Dragon Fruit

I've heard of dragon fruit, but until today, had never seen one. I happened to be at SF Market and next to the lychees were some dragon fruit. I had to buy one to try it out.

This is what Wikipedia says about the fruit:

The fruit's texture is sometimes likened to that of the kiwifruit due to the presence of black crunchy seeds. The flesh, which is eaten raw, is mildly sweet and low in calories. Dragon fruit should not be used to accompany strong-tasting food ? except to "clean the palate" between dishes. The seeds are eaten together with the flesh, have a nutty taste and are rich in lipids, but they are indigestible unless chewed. The fruit is also converted into juice or wine, or used to flavor other beverages. The flowers can be eaten or steeped as tea. The skin is not eaten, and in farm-grown fruit it may be polluted with pesticides.

The fruit doesn't have many recipes on the internet. Most often it is used on salads and in smoothies. I was hoping for something sweet and flavorful.


My first disappointment was when I cut into mine and found out I had a white one instead of the more preferred pink one. I continued on by easily peeling off the thick skin which came off like a thick rubbery skin off of a ball. The fruit was firm and yet easily yielded to a butter knife.

My second disappointment was in the flavor. There was next to none. It was juicy and soft, but there was no flavor and I was left wondering, what is the big deal? But then again, was I expecting too much? After all, it's a fruit off of a cactus.


It was so disappointing that I was left wondering what to do with this fruit that I had paid $4 for. In the end, I opted for the smoothie. I blended it with some orange juice and half of my last mango. It certainly added nothing to the smoothie flavor-wise, but at least I got the nutritional benefit.

Is the pink one sweeter or was I expecting too much. If someone with more experience out there reads this, please let me know. Otherwise, I doubt I'll bother with them again - too expensive for no real enjoyment.