Pitahaya fruit is what tastes like. Pitahaya fruit. How and where does dragon fruit grow? Exotic fruit pitahaya species and varieties

Thailand is famous for its unusual legends and exotic fruits. One of the ancient Thai parables is connected with the amazing fruit of a fruit plant - pitahaya (pitahaya).

In ancient times, there were deadly fights between warriors and dragons. Whenever the winged giant lost, and was no longer able to fight, instead of a sizzling flame, a wondrous fruit appeared from its mouth, popularly called the "dragon's heart" or "dragon's eye".

What it is?

In different regions of Thailand, a unique fruit is called differently: prickly pear, dragonfruit, kaumangkon, pitahaya and pitahaya. According to legend, the fruit, unknown in nature, was so good that the Thais exterminated all dragons for it. And the plant survived and took root in the warm climate of the mysterious kingdom. And only the scales on the fruits of the dragon now reminds the Thais of the battles they won with fire-breathing monsters in the distant past.

According to the scientific description, the pitaya plant belongs to the cactus family. Liana-like wild pitahaya is an epiphytic cactus, widespread in hot Mexico, and also prevailing in South and Central America.

The stem of the plant reaches 10 meters in height. It is cultivated in most Asian countries in the Southeast. In addition to Thailand, exotic fruits are grown in the Philippines and Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan, Taiwan, Israel, Hawaii, and even in northern Australia.

A striking plant blooms exclusively at night. In the dark, large white flowers on pitahaya can be confused with giant moths. The form of fragrant flowers is characteristic of all plants of the cactus family. The enchanting smell of a blooming dragon seems to spread magic in the air, making the night magical. Fruits on a cactus vine appear in 30-50 days, and this can happen up to 6 times a year.

The ripened fruit, nicknamed the "heart of the dragon", outwardly looks very unusual. The weight of one pitaya is from 150 to 600 grams. The size does not exceed a large apple, but the shape is more oblong. The color of the skin varies from yellow to crimson, depending on the variety of pitahaya. From above, the skin is covered with large scales, really resembling the skin of a dragon. At the ends of the scales are painted in an intense light green color. The fruit looks interesting. Under a dense shell, a creamy pulp of whitish, pinkish or purple color is found.

An attractive plant not only pleases the eye, but is also widely used in local medicine to heal cuts and wounds, improve vision, increase appetite, strengthen memory and reduce weight.

Thais use for treatment not only the fruits, but also the stems of the plant, extracting healing juice from them. If you keep the proportions, it makes an excellent tool for strengthening of cardio-vascular system, a circulatory stimulant, antispasmodic, and even an anthelmintic drug.

But before proceeding with treatment, you need to know the specific dosage. Exceeding the dose by one dose is dangerous for poisoning.

Taste characteristics

The most popular fruits for eating are yellow, Costa Rican and red pitaya. The size, color of the skin and flesh is not the same, and depends on the variety of tropical fruit.

It is not recommended to "lean" on the fruit with fanaticism. The concentration of nutrients in dragonfruit is quite capable of provoking an allergic reaction. The seeds in the pulp are almost imperceptible to the taste, but indigestible, so it is better to chew them thoroughly. At the same time, they contain a lot of lipids and tannin, which is indicated for diabetes mellitus and has a positive effect on vision.

The ripe pitaya fruit is rich in phosphorus, protein, vitamins C and B, useful iron, essential calcium, niacin and riboflavin. Eating fruit has positive influence on the function of the intestinal tract, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, stops indigestion and eliminates flatulence.

Diabetics can enjoy pitaya without fear, on the contrary, the fruit helps to normalize sugar levels. And thanks to the calcium in the composition, the dragon's eye is indispensable in clinical nutrition in diseases affecting the bones and joints. The same mineral will help strengthen teeth, hair and nails. Regular moderate consumption of a fruit rich in vitamin C will strengthen the immune system and help to avoid acute respiratory infections in the midst of the development of viruses.

It is also useful when dieting, as it is low in calories. It is well absorbed and does not cause a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Nutritional value per 100 g of fruit:

• calorie content - 50 kcal;
• proteins - 5 grams;
• fats - 3 grams;
• carbohydrates - 12 grams.

The color of the flesh does not affect the taste of the dragon, which disappoints many with its neutrality. At first glance, it seems that the bright fruit is as rich in taste as in color. But the pulp has a slight sweetness and a grassy aftertaste. The seeds are slightly crunchy on the teeth, but not hard like those of the tropical kiwi fruit.

How to eat pitahaya?

In Thailand and the hot countries of Asia, dragon fruit is sold all year round. The dragon fruit plant is now cultivated wherever a tropical climate prevails. Pitahaya crop leaders: Thailand, China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Varieties with fuchsia-colored pulp and white content are most often sold in Russia. You can buy them in large supermarkets. The color of the pulp is easy to determine by appearance fetus. Pink and yellow skin with greenish scale leaves hides white flesh under its shell, and the purple content of the fruit is usually a rich crimson hue.

You can eat fruit in different ways:

• cut the fruit into two equal parts and serve as a dessert (it is more convenient to eat with a spoon, choosing all the pulp, to the skin);
• cut the pitaya into slices, and treat yourself without the use of cutlery;
• peel the skin like a banana, and bite off a piece;
• mix with yogurt or sherbet;
• add to a cocktail with any citrus fruits.

In America, it is popular to prepare a dessert with the addition of pitahaya. The fruit is whipped in a blender bowl with condensed milk, almonds and Mascarpone cheese, and eaten for breakfast with toast or used as an impregnation for biscuits. From these tropical fruits, the Thais have adapted to make jams, mousses and sauces. Even pitahaya flowers benefit enterprising owners. Tea with plant petals acquires a breathtaking aroma.

