How to eat pitahaya, the beneficial properties of the fruit. Dragon fruit description, types and names of the dragon heart fruit, beneficial properties and harm of pitahaya

Pitahaya is the name for certain types of cacti and their often edible fruit. Pitaahaya is native to South America.

This plant belongs to the cactus family of the genus Hylocereus. Cultivated in the tropics, some species of the genus Hylocereus have large fruits with large scales, which is why they are called dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit. Photo

Pitahaya grows in tropical forests, using trees as supports, reaches 10 meters in height and is widely distributed in Central America and northern South America. In addition, it is cultivated in Southeast Asia, China, Australia and Israel.

The fruits of this plant are oblong-ovoid berries. The skin is tough. The usual weight is from 300 to 850 grams, a record of 1.5 kg. The fruits are edible, juicy and with numerous, small, black edible seeds in the pulp, about 1 mm. The tough outer shell is inedible. Dragon fruit has a sweet taste similar to kiwi and a very subtle smell. They are good compatible with almost all foods.

Pitahaya contains minerals, vitamins (especially red-skinned fruits) and fiber. Pitahaya is red in color and contains more phosphorus, while the yellow fruit contains more calcium.

According to a study of dragon fruit contain many antioxidants, including:

beta carotene,
lycopene,
vitamin E.

They may also represent a potential source of probiotics that promote the development of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the seeds should not be consumed in large quantities, as they are rich in omega-6 fatty acids of approximately 50 percent, compared to omega-3 (only 1 percent) and omega-9 (approximately 20 percent). Given that an abundance of omega-6s can lead to an imbalance in the body's anti-inflammatory compounds, it's best to limit your intake of seeds.

Due to its high fiber content, consumption of dragon fruit promotes intestinal motility, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, helps regulate blood pressure, and also aids in weight loss. The high content of vitamin C is beneficial for strengthening the immune system and for collagen production. Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant precursor to vitamin A that protects the eyes and skin from UV rays and improves the body's immune response. Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is one of the key antioxidants in the fight against free radicals. It prevents heart disease, various forms of cancer and age-related macular degeneration.

Chemical composition

Fruits consist mainly of water (its amount can vary between 80-90%), fiber, protein and fat.

Pitahaya contains:

vitamin A,
vitamin C,
vitamins B1, B2, B3 and vitamin E, which is found in seeds.

Minerals:

potassium,
iron,
sodium,
phosphorus and calcium.

Pitahaya fruits also contain flavonoids and substances that have antioxidant properties.

The abundance of fiber gives this fruit mild laxative properties, so this fruit is a good preventive method for constipation.

Availability vitamin C and other substances with antioxidant properties, has a beneficial effect on health. His consumption strengthens the immune system and helps in the fight against the effects of free radicals, which has a positive effect on slowing down the aging process of body cells. Free radicals, a by-product of human metabolism, are the cause of many serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and degenerative diseases.

Consumption of pitahaya is a good way to prevent many of these diseases. Fiber, in addition to the beneficial substances present in pitahaya, is useful in lowering blood cholesterol levels. This will reduce the risk of dangerous plaque formation in the blood vessels and is therefore a good prevention of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin C present in pitahaya, in addition to strengthening the immune system, helps to cope with stress.

Recent studies have shown that this fruit is capable of reduce level Sahara in people with type 2 diabetes.

Flavonoids have a wide spectrum biological activity. In addition to antioxidant properties, they also have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-atherosclerotic effects.

Pitahaya: benefits and harms

Dragon fruit has anti-inflammatory properties. Its consumption can be beneficial for solving problems associated with joint inflammation. The pulp of the fruit, besides having a good taste, can be used to treat and prevent acne and blackheads by applying to the skin.

Recent research has been done with leaf, peel, pulp, and flower extracts from various varieties of dragon fruit. Experiments conducted on laboratory rats have shown that this plant and its fruits accelerate the healing process of wounds.

100 g of pitahaya pulp has only 38 calories.

Consumption of fruits prevents the formation of tumor cells, cleanses the blood and liver, and also accelerates the elimination of toxins and heavy metals from the body. In addition to preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease, it regulates blood pressure. Phosphorus, which is part of the fetus, stimulates brain activity, improves memory and concentration.

