The Dragon Fruit is a fruit of distinction, very attractive in shape and colour, a very decorative fruit. Native to Central America, it is now grown widely through SE Asia and many other tropical parts of the world. The plant is a cactus and is trellised and once flowering, with the proper pollination, is a prolific bearer of fruit.
There are different varieties of the fruit, the most popular having a bright pink skin with a very attractive deep pink/red flesh peppered with many tiny black edible seeds. This pink skinned variety also comes with a white flesh with the same tiny black seeds. A much smaller fruit is the yellow Dragon Fruit, which also has the white flesh.
The taste is gentle and delicate with an intense floral finish. The perfumed flavour is immediately obvious, similar to a purple lolly. The texture is of an initial crunch, with a soft creamy feel almost oily-like on the tongue. When dried, it has a surprising but amazing chewy feel. It is a fruit of miraculous harmony.
The Dragon Fruit is one of the most striking fruits and is rich in nutrients. It is said that one a day would bring optimum health. Best eaten fresh and slightly chilled. Simply peel and scoop out the flesh.
Another of the wondrous fruits grown in the Mission Beach region and presented at the Tropical Fruit Safari every Monday and Tuesday at 1pm.
Terri Scarborough
Tropical Fruit Safari Presenter