The sweetish fruit contains only 50 kilocalories per 100 g of its weight. This means that it can be included without a twinge of conscience in a diet aimed at losing weight. Nutritionists agree with this, who also recommend fruit to children instead of sweets and sweets. But only after three years, given that pitahaya is an allergen.

It is better to eat the product fresh, and not after heat treatment, in order to get from the process maximum benefit and even quench your thirst. This fruit is a favorite delicacy among the population of long-lived countries, thanks to trace elements, minerals and vitamins in its composition.

The skin of the dragon fruit is not eaten, but immediately thrown away. It has no use and taste. It is easy to separate the shell from the pulp with a knife or pry off the edge and remove the skin, like with a banana.

The contents of the exotic fruit found many fans, but many were not impressed at all. To determine your attitude to the fruit, you need to personally taste what it tastes and smells like.

In order to buy this fruit, you do not need to go to hot countries or wait for a hotel from there. In Russian shopping centers they sell different varieties of pitahaya. Fruits with pink skin are mainly common, with yellow skin are less common. To taste a really tasty and fragrant dragon fruit, you need to choose a ripe fruit. You can check the maturity by lightly pressing on the shell, if the fruit under it is soft, then it is ripe. A pitaya fruit that is hard to the touch will turn out to be tasteless, or rather, tasteless. Ripe fruits can be easily peeled by hand.

When buying pitaya, pay attention to the freshness of the fruit. The disadvantage of the product is that the fruits quickly deteriorate, wrinkle, and are difficult to transport. That is why you should not buy pitahaya in kilograms. The exotic gift of hot countries is not stored in the refrigerator for more than three days

How to eat pitahaya, see the next video.

Pitahaya or pitahaya is an incredibly beautiful fruit, with the same interesting name like his appearance. This tasty and very useful exotic fruit is used in the preparation of desserts, salads and drinks. How to eat pitahaya fruit and what benefits it has is our today's topic.

This interesting exotic fruit has so many names that sometimes you start to doubt whether the same fruit is in question. Dragon fruit, dragon fruit, dragon eye fruit, pitahaya, pitahaya, dragon heart, and that's not all. In the countries where it is grown, there are several more names. But, it is enough to see this miracle once and you will not forget it again.

What is pitahaya fruit

This is a fruit with a bright pink or red skin, smooth with leafy growths. The flesh is white with black seeds, soft and creamy, with a pleasant, delicate aroma. It is because of its beauty that this fruit is often used to decorate tables at special occasions.

Pitahaya grows on small trees cactus family! There are plantations with pitahaya trees in Southeast Asia, Japan, China, and Taiwan. Also cultivated in the USA, Australia and Israel.

Today, the main supplier of these fruits to the world market is Southeast Asia, despite the fact that America is the birthplace of the dragon fruit.

Dragon fruit is about the size of a large apple, only slightly elongated. One fruit can weigh from 10 to 600 grams, some can reach a kilogram. The taste of dragon fruit is reminiscent of banana and kiwi.

Today, the most common 3 types of pitaya fruit are:

• white pitahaya- pink or red skin, white flesh, black seeds.
• Red- bright pink skin, bright red flesh, richer taste.
• yellow- yellow skin, white flesh, black seeds.

The pitahaya fruit is very easily damaged and therefore difficult to transport, especially over long distances. That is why this fruit is a rarity in our country, and, moreover, quite expensive.

Calories: This fruit is quite rich in vitamins and nutrients, but it has a very low calorie content. Only 50Kcal per 100 grams of pulp.

Dragon fruit - beneficial properties

Like all exotic fruits, patahaya contains many vitamins, especially vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, fruit acids and dietary fiber.

Benefits of pitahaya fruit:

• Contains a lot of fiber than helps to regulate the work of the intestines and removes toxins and toxins;

• Rich in Antioxidants and, natural neutralizers of free radicals, which are responsible for the formation of cancer cells and aging of the body;

• Has anti-inflammatory properties than improves well-being in arthritis and other chronic diseases;

• Useful for diabetes as it regulates blood sugar levels;

Yellow, red and white dragon fruit

• Due to the high content of vitamin C, strengthens the immune system, and regular consumption serves as a preventive measure against the occurrence of respiratory diseases such as asthma;

• Contains B vitamins– B1, B2 and B3, iron, calcium phosphorus, proteins, fiber, niacin and vitamin C. Is good source nutrients while remaining a very low-calorie product;

• Mask for the face from dragon fruit puree, excellent anti-aging care - improves skin elasticity and tones it;

• Pitahaya pulp is great for soothing sunburned skin.. While on vacation in Southeast Asia, this is a great and natural way to hydrate and restore skin after sunbathing.

In addition to all that has been said, pitaya is simply a delicious and vitamin fruit, which also gives incredible aesthetic pleasure.

How to eat dragon fruit

The pulp of the dragon fruit has a sweetish taste, the texture is soft, some may find the fruit somewhat insipid, so it is recommended to eat it chilled, make juice and even wine. Pitahaya pulp is not combined with products with a sharp taste.

For eating, the dragon fruit is cut vertically in half and the pulp scooped out with a spoon, or cut into slices like a melon. The skin is inedible.

There are very interesting way serving pitahaya: The fruit is cut into 2 halves, and with the help of a knife all the contents are scooped out, 2 empty boats remain. Next, the pulp is cut into cubes, if desired, additional decorations or ingredients are added, and put back into the boats from the peel. It turns out an incredibly beautiful fruit salad.

How to choose and store pitaya fruit

When choosing a pitahaya fruit, you should avoid buying an overripe fruit, it usually has darker spots on the surface. It is easier to navigate by the color of the peel, it should be even, and its color should be bright.