Dragon fruit also has diuretic properties and fights cellulite. Beta-carotene, an important antioxidant, protects the eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays, vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and, together with vitamin E, fights free radicals, is a good prevention of various forms of cancer and age-related macular degeneration.

Consumption and contraindications

When choosing this fruit, you should pay attention to the color; it should be bright and saturated, which indicates its ripeness. Nowhere should be traces of rot.

The dragon fruit is cut in half and eaten using a teaspoon. To improve the taste, the pulp is seasoned with sugar and lemon. A juicy drink is also prepared from the pulp.

No health risks associated with the consumption of pitahaya fruit have been identified. The consumption of this fruit is safe for pregnant women. There may be mild allergic reactions.

Consuming pitahaya with red pulp suggests reddish urine and feces; this is a temporary change that goes away in a day or two.

It is advisable not to give this fruit to young children, so as not to provoke diathesis.

You will not meet on the shelves of our stores! The strangest in appearance is a fruit from Vietnam, the "heart of the dragon." Bristling like a hedgehog with green needles, behind which it hides a red or purple peel, the fruit conceals a tender and fragrant pulp. It resembles butter cream with poppy seeds - so densely the entire inside of the fruit is dotted with small black bones. And what does the "heart of the dragon" taste like? How and with what is it eaten? You will learn about this and much more from this article.

Origin

Despite the fact that now the “dragon heart” fruit is mainly brought from the tropical countries of Southeast Asia, the plant is native to Central and Latin America. The ancient Aztecs have long used the fruits for food, calling them "pitaaya". From here, the fruit has other names. It is called "pittahaya", "dragon eye", "prickly pear". The British know it as dragon fruit, and in Thailand it is called "keumangkon". But no matter how many names people give to this fruit, in a strict scientific classification it is listed as Hylocereus. And most importantly, pitahaya is actually a cactus! Yes, only liana-like, growing not in arid deserts, but in humid tropical jungles. Pittahaya yields four to six times a year, its fruits tolerate transportation well. Plants take root perfectly in such a climate, and therefore are now cultivated on an industrial scale in Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. They are also grown in Israel, Australia, Japan.

What is dragon heart fruit

These are small fruits (in general, from one hundred and fifty grams to half a kilogram). The plant has three types. Two of them have white flesh. This is a yellow (Hylocereus megalanthus) and red (Hylocereus undatus) pitahaya, the photo of which you see. The third species - Hylocereus costaricensis - is a Costa Rican, special. The pulp of the fruit, like the skin, is painted in a bloody color. Probably, this species gave such a sonorous name to the fruit - "dragon's heart". Color has no effect on the taste of the fruit. Yellow pittahaya costs a little more, but only because it is rarely cultivated in Asia. And the color of the pulp can be determined by leaf-like growths. If they are green, inside the fruit will be a white puree with seeds. If the leaves are pinkish, the flesh of the fruit will be red.

What is eaten

The liana-like pitaya cactus, the photo of which you see, blooms very beautifully. Large white buds open only at night and exude a strong, pleasant aroma. In this regard, flowers are used as a tea flavor (like jasmine). The ovary appears after forty days. Cactus buds are eaten like fresh vegetables. After two months from the time of flowering, fruit can be harvested. Of course, the fruit is consumed only in its raw form. Pittahaya can be served on its own for dessert, but it can also be included in fruit salads. The pulp, mashed into puree, is very tasty paired with lime. Seeds are very useful, but in order for them to be absorbed by the body, they need to be chewed. Even Cies de Leon, the first European who described pittahaya in his work Chronicle of Peru (sixteenth century), mentions one interesting property of this fruit. In a person who has eaten at least one small pitaya fruit, urine and feces turn bloody for a short time. This phenomenon is called pseudohematuria, and it does not cause any harm to the body, so you should not worry.

