Dragon fruit plant, a remarkable type of cactus, possesses the ability to produce unusual fruit that bears a striking resemblance to a fantastical dragon egg. On the outside, its vibrant pinky-red skin captivates the eye, but it is upon cutting through this layer that one discovers the pristine white or pink flesh adorned with tiny black seeds. Tasting the fruit proves to be an enigmatic experience, as some describe it as a delightful amalgamation of mild kiwi fruit, watermelon, strawberry, blueberry and pear flavours, while others perceive it as vaguely sweet or even savoury. This perplexity can be attributed to factors such as the fruit’s growing conditions and its ripeness. Nevertheless, its allure lies not only in its visual splendour but also in its abundant nutrients, such as Vitamin C, making it an advantageous choice.
However, if the fruit alone fails to entice you, do not overlook its captivating flowers. These exquisite blooms, exceeding 20cm in width, grace the dragon fruit plant during the summer season. Upon first glance, their outward appearance boasts a delightful yellowish-green hue, but as they unfurl, their enchanting scent accompanies the emergence of a lily-like white blossom. The flowers, ephemeral in nature, bloom solely in the evening, gracing the world for a mere night. Thus, they provide the perfect excuse to indulge in an evening cocktail party, simultaneously revelling in the beauty of these blooms.
Dragon fruit is often described as a blend of kiwi and pear flavours. When you first cut open this fruit, it’s white pulp and tiny black seeds may remind you of an Oreo smoothie. Apart from its exotic taste, dragon fruit provides numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to your diet.
Unveiling The Nutritional Value:
– Proteins: 3 grams
– Fat: NIL
– Calories: 136
– Iron: 8%
– Fiber: 7 grams
– Vitamin C: 9%
– Vitamin E: 4%
– Magnesium: 18%
– Calcium: 107
Types Of Dragon Fruit Plant
Dragon fruit plants come in various types, each with its unique characteristics and flavours. Here are the five main varieties of dragon fruit:
1. Sour Dragon Fruit Plants:
Also known as Hylocereus Undatus or Selenicereus Undatus, this is the most commonly grown dragon fruit. It has white flesh and pink skin. Popular cultivars of white dragon fruit include Thompson, Harpua, and Neitzel, each offering a unique taste and texture.

2. White Dragon Fruit Plant:
Also known as Hylocereus Undatus or Selenicereus Undatus, this is the most commonly grown dragon fruit. It has white flesh and pink skin. Popular cultivars of white dragon fruit include Thompson, Harpua, and Neitzel, each offering a unique taste and texture.

3. Red Dragon Fruit Plant:
Commonly referred to as Pitaya Roja or Hylocereus costaricensis, this variety has red flesh and red skin. It has a sweet flavour and a texture similar to kiwi. Popular red dragon fruit cultivars include Costa Rican Sunset, Zamorano, and Red Jaina.

4. Yellow Dragon Fruit Plant:
Known scientifically as Pitaya megalanthus or Hylocereus Megalanthus, this variety has a yellow-scaling pattern on its skin and firm white flesh. Yellow Dragon fruit plant is considered to be the tastiest variety of dragon fruit.

5. Pink Dragon Fruit Plant:
This variety belongs to the red type, but its flesh is soft and pink in colour. Pink dragon fruits can adapt to different soil and climate conditions. Some popular pink dragon fruit varieties include Delight, Cosmic Charlie, Voodoo Child, and American Beauty.
It is important to note that while blue dragon fruit plant may be available, they are not edible. These colours indicate that the fruit is unripe and still needs more time to fully develop. As the fruit ripens, it will change to red, pink, or yellow depending on the variety. So when looking for dragon fruit, make sure to choose ripe ones for the best flavour and enjoyment.

Health Benefits Of Dragon Fruit:
Beyond its mythological origins, dragon fruit offers a multitude of health benefits that can greatly improve your well-being. Let’s dig into a few of these remarkable advantages:
1. Reduces Risk Of Diabetes:
With its high fibre content, dragon fruit helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Studies have shown that regular consumption of this fruit can help balance blood sugar levels and prevent further complications in diabetics.
2. Reduces Risks Of Cancer:
Dragon fruit possesses anti-cancer properties, particularly against colon cancer. Its abundance of vitamin C boosts the immune system, helping to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.
3. Helps Boost Immunity:
The high levels of vitamin C in the yellow dragon fruit plant strengthen the immune system, protecting you from various infections. Consuming just 1 cup (200 grams) of this fruit daily can keep you healthy and illness-free.
4. Good for the Heart:
The red pulp of dragon fruit is rich in betalains, which have been linked to reducing bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and lowering the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the tiny black seeds inside the fruit provide omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, further promoting a healthy heart and the blue dragon fruit plant is also beneficial for a healthy heart.
5. Fights Ageing Skin:
Dragon fruit’s antioxidant content helps combat premature ageing caused by stress, pollution, and poor diet. It can treat sunburn, dry skin, and acne, while its vitamin C content promotes brighter skin. Drinking dragon fruit juice once a day can result in radiant skin.
The Dragon Fruit Antioxidants:
Dragon fruit’s antioxidants play a crucial role in capturing and eliminating free radicals, which can cause cell damage and lead to various health issues, including heart problems and cancer. Here are some of the key antioxidants found in dragon fruit and their uses:
Betalains:
These red pigments protect against bad cholesterol (LDL), preventing their oxidation and damage.
Hydroxycinnamates:
These antioxidants have been shown to prevent or decrease cancer growth, making dragon fruit an effective anti-cancer food.
Flavonoids:
present in many fruits and vegetables, improve brain health, and function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion:
Dragon fruit is undoubtedly a tropical superfruit with numerous health benefits to offer and is rich in iron and vitamin C. From reducing the risk of diabetes and cancer to boosting immunity and promoting healthy hair and skin, this fruit should undoubtedly find a place in your everyday diet. Embrace the power of dragon fruit and harness its extraordinary benefits on your journey towards optimal health and wellness.
FAQs
Dragon fruit is often described as a blend of kiwi and pear flavours. It has a mildly sweet taste with a hint of freshness.
Dragon fruit offers several health benefits, such as reducing the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. It also boosts immunity, promotes healthy skin, and provides essential nutrients like Vitamin C, fibre, and iron.
There are five main types of dragon fruit: sour dragon fruit, white dragon fruit, red dragon fruit, yellow dragon fruit, and pink dragon fruit. Each type has its unique flavours and characteristics.
Blue dragon fruit is not edible. It indicates that the fruit is unripe and needs more time to fully develop. As it ripens, it changes to red, pink, or yellow depending on the variety.