The fruit itself should be slightly soft, like avocado. If the fruit is hard and there is no choice, then you will have to leave it in the refrigerator for a couple of days, it will ripen. Leaf growths should not be dry, this is a sign that the fruit has been lying for a long time after picking.

An interesting video about how white pitahaya differs from red:

Dragon fruit is stored for a short time, only 5-6 days in the refrigerator. The fresher the product, the more useful properties it has.

Dragon heart fruit - contraindications and harm

As is common with exotic fruits, some people are allergic to dragon fruit, so try to eat very little the first time. If no negative reactions followed, then you can safely use this wonderful fruit.

As for other contraindications, science about them is still unknown. Of course, people with chronic diseases should always consult their doctor before introducing new foods to their diet.

Pitahaya fruit, unfortunately, due to its fragility, is almost impossible to find on store shelves in our country, but those who like to relax in the exotic countries of Southeast Asia have every chance to try it.

Pitahaya is the fruit of a climbing cactus plant. The question, is it a fruit or a berry, should not be - this fruit is called a dragon fruit in a different way. Pitahaya fruit originally grew in Mexico and Central and South America. Now it can be found in Australia and Southeast Asia. Mainly in Thailand and Vietnam.

From this article you will learn:

Types of pitahaya

There are three types of this fruit:

1. Red pitahaya has a bright pink skin with green shoots and white flesh. What the taste is like: fresh, watery, and herbal. In Russia, this variety is almost always found.
2. Yellow, with the same shell. Inside white or yellowish. Very sweet and aromatic. Quite a rare sight.
3. The Costa Rican pitaya is completely red, even the flesh. The skin is almost the same as the red variety.

Useful properties and harm of pitahaya

What contains in the composition:

• calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium;
• vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C;
• carbohydrates, a little protein, fat and fiber;
• over 80% water.

What is the benefit?

This product contains only 40-50 calories per 100 g. It can be eaten while losing weight, it helps fats break down faster. It is useful for problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Pitaya relieves pain and eliminates bloating, gives a slight laxative effect.

See also the beneficial properties of appetizing and sweet mango in the article:.

Useful for diabetics, as it normalizes blood glucose levels. Helps to improve the condition in diseases of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Strengthens the immune system, slows down the aging process. When added to homemade masks, it increases skin elasticity and smoothes wrinkles.

Strengthens bones, teeth, nails and hair. Slows down vision loss. Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Has anti-inflammatory action. Improves brain function.

It turns out that pitahaya is both a delicious dessert and a means of traditional medicine and cosmetology.

Harm and contraindications

Some people should not use:

• in young children, it contributes to diathesis or problems with the digestive system;
• people with allergies or individual intolerance to any component;
• pregnant and lactating women.

What harm can this fruit cause:

• diarrhea or allergic reaction if tried for the first time;
• heartburn, flatulence, abdominal pain;
• staining urine or feces red if the variety is Costa Rican red.

Advice : if you are trying for the first time, you need to eat a small piece and wait a while. In the absence of allergic reactions, you can safely use pitaya.

How to use

They eat only the pulp, the peel is not suitable for this. Several ways to eat pitahaya:

1. Cut in half, then into long slices (like melon or watermelon).
2. If served as a dessert, cut in half and offer teaspoons. It is convenient for them to eat away the pulp - like ice cream from a creamer.
3. Peel and eat, biting like an apple.
4. Put on a skewer and grill like a marshmallow.

Pitahaya fruit how to eat it useful tips:

1. Fruit Salad – Cut in half and carefully scoop out the flesh. Chop it into small cubes. Cut into pieces of the same size any other fruit: banana, strawberry, kiwi. Place in the peeled halves of the peel and mix. This is a great decoration for your holiday table.
2. The taste will be better if consumed chilled. Therefore, it is worth putting it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours in advance. It is not recommended to combine the delicate fresh flesh of pitahaya with food with a sharp taste.
3. It is in the seeds that useful substances are found. They are poorly digested, so you need to chew them carefully.
4. Dragon fruit is used to make juice and wine. They make a variety of desserts: jelly, yogurt, sherbet, sauce, smoothies, cocktails. Pitahaya is added to confectionery, pastries, various fillings, and dairy products. You can make jam based on this fruit.
5. The flowers are also edible, mainly used as tea additives. They give the drink a delicate aroma and a light aftertaste.

How they cook dragon fruit in other countries:

1. In Spain, refreshing light drinks are made: lemon or lime juice is mixed with pitahaya juice. Here this drink is considered national.
2. Traditional Central American dessert pitahaya with almonds: cut the fruit in half, carefully remove the pulp and cut into cubes. Whisk 100 g of soft cream cheese with a whisk. In the process, add a little 50 ml of condensed milk, 50 g of pre-crushed almonds and fruit pulp. Divide the finished homogeneous mixture in half and fill the halves of the peel. You can use candied fruits as a decoration.
3. In Mexico, the dragon fruit is intended for the production of liqueurs and wines.

How to choose pitaya?

A few tips:

1. Do not buy fruit with dried tips. This means that the collection was a long time ago and this is not the freshest product.
2. Overripe fruit has dark spots on the skin. A normal fruit should be even and bright in color.
3. The pitaya should be slightly soft, avocado-like. If you managed to find only solid, let it lie in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
4. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days. The more time passes, the less useful properties remain.

How to grow at home

This plant is propagated by grafting, cuttings or seeds. Growing at home from seeds is not a difficult task.

The seeds are sold in the store, but it is more efficient to get them from a fresh fruit on your own: a little middle pulp is placed in cheesecloth and kneaded with your hands, then washed under a tap. The resulting seeds can be planted immediately.