The benefits of the "dragon heart"

Pitaya is a fruit rich in iron, calcium and phosphorus. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, E, a lot of C and PP. Pittahaya is ninety percent water. Fats, and even then polyunsaturated, are contained in a small amount. In general, this is a dietary fruit. It cannot be called particularly sweet, and therefore diabetics can safely consume it. The fruit lowers cholesterol levels, strengthens the immune system, helps to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract. It is useful for hypertensive patients, as it gently lowers blood pressure. In addition, pittahaya contains a vital substance - an antioxidant, which prevents the formation of free radicals that cause cancer. However, pittahaya should be used with caution in people with diseased kidneys.

How to choose a ripe fruit

Usually, the "dragon heart" fruit has a smooth red skin dotted with leaf-like growths. How to understand what is hidden inside? Is the fruit ripe? This is easy to determine by pressing on it with your finger. If the fruit is soft, pleasantly springy, then ripe. The taste of the fruit at first disappoints many. It is slightly watery, inexpressive, slightly sweet. Those who are used to the rich taste of mango will not appreciate it. But pittahaya should be “bitten”: after the first impression that it is “sweet kiwi with seeds”, there comes a feeling of delicate creamy refreshing pulp. The aroma of pittahaya is indescribable. But it disappears as soon as the fetus warms up. This all applies only to ripe pitaya. If the fruit is plucked early, it will be completely tasteless. But ripe fruits are easily peeled by hands - as if peony petals are opening.

Usually the fruit is served like this. Cut it into halves and serve on a plate along with a dessert spoon. The pulp with bones is eaten away, and the prickly peel is thrown away. There is another way to serve. Also, the fruit is cut in half vertically, but a fruit knife is served with it, not a spoon. In this case, pittahaya is cut like a small melon or watermelon - into slices. In order not to evaporate the wonderful aroma of the "dragon's heart", the fruit is served chilled. However, you should not overdo it and freeze the pitahaya. Her taste is not very expressive. It can be lost as a result of hypothermia. Therefore, you should not combine it with other fruits or dishes that have a bright, rich taste. Among them, pittahaya will be “lost”, and you will not appreciate it undeservedly. Fruits with red pulp have a more pronounced taste, but with white - more refined. In addition, in the homeland of pitaya, homemade wine, preserves, and jams are made from it. Try garnishing dragon fruit puree with lime ice cream.

legends

The Aztecs clothed the fruit "heart of the dragon" with many myths. All of them somehow explain the strange name of pitaya. It is believed that dragons once lived in the Yucatan. They attacked the villages and brought a lot of harm. Many heroes went out to fight dragons. And now there was only one - the most powerful and vicious. He spat fire at the heroes, but the Aztecs are a stubborn people, and instead of one fallen fighter, another came. Finally, the dragon was exhausted to such an extent that he no longer had any fire left. He spat out his heart and died. By the way, medicine is made from the stems of the cactus liana. It stimulates the cardiovascular system.

Dragon fruit, pitahaya or pitahaya, what is it? Many have seen it, heard about it or tried it. In fact, dragonfruit, pitahaya are exotic representatives of climbing vine-like cacti, (Hylocereus and Stinocereus), common in Central and South America and Mexico.

Today, the dragon fruit is successfully grown in the countries of Southeast Asia. The main exporters of pitaya are Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and others. Liana-shaped cacti with its unusual fruits grow well and are cultivated in countries with a subtropical and tropical climate.

The English name for this fruit is dragon fruit, dragon fruit is also a common name for the fruit.

Even the ancient Aztecs were familiar with dragonfruit. Since Mexico is its homeland, the Indians willingly ate the pulp of the dragon fruit, and used the seeds, grinding and adding to food as a seasoning.

There is an ancient legend, which, of course, is associated with dragons and tells about the incredible origin of the fruit, as if the fruit appeared during the wars. Dragons, weary of battles, sometimes spewed out these fruits instead of flame. People believed that amazingly tasty dragonfruits were hidden somewhere in the middle of the monster. So, in pursuit of fruity pleasures, the warriors killed all the dragons. And only dragonfruit of an unusual shape and color grows beautifully, pleases us with an unusual taste, and resembles in its appearance the scales of extinct reptiles.

