Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or strawberry pear, is a beautiful tropical fruit that is sweet and crunchy. The plant the fruit comes from is a type of cactus of the Hylocereus, which includes about 20 different species. Originally popular in Southeast Asia and Latin America, dragon fruit is now grown and enjoyed worldwide.

Dragon Fruit from the Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers Market
White dragon fruit often tastes mild, while dark red flesh can be sweeter and juicier.

Though it may look intimidating with its pinkish red skin and light green scales, preparing this unusual fruit is easy. If you’re wondering what it tastes like, dragon fruit has a sweet, delicate taste that could be characterized as “tropical.” It has been described as a cross between kiwi and pear, or kiwi and watermelon. The texture is somewhat creamy with little seeds, similar to kiwi fruit. You can enjoy eating it in fruit salads, it can be used to create tasty drinks and desserts, and it is a wonderful, healthy snack on its own.

Dragon fruit also has a number of health benefits, as it is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are good for your immune system. It can also boost your iron levels, which is important for moving oxygen through your body and giving you energy.

Florida Tropical Fruit Salad

INGREDIENTS
2 Florida Dragon Fruits, diced

2 Florida Mangoes, diced

2 Florida Oranges, segmented, reserve juice

1 Florida Avocado, diced

1 Florida Papaya (ripe), diced

2 Florida Key Limes, juiced

2 tablespoons Florida Orange blossom honey

PREPARATION
Combine all fruit in a large bowl. Mix the Key lime juice, orange juice from the membrane, and honey together until smooth, then pour over the fruit. Gently fold all the ingredients together. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

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