Struggling to eat right? Then this natural dessert is for you:

This requires a seedling pot with large drainage holes or a whole container with an average depth. An equal composition of sand, peat and perlite is used as soil.

Seeds are distributed evenly over the entire plane, sprinkled on top with the thinnest layer to cover them. Water them with a sprayer after each drying. The container with seedlings is covered with polyethylene. Twice a day it is necessary to ventilate it. The air temperature in the room should be 22-25 degrees.

After 2-3 weeks, the first shoots will appear. The polyethylene is removed and the seedlings are placed on the window, but not in direct sunlight.

When the mini cacti have grown, it's time to transplant them into separate containers. This should be done every time the previous pot gets small. Here another soil is already needed: common for cacti, or for flowers, but replaced by a third of sand.

An adult plant happily absorbs sunlight. That's why the best place for him - the south window with maximum lighting. Summer normal temperature for this plant - 27 degrees. It is tolerant of temperature changes up to 0 degrees, so in winter it may well live on an insulated balcony.

Pitahaya is an exotic fruit that has a pleasant unobtrusive taste and many useful properties. Almost no contraindications. From it you can make various sweet dishes or their components. Dragon fruit is easy to grow at home.

This plant has many names - pitahaya, pitahaya, "dragon fruit". Its fruits do not look very appetizing - they resemble large pink cones. But in fact, the white pulp of these fruits has a rather pleasant taste. And according to the data scientific research, it is also very useful.

What is pitahaya

These fruits look like representatives of alien flora. But in fact, these are the fruits of plants from the Cactus family. They look unusual. These are creeping plants with aerial roots, more reminiscent of vines. In length, they can reach 3 m. Some species have soft spines, while others do not have them at all. All of them bloom with very beautiful large flowers, most often white or cream.

Kinds

There are several types of pitahaya, and they differ not only in shade, but also in taste:

1. The Costa Rican pitahaya is the fruit of the Costa Rican Hylocereus cactus, which grows in Guatemala and Peru. Considered to be the most neutral in taste, some define it as insipid or even herbaceous. These fruits are often used to make salads. In addition, they go well with other dishes, but only without a pronounced smell.
2. Red Pitahaya is the fruit of the cactus Hylocereus wavy (or sinuous) with a brighter skin and flesh. It has the most intense taste and aroma (compared to other varieties).
3. Yellow pitahaya is the fruit of a cactus called Hylocereus grandiflorum. It is often cultivated precisely for decorative purposes, since it has almost the largest flowers in the entire family. The fruits themselves have a yellow peel, and their pulp is considered the sweetest.

All species have rather juicy pulp. But it should be noted that the red pitahaya is less common on sale because it is more difficult to cultivate.

What it looks like and where it grows

The pitaya fruit resembles a cone - it has an elongated shape, often close to an oval. The weight of the fruit can be from 160 to 600 g, but larger fruits are sometimes found, up to 850 g (and some sources claim up to 1 kg). The size of the fruit depends on the particular variety and variety, as does the color of their flesh. The skin of the fruit is generally smooth, but characteristic leaf-like growths form on it, and outwardly they resemble frozen tongues of fire, which, apparently, was the reason for choosing such a name as dragon fruit.

Although the fruits of several plants are called dragon fruit, they all have a common feature. They grow in regions with a dry tropical climate. For example, pitahaya has long been known in Mexico and Hawaii, and is widespread in Southeast Asia, such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. And now it is grown in Israel.

What is the taste and smell of dragon fruit

The taste of this fruit can only be described in comparison with others. If its creamy texture is reminiscent of figs (although not as strongly flavored), then the taste of the most common varieties can be compared to kiwi. Yellow pitahaya tastes a bit like a banana.

Composition and calories

The energy value is low. 100 g of pulp contains only 50 kcal, which makes it one of the most useful dietary products.

Concerning chemical composition fruits, they contain vitamins of group B, namely:

1. Thiamine (B1) is a vitamin that is involved in various metabolic processes, improves the body's ability to fight against infectious diseases, normalizes the level of acidity of gastric juice, provides the motor function of the intestine.
2. Riboflavin (B2) is one of those vitamins, without which the normal production of hormones is impossible. In addition, it is necessary for good vision, as it protects the retina from the negative effects of sunlight, improves adaptation to the dark.
3. Niacin (B3) is a vitamin that is actively involved in lipid and protein metabolism. In addition, it is necessary for the normal functioning of the stomach and pancreas.

This fruit contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which has antioxidant activity. Separately, substances such as betacyanins and betaxanthins should be singled out - they are also antioxidants with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. The pulp also contains such essential elements as vitamin PP, iron, potassium and phosphorus.

General Benefit

Numerous studies have shown that pitahaya is a very useful fruit because it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. At the same time, both the pulp of the dragon fruit and its seeds have healing properties. They contain tannins that are good for vision, so eating the pulp and seeds is worth at least for the prevention of myopia and hyperopia.

In addition, there are studies that support the benefits of dragon fruit for diabetes. The fiber included in its composition helps to improve digestion and normalize bowel function.

For women

Very often, pitahaya is paid attention due to the fact that it contains a lot of antioxidants. Indeed, such substances help to significantly slow down the aging process of the body, in particular the appearance of wrinkles. But for women, pitahaya is also useful because it contains a lot of calcium (one fruit contains daily allowance this substance). And this is very important for women during menopause, since at this time a lack of calcium can lead to the development of osteoporosis.

For men

As you know, antioxidants have, among other things, anti-inflammatory properties. That is why pitahaya is also useful for men. The antioxidants contained in it serve as an excellent preventive and therapeutic agent against diseases of the prostate gland.

