December 19, 2010

The Pitaya or Dragonfruit

Pitaya in South America and Dragon fruit in Asia, the origin of the fruit was never really settled. This is a tropical fruit cultivated as ornamental plant and fruit crop in countries like Vietnam,Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan. It is grown in a lot of homes in Hawaii and I know of  a Vietnamese farmer in Sacramento, California who does organic farming and cultivates these beauties.  The fruit has a delicate slightly sweet flavor and known to have heath benefits like vitamins and minerals. There are red, yellow and bright magenta in color. They are prepared in a variety of ways but I'd rather eat them fresh because of its very delicate flavor that gets lost in cooking or when mixed with other ingredients. I have fun serving them in different forms.
This is how big they are compered with the apple. If you see them in the market select the brighter in color and shinier ones. I find the bigger fruit more mature and sweeter too. I got these at a huge market in Berkeley that sells all kinds of fruit and vegetables that are in season around the world. I only wish they had  pitayas with red and yellow pulp for they are really nice looking to show you.
I often wondered why they call it dragonfruit when it looks more like a fish to me. What do you think?
The tiny seeds are often compared to the texture of the kiwi which are completely edible or even the strawberry. Here are some ways you might serve them.









This slice can take the place of my salad anytime. Try this fruit, even if it's just for its good looks. Enjoy!

24 comments:

  1. Sooo attractive fruit, and you have managed to make it even more beautiful!

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  2. Very interesting!
    I would like to wish you a Merry Xmas!!
    Good Night,
    Barbaraxx

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  3. Super cool as usual. I must find and try this!!!!

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  4. You have made dragaonfruit more beautiful. love your work.

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  5. wow pretty fruit and adore your photograpy

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  6. Curioso fruta. La pena es que aqui en España no se encuentra. Tiene muy buena pinta.
    Bessos

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  7. Maravillosa, ke pena ke por akí no pueda encontrarla!!!!

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  8. I have seen these occasionally in the shops and wondered what I should do with them. Now I know next time I see them I will try them out. Diane

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  9. i admire ur creativity never sae this fruit i think it is not avaible in india if get eat it

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  10. Quizás es verdad que se parece a un pez

    Lo he probado alguna vez y es muy rico

    Siempre sorprendes con tus presentacioes, son fantásticas

    Abrazos y Feliz Navidad

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  11. I like the cubes dragonfruit! Once, I made a dragonfruit cheesecake using the red variety, it was pretty cool! You should check it out on my site ;-).

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  12. hi arthur, not sure if you read chinese..if direct translation, they call it 'fire dragon fruit' in chinese..i heard it's because the green parts on the outer skin of the fruit(the one that looks like cactus) actually resembles the flames on the dragon's body and the spikes on its head..err something like that. I like the ones in red pulp, they are sweeter.

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  13. Thanks for explaining, Lena you just demystified the name question for me! Nice to know more things about this marvelous cactus that gives spectacular flowers and fruits to enjoy! You are right, the red pulp variety is sweeter and more inviting of course! Happy holidays!!!

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  14. Beautiful captures..I always see this fruit in our local grocery store but never actually bought it, might try it now..

    US Masala

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  15. Especially around the festive holidays...it has truly been a pleasure to discover your enthusiastic and cheerful personality through these stunning captures of the Dragon fruit.

    Happy Holiday to you and your close ones,
    Claudia

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  16. Neat! Dragonfruit is bland to me. But I love your presentation!

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  17. cute and beautiful clicks...
    Hi,an award for you,check this link
    http://traditional-indian-cooking.blogspot.com/p/awards.html

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  18. I've never seen this fruit, it's beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

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  19. Thank you for introducing me to another new fruit!

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  20. I must live in a box. I've seen dragonfruit and was never sure... the inside looks like a work of art (with your talent). Never has a fruit looked more enticing.

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  21. I love dragon fruit, and I agree more like a fish :) What gorgeous presentations...Love it!

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  22. wow! non avevo mai visto niente di simile nella mia vita! sono incollata allo schermo come un bambino che assiste a una magia! che belli...

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  23. I love the stunning look of these fruits.
    You made them look even more beautiful with the presentation.
    weirdcombinations.com
    H

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