What does dragon fruit look like

Attractive-looking pitahaya fruit has a peel from bright pink to red, oval in shape, framed by smooth leaf-like growths with light green, light green ends. If you look in the section, we will see white pulp with black seeds of a creamy consistency with a pleasant tasty and delicate aroma.

Due to its aesthetic appearance and glorious smell, dragon fruit is very often used to decorate and decorate tables in restaurants and banquet halls.

The weight of the fetus can be from 200 grams, on average 500-600 grams, but there are also larger representatives of the species, weighing up to a kilogram.

Varieties

The internal content of the pulp of pitahaya, in accordance with its variety, also differ in color. The flesh is white, bright pink, reddish, up to a purple hue. Exotic dragon fruit species differ in their shape and size, and in the frequency of scales on the surface of the fruit.

Consider the three main types of dragon fruit:

Pitahaya white (Hylocereus undatus) is the most common species, the taste is rich, but fresh in relation to other varieties, inside there is white pulp and black small seeds, the fruit accompanies a pleasant grassy aroma. The fruit is red or bright pink on the outside, with light green scales.

Yellow Pitahaya (Hylocereus megalanthus), grown less frequently, long-yang, "prickly pear", respectively, with yellow skin, the scales of which are more like pimples, and white flesh inside, mixed with black seeds, and yellow dragon fruit is slightly sweeter and more aromatic than white and red pitohaya.

Pitahaya red (Hylocereus costaricensis) Costa Rican has a skin of bright pink, almost red color, inside is bright red flesh also with small black seeds. A more whimsical variety, very fragrant dragon fruit.

How dragon fruit grows

As mentioned above, a native of Mexico and Central and South America, dragon fruit belongs to the cactus family, and is distributed throughout Southeast Asia and other countries. Dragon heart, a fruit that prefers tropical dry climates, natural habitats are deciduous forests with this climate.

The plant grows up to 10 m in height. In order to rationally use the land where the exotic pitahaya fruit is grown, they organize a whole system of supports and garters in order to collect the extensive branched crown of the cactus into a single dome, picking it up above the surface of the earth.

Hylocereus, a climbing member of the cactus family. Since the plant is epiphytic, the dragon fruit is attached to tree trunks by aerial roots, and grows along the entire height of the stem, while the cactus, like any epiphyte, does not feed on the beneficial substances of trees. The main goal of the dragon fruit is to reach the illuminated areas at the top, and extract moisture from the air or find organic matter in the many cracks in the tree trunk. The plant also has roots underground, which grow, develop and spread on the ground along the stems.

Trihedral pitahaya stems, modified branches. Juicy and fleshy, they reach a width of five centimeters. They have a lot of water and nutrients needed for a possible period of drought.

Short spikes are visible on the stems, these are kind of buds from which other stems and dragon fruit flowers develop. The flowering period of pitahaya is short. For just one night, it releases large, about thirty centimeters in diameter, flowers, pink or white, exuding a pleasant aroma. Excessive abundance of moisture is detrimental to plants, leads to abscission of buds and rotting of fruits. Insects pollinate the plant. After the flowers wither, fruit set occurs. Dry climate is important for cactus. The fruits of the plant appear 30-50 days after flowering. And in a year, pitahaya is capable of producing up to 6 crops.

How to eat pitahaya

In the beginning, consider how to choose a dragon eye fruit. We check the peel, there should be no dark spots, the skin is of an even color in accordance with the variety. If the dragon fruit is slightly soft to the touch, the dragon's eye is ripe and ready to eat. If the fruit is hard, then leave it for several days in a cool place, it will ripen and delight you with its taste. But remember that dragon fruit is stored for 3-4 days, otherwise it will lose its taste and useful qualities.

Ways to peel and eat dragon fruit are simple:

remove the peel from the top of the fruit and eat the peeled pulp
cut into slices, for example, like a melon
carefully cut the peel, separate it, gradually eating the internal contents
cut the fruit into two parts and use a spoon to eat as a dessert

Dragon fruit is best eaten chilled, when heated, the taste becomes dull. It is advisable to chew the pulp seeds, as they are poorly digested, but contain useful lipids. We will talk about the benefits of fruit a little later. The peel is not eaten, and it is unlikely that it will be to your taste.