During pregnancy

Pitahaya can be useful for future mothers for several reasons. For example:

1. The pulp contains a lot of iron, and this element is necessary for the production of erythrocytes (red blood cells). During pregnancy, when a lot of resources are spent on the development of the child's body, women experience anemia. The use of pitahaya avoids this problem.
2. These fruits contain a lot folic acid- a vitamin that is necessary for the normal development of the nervous system of the fetus.
3. The fiber contained in the pulp should normalize digestion and eliminate bloating - this is another problem that young mothers face.

However, this product should be used with caution as it can cause a severe allergic reaction.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, young mothers need vitamins. However, it is better to refuse pitahaya in this case, since the baby's body can react negatively to any potential allergens, even in more familiar products.

For kids

Being a storehouse of vitamins, pitahaya is very useful for children. But we must remember that just like all other exotic fruits, it can cause severe allergies. It is generally contraindicated for preschoolers. It can already be given to children of seven years of age, but not more than one fruit per day.

When losing weight

Dragon fruit is believed to help get rid of excess weight. Indeed, the pulp of these fruits contains fiber, which helps to normalize the digestion process, and this is the basis of proper metabolism. In addition, pitahaya contains B vitamins that help speed up metabolism.

This fruit can be used in dietetics in different ways. The most common option is fasting days based on pitahaya. Most often, smoothies based on this fruit are prepared for this purpose.

For example, during the strawberry season, you can arrange a fasting day on such a smoothie. Take the pulp of one medium pitahaya fruit, 200 g of fresh strawberries, 30 g of cashew nuts and about 70 ml of coconut milk. All these ingredients are whipped in a blender until a homogeneous mass of a fairly liquid consistency is obtained. Smoothies are prepared immediately before use. On a fasting day, you can drink three such servings of smoothies, there should be no other food in the diet.

There is another option that can be cooked at any time of the year. For him, you need to take the pulp of one pitahaya fruit, 100 g of peeled pineapple, two medium-sized bananas, a small piece of ginger root (up to 2 cm) and 100 ml of boiled water. Grind all these components in a blender. If the fruits themselves are not very sweet, you can add a little honey to the drink. You can drink no more than three glasses of this smoothie per day.

fruit application

Due to its low calorie content and rich vitamin composition, the fruit is used not only in cooking, but also in dietetics, folk medicine and cosmetology. For example:

1. The pulp of the fruit helps with pain in the stomach, as well as with some diseases of the thyroid gland.
2. Fruit juice has not only anti-inflammatory, but also antimicrobial action, it can be used to treat any inflammatory processes on the skin. In addition, it is considered effective in the treatment of arthritis.
3. Seeds contain a whole range of substances that can improve the condition of people suffering from diabetes.

All parts of the plant are useful. In the countries of Southeast Asia, both freshly cut stems and flowers are used (the latter can be brewed with tea).

In medicine

In Russia, pitahaya is not used in official medicine, in folk tradition too (this is not surprising, because this plant does not grow here). It is applied mainly in traditional medicine Eastern countries, especially popular in Thailand. Here are some options for its use:

1. With urolithiasis, it is recommended to make decoctions of flowers (10 g of dry raw materials per glass of boiling water). This remedy has diuretic properties.
2. With helminthiasis, decoctions are also made from the flowers and leaves of the plant.
3. For arthritis and others inflammatory diseases joints, you can make compresses based on the pulp and juice of pitahaya, or simply include this product in your diet, but not more than 1-2 fruits per day and only after consulting a doctor.
4. For burns on the skin, you can prepare a lotion from pitahaya juice, cucumber juice and honey, taken in equal proportions. This tool, as it were, removes heat from the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin and greatly alleviates the condition - including it is used for sunburn.
5. For gastritis in remission, it is recommended to include mashed pulp from the pulp of one dragon fruit in your diet (it is best to take it once a day on an empty stomach).

As for the use of pitahaya for diabetes, here doctors do not yet have a consensus regarding the benefits of the fetus. A number of studies have been conducted that have shown that regular consumption of fruit pulp can stabilize blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. But you need to eat fruits only with seeds. At the same time, research has shown that best result gives the use on an empty stomach, because only in this case it is possible to effectively stimulate the activity of those cells of the pancreas that are responsible for the production of insulin.

Important: glycemic index pitahaya - 25 units.

In cosmetology

Pitahaya is good because it benefits any type of skin. Extracts of this fruit are added industrially to any caring face creams. At home, you can make skin masks:

1. For oily or problematic skin. The pulp of the fruit is beaten in a blender, 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil are added, mixed and the mixture is applied to the skin of the face, avoiding only the more sensitive area around the eyes. The mask is left for 15-20 minutes, then washed off with cool water or herbal decoction.
2. For normal skin. The pulp of one fruit, as in the previous recipe, is whipped in a blender, just add essential oil roses or any citrus fruits. The agent is left for 15 minutes, then thoroughly washed off with mineral water without gas.
3. Against acne. Pitaya contains vitamin C, antioxidants and other substances with antimicrobial activity, so it effectively fights acne. To do this, simply cut the fruit into slices and apply them to the affected areas of the skin on the face for literally 15 minutes. Then these pieces are removed, and the face is washed with warm water. To achieve maximum results, the procedure is repeated twice a day, morning and evening.

On the basis of pitahaya, you can also prepare a body and face scrub. Moreover, as an abrasive (that is, scrubbing) substance in this case the seeds themselves should come out. For the face, a finer degree of their grinding is recommended. So in this case, the pulp and seeds need to be kneaded not by hand, but in a blender. Additional ingredients can be added if desired. For example, lemon juice will give a whitening effect.

