Whenever I hear someone refer to superfoods as only rare and expensive items, often available in powders and tinctures, I always roll my eyes. Please. To me, superfoods are abundant everywhere. My definition of superfoods are that they are whole plant foods that have numerous health benefits, and include a whole array of phytonutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. “Superfoods” have powerful healing qualities and should be a core staple of our daily diet… but once again, they are abundant everywhere. To me, spinach is a superfood. So are kale, lemons, sunflower seeds, etc. They do not have to come from across the world.
All that being said, I still like to talk about “exotic” fruits as well, which too can fall into the superfoods category. By exotic, they may grow in some far off places resides the US, but I guess it mostly means that they look a whole lot different than typical oranges and apples. It can be fun to mix different plant foods into your diet, and it is also good to get a wide range. I was thinking about this one in particular, Pitaya, aka dragon fruit, because I saw it here in Los Angeles. Seeing it reminded me of also eating it in Thailand, where I would get it (along with a bounty of other Asian fruit) at the street markets practically every day I was there.
It is one weird looking and oddly beautiful fruit. On the outside, Pitaya has a deep pinkish red color (although one variety of the fruit is golden yellow) with green scaly leaves. On the inside (the part you eat) you will find flesh ranging from white to deep red spotted with small seeds.
Dragon Fruit Nutrition
Grown in California, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia, Pitaya is the fruit of a cactus plant. Nutrition for the dragon fruit includes:
- 60 calories per 100 gram serving
- 1 gram of fiber per serving
- 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving
- The fruit’s edible seeds contain heart healthy monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Studies show dragon fruit is a significant source of antioxidants, which can prevent free radical damage that can lead to premature aging and disease.
- The fruit is high in many important micronutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin A.
Pitaya Health Benefits
There are interesting studies featuring this exotic fruit, which show that pitaya may have other health benefits, as well.
- One study showed that dragon fruit had a notable impact on oxidative stress and aortic stiffness in diabetic rats, suggesting the fruit may be beneficial at preventing complications associated with diabetes.
- The same study indicates regular consumption of dragon fruit may lower the risks of developing heart disease and developing high blood pressure.
- Dragon fruit is high in antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidants may be effective at lowering risk of certain types of cancer.
- The seeds contain omega-3 fats. A great deal of research shows that omega-3 fatty acids can fight inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
- Because of its nutritional makeup, including antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber, pitaya is a beauty-enhancing fruit.
Eating Pitaya
Because pitaya is a fruit, it moves very rapidly through your digestive system. In The Beauty Detox Solution, I recommend eating fruit first thing in the day or on an empty stomach so your body can make the most of the beneficial nutrients and enzymes. You don’t want fruit to get stuck beyond a heavier food, where it can begin to ferment in your system and create toxins. This same rule goes for dragon fruit.
You can eat pitaya alone, or you can include it in delicious smoothies.
Pitaya Smoothie
- Flesh of one dragon fruit
- 1 cup banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1″ ginger nub water
You can also eat the pitaya by itself. To prepare a pitaya:
- Cut the fruit in half, lengthwise.
- Using a large spoon, scoop out the pitaya’s flesh.
- Trim away any extra inedible skin.
- Cut into cubes and eat or use in smoothies or fruit salads.
Taste and Texture
Dragon fruit has a pretty mild taste, especially in contrast to its rather extreme looks! It is similar to melon in its taste and texture, and it’s not too sweet. The flavor is quite delicate with pear-like notes. If you buy a pink-fleshed pitaya, your smoothies will have a vibrant, beautiful color.
Where to Buy
I’ve seen dragon fruit in the produce aisle at many grocery stores. You can also find it at Whole Foods, in produce stands, or in its dried form at many natural food stores. I recommend buying organic dragon fruit and reading dried fruit labels to ensure no sugar or chemicals have been added.
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Where can I get the recipe for the above picture of dragon fruit topped with bananas?
Hi Kimberley,
The Pitaya Both the white and red are also grown in Australia, in FNQ and Northern TerritoryThe yellow one is also here but more rare to find – I have started off some of each of these in my garden. in fact I am very fortunate to live near to one of the farms
Yours in health & wellness
Mary.
If anyone has Wegmans grocery store near them, they also sell dragon fruit. I’m going to pick some up today.
Kim,
Don’t know where else to write this so I’m writing here. I am so passionate about what you do and I have all the girls in my family drinking GGS. I have my self have benefited from following The Beauty Detox and have not only lost weight but feel amazing!! I love what you do so much that I want to work for you!!!!!!! Please tell me if that’s at all possible. That would make my dreams come true!!!!
Just tried this the other day for the first time – the one I got wasn’t the best tasting but I am really shocked at all the health benefits so I’d def eat it again.
I’m currently living in Thailand (like you, Kimberly, I decided to take time off and travel the world!) and eat a LOT of dragon fruit, usually in my breakfast fruit salad with banana and apple. Thanks for all the information on its health benefits!
I’m sorry, I also meant to ask what your opinion on ghee is as well. I appreciate it. Thank you!