The consistency of the fruit is like thick sour cream, the pitaya tastes like a mixture of kiwi and. Many people compare the taste of these fruits with the taste of pitohaya.

Pitahaya pulp goes well with other fruits and dishes, the main thing is that no matter what other ingredients include a spicier or sweeter product, otherwise the taste and aroma of the dragon fruit will simply be lost. Dragon fruit is used to prepare salads, yogurts, smoothies, jams, jellies and all kinds of desserts. Used in the preparation of soft drinks, alcoholic wines and cocktails. Pithaya flowers also do not go unnoticed, they are added to tea.

Calorie content, chemical composition, vitamins

Pitahaya calorie content per hundred grams of pulp accounts for only 50 kcal. Dragon fruit contains fiber, vitamins C and B, minerals, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants and dietary fiber.

proteins 0.50 gr
fats 0.30 gr
carbohydrates 12.00 gr
water up to 90 gr
fiber 07-09 gr, vegetable fibrous substance that cleanses the intestines from toxins and toxins
ash 0.53-0.67 g, sorbent that removes toxic substances from the body
nicotinic acid 0.295-0.427 mg, vitamins PP, B3 are involved in the process of fat metabolism, convert food into energy
ascorbic acid 9.0 mg, protects body cells from the dangerous effects of free radicals, synthesizes collagen at the biological level, regulates blood clotting, reduces inflammation
calcium 6.2-8.7 mg, strengthens bones, teeth, takes part in the functioning of the nervous and immune systems
phosphorus 30.2-36.00 mg, phosphorus is an important element in the metabolism of fats, helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates, strengthens the skeleton, improves metabolism
iron 0.55-0.65 mg, necessary for metabolism
carotene 0.006-0.012 mg, has oxidizing properties, stimulates growth
thiamine 0.28-0.042 mg, vitamin B1 plays an important role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
riboflavin 0.042-0.046 mg, vitamin B2 promotes the formation of red blood cells and antibodies
E tocopherol - 0.08 mg, protects cell walls from destruction

Pitahaya dragon fruit health benefits

Pitahaya is known for its beneficial properties. Dragon fruit is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, which in turn help in the functioning of the immune system. With an upset stomach and intestines, it will help improve digestion and promote the breakdown of fats. Inside the dragon fruit is a large number of small black seeds rich in lipids. Lipids are groups of natural organic compounds. They participate in the formation of cell membranes and therefore the construction of cells in the body is not possible without their participation. Includes fat and fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats lower the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood. But, if the seeds are not chewed, then there will not be much benefit from them.

Pitahaya contains thiamine. Thiamines produce normal growth, support the full functioning of the heart and nervous system. The need for thiamine is especially high for people performing heavy physical activity, it is necessary for athletes to increase the tone of skeletal muscles.

Pitahaya, a dragon fruit, contains healthy fiber, which is simply necessary for our body, because it slows down the absorption of sugar in the intestines, lowers the glycemic index of the foods we eat. Consequently, blood sugar and insulin levels are lowered, which is very important for people with type 2 diabetes.

Pitahaya helps with heart problems, nervous condition and stress increase the values of bad cholesterol in the blood. Dragon fruit helps to cleanse the internal organs of toxins. Antioxidant action contributes to the removal of free radicals, since the processes of detoxification and binding of free radicals are simply impossible without the level of microelements necessary for the body.

Dragon fruit is actively used in cosmetology. The presence of fruit acids and vitamins have a beneficial tonic and moisturizing effect on the skin. Pitahaya masks are very popular among women. And after prolonged exposure to the sun, the pulp of the fruit will cool and soothe your skin.

Pitahaya contains calcium, phosphorus. These trace elements contribute to physical growth, the formation of teeth and bones, and also play a huge role in intracellular processes, largely determine the functionality of skeletal and cardiac muscles.
Without vitamins of groups B and C, vital processes in the expectant mother and child cannot proceed normally, because they strengthen the immune system, help the acid and lipid metabolism of the body.
During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences severe stress, thus increasing the amount of free radicals. Antioxidants are designed to donate their electrons to free radicals, preventing the destruction of molecules.
When consuming dragon fruit, an excellent source of minerals, swelling decreases, because heart problems can be the cause of swelling, swelling can put an additional burden on all organs, this is dangerous for a pregnant woman and an unborn baby.
Pitahaya as a source of many trace elements helps to cope with fungal and bacterial diseases that may occur due to a deficiency of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus in a pregnant woman.