Pitahaya is also used for hair care. For example, it is believed that its juice will help restore dyed curls. To do this, you can use one of two recipes. For example, you can simply add freshly squeezed juice to your hair conditioner with every wash. This will help cleanse the scalp, saturate the hair follicles with useful substances, and will help restore curls - they will become soft and silky.

The second option is to make a mask once a week. To do this, the pulp of one fruit is scraped out with a spoon and crushed in a blender until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The resulting puree is applied to the scalp, put on a plastic cap and wrapped in a warm terry towel. The product is kept on the skin for 15-20 minutes, then washed off with a regular shampoo (but preferably without silicones and parabens). This mask can be enriched with vitamin E by adding one capsule to the mixture, which helps to improve the structure of the hair.

In cooking

Basically, various desserts are prepared from pitahaya, and the fruit is used raw, since heat treatment destroys vitamins in many ways and deprives it of flavor. Moreover, in Thailand, pitahaya is most often consumed as an independent product, in Vietnam they come up with desserts based on it, and in Indonesia, alcoholic drinks with dragon fruit are popular.

For Russian housewives, pitahaya remains exotic, but you can use not traditional oriental, but modern recipes adapted to European cuisine. For example:

1. Fruit salad. For its preparation you will need: 2 pitahaya fruits, 1 mango fruit, 50 g blueberries, ½ kiwi fruit, 3-4 strawberries. There are two cooking options. In the first, the fruits of pitahaya and mango are peeled, cut into cubes, peeled and cut into slices of kiwi are added. All this is decorated with whipped cream and berries. The second option - diced mango and kiwi slices are poured over liquid pitahaya puree, chopped in a blender, and decorated with berries.
2. Sorbet. To prepare it, you will need 2 medium-sized pitahaya fruits, ¾ cups of cold purified water, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp. spoons of sugar. Peel the pitahaya fruits, take out the pulp, cut into pieces, add lemon juice, sugar and water and beat it all in a blender until smooth. After that, the mixture is frozen so that ice crystals form. Pitaya peel is not thrown away. Boats are made from it, on which the sorbet is then laid out.
3. American dessert with almonds. For cooking, they take 2 dragon fruits, 50 g of almonds (it must first be crushed), 100 g of soft cream cheese, like the one from which cheesecake is made. The pulp of the pitaya is cut into cubes, the cheese is whipped with a whisk, 2 tbsp. spoons of condensed milk, then chopped almonds and pitaya cubes and mix gently. Dessert is served in dragon fruit peel boats.
4. Healthy breakfast. To prepare it, you will need 3 small pitahaya fruits, 2 tbsp. tablespoons cane sugar, ¾ cup water, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of goji berries, chia seeds and coconut flakes, 2 tbsp. spoons of cereal or granola, any fresh fruit. Pitaya pulp is crushed in a blender, water and sugar are added, put in the freezer for no longer than 15 minutes, then the rest of the ingredients are added, mixed and served. You can completely freeze the dessert. Then the pitaya puree will need to be kept in the freezer until ice crystals form and then decorated with the rest of the ingredients.

Pitahaya can also be used to prepare alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails. For cooking, you will need 1 peeled dragon fruit, 100 ml of vodka, 1 tbsp. tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of cane sugar and 50 ml of coconut milk. All this is mixed in a cocktail blender.

Harm and contraindications

Pitahaya, with all its advantages, has one very significant drawback. This is an exotic fruit, and therefore there is a very high risk that it will provoke a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, even if a person has never had an allergy before, he will have to use dragon fruit with caution. That is, you first need to eat a small amount of pulp, and only then, if after a couple of hours no manifestations of allergies occur, it will be possible to eat the whole fruit. In principle, in the future it is worth adhering to these restrictions - 1-2 fruits per day, no more.

At the same time, sometimes when using red varieties, human urine and feces can acquire a reddish tint. There is nothing wrong with that, it's just that the body processes natural pigment in this way.

Young children under the age of 7 should not eat pitahaya at all, as this can lead to the development of diathesis. For the same reason, this fruit should not be included in the diet of pregnant women.

In addition, it should be noted that in people suffering from diarrhea, eating this fruit can significantly exacerbate the problem.

It is very important to choose these fruits correctly - only then they will be beneficial. When choosing a pitahaya, you need to focus on the appearance. But since these fruits remain exotic for the Russian market, not everyone knows what they should look like.

So, although there are several varieties of dragon fruit, its peel should in any case be pink. But the color of the pulp can be different, both white and dark, with a purple tint. However, there is another unusual variety - yellow dragon fruit. Its fruits are distinguished by yellow skin and light flesh. Seeds in all these varieties should be dark and small, like poppies.

You should choose fruits with a bright pink peel, on the surface of which there are no spots. If the peel is too pale, this indicates that the fruit is not yet ripe. If there are dark spots on the surface, the fruit is overripe. In addition, you need to focus on the tips of the "dragon fruit" growths. In ripe fruits, they should be yellowish-green. Dry and withered "scales" indicate that the pitahaya is overripe, and it was plucked a long time ago. But if you still come across just such an overripe fruit, you should not throw it away. You can collect seeds from it and grow this cactus at home.

It should also be noted that overripe fruits are always too soft. This can be understood by gently pressing your finger on the fruit. Its surface should only give in slightly - like an avocado. However, if the pitahaya is slightly underripe, you just need to keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. But do not leave the fruits for a long time. The fresher they are, the more nutrients they contain.

You need to store these fruits in the refrigerator, but, unfortunately, these tropical fruits will not be able to lie even there for a long time - a maximum of 5-6 days.