Hi Kim, I was wondering what you think of butter. I know you are vegan and I’ve read your blogs about dairy, but I’ve heard and read that butter is very healthy from different sources. Of course if anything I’m sure it should be from grass-fed cows and organic. Do you think having some butter is okay since I have acne-prone skin?
Hi Kim,
Does this fruit have a lot of sugar? I try to reduce my sugars since I am more prone to candida. Thanks!
Hi Kimbery . I cant wait for you store to come to nyc. I had a beauty questions.. while eatting healthy as outlined in you book can this cure skin tags ? how are they form toxics in body also?
Thank you for your knowledge
Hi Kimberley,
I am suffering from bad acne around my cheeks on my face I need help to what foods will be great please help.
Hey Kimberly, just a couple of comments.
1. I drink your GGS every morning, a mixture of fruit and veg, yet above you say to eat fruit first thing and not to mix it so it isn’t slowed in the digestive tract?
I believe fruits (aside from melon) are allowed to be mixed with vegetables, but absolutely nothing else.
I have had this fruit. It is very light and refreshing. Glad to see the nutrition facts on it. Thanks Kim!
Denise
How ironic you posted about this cool fruit. I just bought one today.
I’m 47 and have never heard of it until earlier this year and so this will be my first time tasting it. It looks yummy. And now I know how healthy it is. Thanks for posting this }}i{{
Whoops!! I meant earlier last year. LOL!
Most Asian markets carry dragon fruit. The best place for exotic fruit is Little Saigon, in Westminister California. You will find storesthat only sell fruit. When dragon fruits are in season they are usually grown by the shop owners. They are very easy to grow and the flowers are huge. Fruit from your own yard will always taste better than store bought. Enjoy
Hi Kim!
Love the article, thanks for telling everyone how amazing Pitaya is! The Pitaya in the Pitaya Bowl pictured your article came from me! I work directly with my Pitaya farmers in Nicaragua, and help them with their organic certifications. We process the fruit in a solar-powered facility and only hire single-mothers. You can be sure that it was sourced in a healthy ethical way. We sell our USDA Certified Organic Pitaya to cafe’s in California.
Viva Pitaya!
-Chuck
Founder of Pitaya Plus
Good on you Chuck !!! That is a wonderful thing you are doing. I am from Perth in Western Australia, and I find this all so inspiring. I am a new fruit and vegetable farmer myself (in my own backyard)…and draw my inspiration from reading things like this. and Kimberly,…if you ever branch out into Australia,…. and in Perth,…I would love to work for you as I am so passionate about what you do that i tell everyone that will listen to buy your book, get on your website, educate yourselves on good foods with Kim and you will feel so much better in yourself, you can’t go wrong!! ..keep up the great work. You are an angel sent from heaven to heal us. May you have continued success and happiness. xx And congrats on your engagement too xxx
This is so funny because I just ate one the other day , the red kind, and everyone was asking me what it was. There a bit more common in Australia where you can find them in most fruit shops, supermarkets and even in store brought fruit salads but people dont really know anything about them. There so nice and refreshing!
Hello Ms. Kim;
I am now 47years old and I am starting to get the bulge in the middle. What can I eat and should not eat to prevent this?
Have you done any colon cleansing? If not, that would probably help. You can get colonics, do enemas at home and/or use a magnesium-oxygen supplement which is fantastic.
Plenty available here in Thailand, both red/purple and white.
We are quite succesful with slicing them than dehydrating them with low temperatures (<43 degrees C, I think <115 degrees F) and selling them as snacks.
And suddenly this great looking but rather bland fruit becomes a great snack and a great experience, the seeds suddenly add a texture like sesame in the mouth.
Do try,
Thanks for all your information, very helpful, kindest regards,
Martin Smetsers
Pura Organic Foods Ltd., Phuket, Thailand
Hi Kimberly,
I am so happy that you mentioned eating this particular fruit in Thailand because I am traveling there next month! Did you have a hard time finding other healthy options? I’ve heard so many stories of people getting sick from street vendors or salads, but that’s what I’m looking forward to eating! Any advice on the subject would be amazing!
Thank you!! x
The Pitaya Smoothie recipe calls for 1″ Ginger Nub Water. Can you please explain what that is! Thanks so much. P.S. I loved your book and have been faithfully drinking and enjoying your GGS!
That smoothie looks absolutely beautiful!! You think I’ll find these in France?
I tried it before, it was pricey but my mother found it in Chinatown. It does taste good!
I love Dragonfruit! I remember as a child eating this while visiting India! Going to try and look for it here on the central california coast!!! thanks for this article! The pictures look divine!
That is my favorite color in the world! Is that coconut on top of the bananas? I’ve been wondering if coconut is ok to mix with fruit……unsure if it’s a fruit or a nut
. And along those lines, what of other foods like nut milks, chia, cacao, etc. in combination with fruit?
LOVE dragon fruits! The taste is PERFECT – not too sweet, and the only thing is that my lips get really red – all worth it though!
x
I’ve never had that deep pink variety. But I have tried the white. It’s delicious and so pretty!