Pitahaya or dragon fruit is the fruit of several varieties of cacti, so these exotic fruits can vary significantly in taste characteristics. In addition, the quality of pitahaya depends on its maturity, shelf life, age of the mother cactus, weather conditions during the fruiting period and the country of growth. Therefore, one should not jump to conclusions about the taste of dragon fruit from single copies.

Pitahayas of certain varieties often become popular in a particular area or country, so after tasting this tropical fruit, for example, in Goa, you should not refuse to taste it in Vietnam or Israel. Relatively often, pitahaya can be found on sale in European countries and in the USA. But such fruits usually have a grassy taste, so for successful transportation, the fruits are harvested a little underripe.

Pitahaya has a neutral sweetish taste, although very sweet ripe fruit specimens of varietal varieties of fruit cacti can also be found. The white-fleshed red dragon fruit has a less intense flavor and sweetness than the pink-fleshed variety. Yellow pitahaya stand a little apart and have their own distinctive taste and aroma. The consistency of pitahaya pulp is comparable to kiwi, only with a firmer structure.

Pitahaya is recommended to be eaten separately from other products, raw, chilled. So it becomes possible to fully experience the refreshing, unobtrusive sweetish taste of this tropical fruit. Dragonfruit is virtually odorless, and its light aroma has been compared to a mixture of banana and kiwi with grassy undertones. The key to a good taste of pitahaya is its optimal maturity, so you should spend more time choosing a fruit, and not buying the first copy offered by the seller.

Dragon fruit, despite its not very outstanding taste characteristics, often becomes a favorite exotic fruit for travelers who prefer hot tropical countries. And the rich vitamin and mineral composition of pitahaya with a low calorie content is a good help for maintaining strength and health on vacation or working abroad.

Tell your friends about it.

Some Asian fruits have such magical names that you want to try them just for that reason. Dragon heart fruit or in other words dragon fruit or pitaya is no exception. In addition to the unusual name, this fruit is very beautiful in appearance.

Pitahaya is native to South America and Mexico. But in Asia it is also cultivated. It can be found in the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China and other countries.

What does dragon fruit look like?

The dragon heart is a fairly large pink fruit. There are two types of dragon fruit fruits - white and red inside (the latter is more likely not red, but a rich beetroot color). Outwardly, they cannot be distinguished, so if you did not find any inscriptions on the counter, check the color with the seller. I prefer white fruits, but there are also lovers of red fruits.

How to eat dragon fruit?

You can eat them any way you like. If you want - peel the fruit, cut into cubes and eat with a fork. You can cut the dragon fruit into two halves and scoop out the sweet pulp with a spoon, or you can cut the dragon's heart in the manner of a watermelon - slices. Pitaya pulp has a sweetish taste. Because of the small bones, it can resemble kiwi in texture.

Some find it quite tasteless. But you can combine it with other fruits. Dragon heart is great for different fruit salads. You can, for example, dice mangoes, watermelon, bananas, pitaya, and any other fruit that suits your taste. Desserts are decorated with pieces of dragon fruit: cakes and waffles.

For those with a sweet tooth, many Asian cafes prepare dragon fruit milk shakes. It can also be prepared at home by mixing dragon heart fruit pulp with milk and ice cream in a blender.

Useful properties of the dragon heart

As for the health benefits of dragon fruit, it is low in calories, so dieters can safely include it in their diet! The pulp of the fruit contains vitamins B and C, phosphorus, iron and calcium. Pitaya has a positive effect on the immune and cardiovascular system. The dragon's heart is also said to help with stomach pains.

How does dragon fruit grow?

An interesting feature can be noticed by watching how the heart of a dragon is grown. If you drive past pitaya plantations at night, you will see that each plant bush is illuminated by a special lamp. It looks very unusual and beautiful.