process even easier:
Recipe Ideas
Now that you know how to cut dragon fruit, it’s time to put it to use in some delicious recipes. Here are few unique ideas:
- Dragon fruit smoothie bowl: Blend together dragon fruit, banana, and yogurt, and top with granola, shredded coconut, and sliced strawberries.
- Grilled dragon fruit salad: Grill dragon fruit slices and serve on a bed of mixed greens with avocado, red onion, and a lime-cilantro dressing.
- Dragon fruit salsa: Combine diced dragon fruit with cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, and lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of grilled fish tacos.
Comparison with Other Fruits
While cutting dragon fruit may seem intimidating, it’s actually very easy and quick compared to other fruits. For example, cutting a watermelon can be time-consuming and messy, requiring a large knife and cutting board. Papayas can also be difficult to cut due to their size and tough skin.
Dragon fruit, on the other hand, has a thin, easily removable skin and flesh that comes away from the skin with ease. Plus, its small size makes it easy to store and handle, making it a great choice for a healthy snack on the go.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has given you the confidence to cut dragon fruit on your own and try out some new recipes. Remember to choose a ripe fruit, remove the green crown, scoop out the flesh, and cut it into slices or cubes. And if you need a little more help, be sure to check out the video guide and infographic.