How to eat pitahaya

The main rule here is one - only the pulp of the fruit is eaten. The top layer is considered inedible. Nevertheless, the pitahaya still needs to be washed on the outside, substituting it under a stream of running water, after which the fruit is dried with a paper towel. It is then purified by one of the methods described below. As for the use of pulp, there are no strict rules here, but, for example, in Thailand it is customary to serve it chilled. In addition, there are very sweet varieties, for Europeans they may even seem cloying, so it is recommended to sprinkle such fruits with lemon juice.

How to clean

There are several ways to get rid of the top layer. For example:

1. Pitahaya can be peeled starting from the top, as they do with a banana. Then only dense pulp will remain on the plate.
2. Cut into slices like an orange, and peel each one individually.
3. Cut like a kiwi into two halves, and remove the pulp from each with a spoon.

If you want to use a dragon fruit for a salad, then you need to cut it in half, carefully pull out the pulp and cut it into cubes. The peel should not be thrown away. It forms beautiful "boats" that can be filled with fruit cubes cut for salad.

Is it possible to grow pitahaya at home

At home, pitahaya can be grown from those black seeds that are in the white pulp. As already noted, they contain many useful substances and can be used in traditional medicine. But you can also grow your own flower from them.

Pitahaya is, in fact, a cactus, so it will be great to grow at home. In general, this is an unpretentious plant, so it does not need to create any special conditions. Pitaya loves well-lit areas and warmth, but can withstand some temperature drops (for brief periods - down to zero). It will also survive periodic blackouts.

So, for growing at home, you need to collect seeds. Then germinate them in wet gauze. When they sprout, then transplant them into a small container with soil and put on a windowsill in a bright room. While the shoot is only getting stronger, it is worth organizing a mini-greenhouse by covering the container with plastic wrap. But in general, the shoots very quickly get out of the soil and grow quite actively - in a year they can reach a height of 80 cm. All this time, the plant needs regular, but at the same time moderate watering. For lush flowering, you need to apply nitrogen fertilizers. However, it should be understood that at home, without pollinating insects, the plant will not bear fruit. Therefore, artificial pollination will have to be used. To do this, grow at least two copies of pitahaya. They will need to be pollinated with a soft brush at night, because that is when these magnificent flowers open.

The birthplace of this culture is Central America. It is believed that more than 700 years ago, pitahaya was familiar to the Aztecs. Europeans got to know her already in the era of the great geographical discoveries, when the conquistadors tried these fruits. However, it would have been very difficult to bring pitahaya to Europe in those days, because it is not stored for a long time. But in 1870, the plant came to France from its overseas colonies. Then it began to be grown to decorate gardens.

Today, pitahaya is grown for export in Vietnam, Nicaragua, Colombia, and commercially cultivated in Israel. From 1 hectare you can get a crop of 30 tons per season. Not all of this amount is used for culinary purposes. The stems and flowers are used in the pharmaceutical industry, the pulp and peel - in perfumery. In some countries, this plant is also a supplier of raw materials for the alcohol industry - for example, liqueurs are prepared from it.

Pitahaya or dragon's eye is a relative of the sweet pitahaya, the fruit of a plant from the cactus family, the genus Hylocereus. Visually, the culture resembles an ordinary tree, a palm tree. However, in fact, it is a climbing epiphytic vine-like cactus. The homeland of the plant is Central and South America, Mexico. Pitahaya is currently cultivated in the Philippines and Hawaii, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Japan, China, Armenia, and Israel.

Dragon fruit is a weighty fruit, weighing up to 1 kilogram and elongated. It tastes like and. An exotic fruit is a low-calorie product (100 grams contains 30 calories), rich in trace elements (iron, calcium, phosphorus) and C. Pitahaya pulp improves the condition of the digestive tract, accompanied by high acidity, lowers blood levels, normalizes the function of the endocrine glands (useful) .

According to legend, the fruit embodies the fiery essence of the dragon, which resembles the flame of an animal. It is believed that every person who has eaten pitahaya experiences a surge of strength and courage. And doctors have confirmed the beneficial effects of feathered fruit on the functioning of the digestive tract and heart.

Botanical description

The dragon's eye is a climbing epiphytic cactus adapted to life in tropical climate. Dragon fruit blooms only at night. The flowers are large, white, emit a pleasant aroma. The size of the fruit, the color of the skin and pulp depend on the type of plant. In good years, up to 6 crops can be obtained from one hectare of crops. The pulp of the fruit contains small black seeds rich in valuable lipids, which must be chewed, because in the human body they are not digested in a “whole” form. Pitahaya peel is smooth, covered with leaf-like growths, visually resembling a frozen flame of fire, inedible.

Interestingly, excess moisture contributes to premature fall of flowers and rotting of fruits. Unripe fruits are often pecked by birds.

1. Costa Rican (costaricensis, polyrhizus). The flesh and skin of the fruit are red.
2. Yellow (megalanthus). The flesh is white, the skin is yellow.
3. Red (undatus). This is the most common type. The flesh of the fruit is white, the peel is red-pink.

Dragon fruit is low-calorie, sweetish in taste (sometimes bland), suitable for eating raw. The pulp of the fruit is added to salads, used as the basis for making wine. Pitahaya is eaten chilled, separately from dishes with a sharp taste. Flowers are edible, they are added to.

When eating a Costa Rican pitaya with purple flesh, pseudohematuria can occur - a harmless condition in which urine and feces change color (turn red).

The dragon fruit is easily damaged when pressed, so it is problematic to transport it. This is due to the high cost of the product in countries where the fruit is not cultivated.

Chemical composition

The representative of the sweet pitaya of the cactus family is 90% water, it has a rich vitamin and mineral composition. fruits help with stomach pain, support the functioning of the thyroid gland, and have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

Dragon Eye Seeds - source, improve the condition of people suffering from diabetes, improve visual acuity.

