Types of Dragon Fruit

Types of Dragon Fruit: A Guide to the Varieties and Their Differences

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is an exotic and nutritious fruit grown in tropical regions around the world. While they all share some common characteristics, there are several different types of dragon fruit worth knowing about.

What is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit grows on climbing cacti called Hylocereus. The plant produces large, beautiful flowers that only bloom at night. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit. There are three main types of dragon fruit cacti:

Hylocereus undatus (white pulp)
Hylocereus polyrhizus (red pulp)
Hylocereus megalanthus (yellow pulp)

The most widely cultivated dragon fruit varieties come from Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus. Heres an overview of their shared characteristics:

Shape: Oval or oblong
Size: 4-6 inches long
Weight: 5-18 ounces
Flesh: Juicy, crunchy, soft seeds
Taste: Sweet, mild flavor
Color: Pink/red skin, white or red pulp

There are several specific cultivars of dragon fruit to discover. Here are some of the main varieties:

White Dragon Fruit

This comes from Hylocereus undatus. It has vibrant pink skin with green spiky scales. The flesh inside is white with tiny black seeds. It tastes mildly sweet.

Red Dragon Fruit

Also called Red Pitaya, this is Hylocereus polyrhizus. The reddish-pink fruit has a bright red peel and interior. The flavor is slightly sweeter than white dragon fruit.

Yellow Dragon Fruit

The rare yellow variety is Hylocereus megalanthus. As the name suggests, it has yellow skin and flesh. It is considered the sweetest dragon fruit variety.

Thai White Dragon Fruit

A cultivar of Hylocereus undatus from Thailand. It is medium-sized with a waxier, juicier flesh than other white varieties.

Vietnam White Dragon Fruit

Another Hylocereus undatus cultivar. This Vietnamese variety has a redder exterior and drier, sometimes sour-tasting, flesh.

Philippine Red Dragon Fruit

From the Philippines, this Hylocereus polyrhizus type has a thick, bright red skin and sweet-tasting white flesh dotted with tiny black seeds.

Ecuador Palora Dragon Fruit

A large, oval Hylocereus undatus fruit grown in Ecuador. It has a distinctive yellow bract on the skin and creamy sweet flesh inside.

Appearance, Taste and Texture

While all dragon fruit share some similarities, the different varieties do have some distinctions when it comes to appearance, taste and texture:

Appearance

Skin color ranges from bright yellow to magenta
Flesh can be white, red, or yellow
Oval or oblong shape, some more round than others
Sizes range from 4 inches to over 7 inches long

Taste

All have a sweet, kiwi-like taste
Red varieties tend to be sweeter
Yellow dragon fruit is considered the sweetest
White-fleshed types can be more mildly flavored
Some white varieties have a sour note

Texture

The flesh has a juicy crunchy texture
Dotted throughout with tiny edible black seeds
Red types can have softer, more mucilaginous flesh
Some white-fleshed varieties are drier and waxier

Dragon Fruit Nutrition

All dragon fruit varieties provide good nutritional value. Here are some of the main nutrients found in a one cup serving:

136 calories
4 grams protein
9 grams fiber
11 grams sugar
60% vitamin C RDI
25% iron RDI
15% magnesium RDI
Plus B vitamins, carotenoids and antioxidants

The different types have only subtle nutritional differences. For example, red dragon fruit may pack slightly more vitamin C and antioxidants. Overall, they are all healthy, low-calorie options.

Where Does Dragon Fruit Grow Best?

While native to Mexico and South America, dragon fruit is now grown commercially in many tropical locations, including:

Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia)
Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica)
Israel
Australia
Hawaii
Ecuador
California

The cacti thrive best in hot, dry environments with minimal rainfall. Different varieties grow best in certain regions based on factors like sunlight, soil, humidity, and wind.

When is Dragon Fruit in Season?

Peak season for fresh dragon fruit is generally in the summer and early fall. However, exact harvest times vary a bit by location:

Israel - August to October
Australia - January to April
Southeast Asia - June to August
Hawaii - June to September
Ecuador - February to May
California - Late summer/early fall

Out of season dragon fruit is still available but is often imported and may lack freshness. For the best quality and flavor, eat dragon fruit grown locally during peak season.

Health Benefits

All varieties of dragon fruit offer great nutrition and potential health benefits. Some of the top benefits backed by research include:

Excellent source of antioxidants
May boost immunity and fight infection
Packed with fiber to improve digestion
May help control blood sugar
Potentially anti-inflammatory and anticancer
May promote heart health
Contains iron to prevent anemia
Nutrient-dense, low-calorie food

More research in humans is needed to confirm these effects. But the unique nutrients in dragon fruit appear promising for health and well-being.

How to Eat Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving ideas:

Eat raw - simply cut open and scoop out the flesh
Add to fruit salads, yogurt, oatmeal
Blend into smoothies
Make sorbet, popsicles or ice cream
Use in salsas, gazpacho and savory dishes
Infuse into water or cocktails
Bake into custards, pies or other desserts

Cut dragon fruit in half or into slices. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh from the skin. The mild, slightly sweet taste pairs nicely with both savory and sweet ingredients.

Where to Buy Dragon Fruit

In the U.S. and Europe, you can find dragon fruit at:

Specialty grocery stores
Farmer's markets
Asian food markets
Some supermarkets
Online fruit delivery services

Prices range from $2-$6 per fruit depending on variety, origin, and whether imported vs. local. For the freshest, ripest dragon fruit, shop from a local source in peak season.

The Bottom Line

While all dragon fruit share common characteristics like sweet flavor and crunchy texture, several distinct varieties exist. The main types include white, red, and yellow dragon fruit. Each has slight differences in taste, texture, appearance, growing region, seasonality, and subtle nutrition profile. Sampling the various kinds is the best way to discover your favorite.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.