Today we tried Dragon Fruit!
Found growing in Asia, Mexico and parts of South America, dragon fruit grows as an exotic cactus. Not the Prickly Pear fruit of the Southwest.
It is generally available as an import (here) in December and January and ranges from $3. to $5.
Dragon Fruit is also known as Pitaya and the Dragon name came about because of the thick skin and overlapping scalelike appearance. It is also known as the strawberry pear.
They come in three varieties.
Red with white flesh and fine black seeds.
Yellow with white flesh and tiny black seeds.
Red both inside and out with black seeds.
And can be sweet or sour.
The seeds are edible (much like kiwi fruit), but can be saved and dried to plant.
Easily grown, it takes nearly 5 years to flower and produce fruit of its own.
Since John was here (...and he says his middle name is Guinea Pig...) we opened and tried it together.
After buying it is recommended to let it sit for several days (until the tips of the dragon-like scales turn brownish and it is ripe)
So we did.
Our Dragon Fruit opened.
It is easy to see why this is used in salads and drinks...as it has very little flavor of its own. Almost no smell. Absorbing the flavor combinations around it.
(think tofu)
The texture is a great deal like Kiwi...without the great taste.
I found it slimy, tasteless, and not something I will probably ever buy again.
But it is off the Life List....and I can honestly say I've (...we've...) given it a try!
Tomorrow...Ruby Chocolate!