Raw fruit provides the greatest value for the human body. At the same time, it is subject to various types culinary processing: boiling, baking, frying. Sherbet, sauces, jams, jams, wine are prepared from it.

In appearance, the pitahaya resembles, the consistency of the pulp is similar to, the taste is like a banana and kiwi. The strongest flavor is yellow "dragon fruit". In addition, it is the sweetest among all representatives of its kind.

To eat or not to eat?

Pitahaya is a dietary product recommended for a dietary table.

What are the benefits of dragon fruit?

1. Rich. These compounds neutralize free radicals that cause aging and the formation of cancer cells. With regular use of an exotic fruit, the skin will become younger and denser.
2. Contains a lot of fiber. Removes waste, toxins, regulates bowel function.
3. Has anti-inflammatory properties. Facilitates the course of chronic diseases.
4. Regulates blood levels.
5. Increases skin elasticity, treats acne (when used externally in the form of masks).
6. Resists the development of respiratory diseases, increases the number of leukocytes in the body, preventing the growth of bacterial, fungal infections.
7. Vitaminizes the body.
8. Improves eyesight.
9. Promotes systematic weight loss.
10. Increases appetite.
11. Prevents arthritis, relieves joint irritation, reduces swelling.
12. Heals cuts and wounds.
13. Strengthens tooth enamel.
14. Favorably affects the nervous system.

From the stems and flowers of the dragon fruit, a medicine is prepared that stimulates blood circulation and relieves spasms. Local people in Thailand use the juice from the plant as an anthelmintic.

Pitahaya is an exotic fruit that can cause heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, and food allergies. At the first use, it is worth limiting yourself to one slice of the fetus, look at the reaction of the body. In the absence of side effects, the amount of fruit consumed at a time is gradually increased.

It is contraindicated for children under 3 years old to introduce dragon fruit into the diet, as it can cause diathesis.

There are 4 methods on how to properly consume dragon fruit.

1. Pitahaya preparation. Choose ripe fruits with pink or bright red skin, soft flesh. Avoid fruits with brown dry spots, dents, thorns. Cut the pitahaya in half. Scoop out the pulp with a spoon. In a ripe fruit, it is easily separated from the peel. Refrigerate it before use.

Remember, the skin of the dragon fruit is inedible; when ingested, it causes cramps and pain in the stomach.

1. Cooking kebab from pitahaya. Soak wooden skewers in water. This will prevent charring of the raw materials during the frying of the product. Fire up the grill. Prepare the fruits: cut the fruit (, pitahaya) into pieces, string on skewers. Put the kebabs on the grill. Cook until they are browned, then remove from heat. Serve with a bowl of sugar for sprinkling.
2. Preparation of fruit cocktail. Prepare fruits. Dragon eye goes well with strawberries, peaches, bananas, blueberries. First of all, cut one pitahaya in half, remove the pulp, chop. Wash 500 grams of blueberries. Peel one banana, cut into pieces. Choose your cocktail base. It can be whole, soy, nut or yogurt. For a variety of taste, additional ingredients are introduced into the fruit cocktail: sugar, syrup, and juice, almond oil. All components are placed in a blender bowl, the contents are thoroughly beaten until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

If the cocktail turned out to be thick, dilute it with water, juice or milk. Add to too liquid mousse. Pour the contents into glasses, garnish with fruit and straws before serving.

1. Pitahaya sherbet. Process the fruit: peel, cut, carefully remove the pulp. Save the halves for serving, they will serve as plates. Chill them in the freezer first. Mix the ingredients for sherbet: 30 grams of sugar, 170 milliliters of water, 15 milliliters of juice, fruit pulp. Whisk in a blender. Pour the resulting mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze the sherbet according to the manufacturer's instructions. Arrange in pitahaya halves, serve with a rich muffin or fluffy biscuit.

Wash the fruit thoroughly before removing the skin. Please note that the surface of the fruit should not be damaged, otherwise pathogenic bacteria can penetrate into the flesh through cuts or dents, cause product rot and lead to human poisoning.

Conclusion

Pitahaya - fragrant, slightly sweet fruit with small outgrowths of yellow, red or purple. The flesh is white, pink, filled with small black seeds. The bushy tree-like cactus is actively used in cooking for the production of alcoholic beverages, sorbets, yogurts, jams, sauces, jellies, sweets, ice cream, and dairy products. The skin is inedible, in addition, it may contain harmful substances(pesticides).

Pitahaya pulp is a low-calorie dietary product (30 calories per 100 grams), which tastes like kiwi and banana. It has a high content of iron, potassium, phosphorus, ascorbic acid and carbohydrates. According to the results of medical research, scientists have concluded that the fruit is useful for people with endocrine diseases suffering from diabetes, stomach pain. Prickly pear strengthens the immune system, normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The main condition is to choose high-quality fresh fruit. Shelf life - no more than 3 days in the refrigerator. Ripe pitahaya is soft and rich in color. And unripe - hard to the touch and pale. Stains, mildew, wrinkles and cracks on the peel are reasons to refuse to buy the product.

Interestingly, a bland taste is a normal phenomenon for this fruit, the main trump card of which lies in an unusual impressive appearance. Pitahaya seeds are difficult to digest in the gastrointestinal tract, so they should be chewed thoroughly. Before use, the fruit is kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. This improves the taste of the fruit and makes its herbal flavor richer.

Despite the undeniable advantages of the dragon fruit, remember that it is primarily exotic, which may not be perceived by the human body and cause an unwanted allergic reaction. Be careful with your diet and introduce new foods with small doses (15-50 grams)!