Dragon fruit
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Major Growing Areas
Dragon fruits, also called pitahayas, are cactaceous plants. They are native to Central America and are cultivated in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, South China, Israel, etc. Dragon fruits are rather bland in taste and have a unique appearance that resembles the scales of dragons in Chinese mythology.
Varieties
Dragon fruits can be divided into three main types: Those with red skin and white flesh (the most commonly consumed type), those with red skin and red flesh (commonly called pitaya roja, containing very vividly coloured pulp), and those with yellow skin and white flesh (commonly called pitaya amarilla, yellow pitaya or kirin fruit, which is smaller and sweeter but not commonly seen).
Nutritional Values
Dragon fruits are quite rich in potassium. Their seeds contain minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron.
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Per 100 g (Approx. ½ dragon fruit) |
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Energy |
56 kcal |
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Sugar |
7.6 g |
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Vitamin C |
9.0 mg |
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Dietary Fibre |
1.7 g |
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Potassium |
270 mg |
Buying Tips
Fresh dragon fruits are firm to the touch. The heavier the fruit, the juicier and better the pulp is.
Interesting Titbits
Some people may have reddish stools after consuming red-fleshed dragon fruits. Instead of hemorrhoidal bleeding, this is actually a natural phenomenon that occurs after the body absorbs natural pigments from plants.
One Serving of Fruit is Equivalent to:
½ dragon fruit
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