The fruit which is scientifically referred to as pitaya or pitahaya, the red and green fleshed fruit known as dragon fruit is as amazing as it looks. A particularly enthralling type is that of a shell with a bright pink inside not only looks beautiful, but carries many healing properties within it. This article focuses on the origin, nutritional profile, health benefits, and uses in the kitchen and farming, and includes such frequently asked questions as ‘Why is my dragon fruit pink inside?’ and ‘Is it safe to eat a pink dragon fruit?”
Origins and Varieties
Dragon fruit is of the category Cactceae, of the genus Hylocereus, and is naturally grown in Central and South America. It has been consumed all over, especially for its eye-appealing form and can be utilized in a wide variety of ways. There are three primary types of dragon fruit:There are three primary types of dragon fruit:
- Hylocereus Undatus: Flesh colour is white and skin peeling pink in colour.
- Hylocereus Costaricensis: Flesh getting red colour and skin outer surface also gets red in colour.
- Hylocereus Megalanthus: Flesh is white and the skin is yellow.
The variety with pink flesh is also known as the Hybrid of costaricensis or the red dragon fruit, which has a darker shade of pink looks more beautiful and tastes slightly sweeter than the white fruit.
Why is My Dragon Fruit Pink Inside?
If you have ever wondered why, when you sliced one and it looked like this, why the inside of the dragon fruit is bright pink. Most of the fruit’s interior is pink or red, and this is derived from the Hylocereus costaricensis variety, which has very many betalains, natural pigments that have antioxidant properties to them.
Is It OK to Eat Pink Dragon Fruit?
Absolutely! Not only is it acceptable to eat pink dragon fruit, it is ideal to incorporate it in ones diet. The rosy interior that emanates makes many people run for it because it symbolizes a rich range of nutrient and antioxidants. Thus, cut it, scoop it and devour this nutritious and pretty fruit to the core.
What if Dragon Fruit is Red Inside?
The best dragon fruit is said to have a red pulp inside and if your’s that kind, congratulations, you are lucky. This is to inform you that in this particular case, you are dealing with the Hylocereus costaricensis variety, which is understood that is sweeter and contains more antioxidants. The kohlrabi is loaded with nutrition that keeps you healthy and the flavor is amplified to tantalize your palate.
Dragon Fruits that Have Red flesh inside Offer Several Health Benefits
- Rich in Antioxidants: Dragon fruit is pink in color and that color is attributed to betalains which are antioxidants that may help lessen oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These antioxidants are recognized to shield cells from harm due to free radicals.
- Boosts Immune System: Vitamin C is important for boosting the health of the human body and fighting diseases that are common and dragon fruits are vitamin C rich hence make the body healthier.
- Aids Digestion: The # 1 component of it is dietary fiber that enhances digestion to produce bowel movements. Fiber also assists in removing constipation and other digestive problems from the food that one takes.
- Supports Heart Health: The intake of this fruit aids in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and on the other hand; it helps in raising the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Fiber in the fruit also helps to regulate blood pressure and thus decreases the incidence of cardiovascular dices.
- Enhances Skin Health: Dragons fruit is beneficial to the skin since it contains antioxidants and vitamin C that protect the skin from aging, boosts the production of collagen and shields it from the effects of sun exposure.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: It has low glycemic index, certain nuts, and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, cottage cheese, dragon fruit, and so on can be consumed by diabetic patients. Closely connected with its fiber content which helps to control blood sugar levels due to the deceleration of sugar absorption in blood stream.
Dragon Fruit Pink Inside vs White
The pink and white fleshed dragon fruit are somewhat similar in the sense that they vary in their flavoring as well as in antioxidant content. This is or commonly known as the sweet type of dragon fruit or the Hylocereus costaricensis and it was found to contain more antioxidants than the white-fleshed type or the Hylocereus undatus. Funnily, all sorts are digestive but the one with the pink flesh is preferred and said to be more nutritious.
Dragon Fruit Pink Inside in India
The culture of dragon fruit farming is gradually increasing because of the pleasant climates of the country. Farmers in India are gradually cultivating both white and pink-fleshed varieties; thus, the fruit is more affordable to the Indian populace. It is preferred to obtain the fruit from local markets, health food stores, and through online sources.
Dragon Fruit Pink Inside Meaning
The fact that their pulp’s pink color is denser than other fragments is explained by a higher content of betalains and other antioxidants, so not only are they more attractive, but they have superior nutritional properties when compared with some other specimens. It is, therefore, appropriate that this vibrant color is a pointer to the fact that this fruit is very healthy.
Dragon Fruit Pink Inside Price
Dragon fruit price is not fixed as it depends on the zone, the season, and the stock available in the market. On average, pink-fleshed dragon fruit is costlier than the white-fleshed ones because of the better taste and higher nutrients content. In India such grated canned meat products can cost as low as INR 200 or as high as INR 400 for a kilogram.
Dragon Fruit Pink Inside: Where to Buy
Pink fleshy dragon fruit can be acquired from local farmers’ markets and supermarkets, specialized stores and online shopping websites. In India it has been progressing to the stage of being found in the health food shops and supermarkets. They also provided easy access to buying this exotic fruit through the internet.
How to Tell if Dragon Fruit Pink Inside or White Inside
In evaluating the pink or white inside of dragon fruit, it has a guide on the structure or outer layer. Albeit not always perfect, with pink-fleshed DF, the skin is generally darker and brighter in contrast to the skin of the white-fleshed type. Also, depending on the type of vendor, it is not uncommon to find the fruit being grouped based on the color of the flesh. Thus, it is the cutting of the fruit that is the least ambiguous way of determining the fruit color.
Culinary Uses
Pink-fleshed dragon fruit is as flexible as it is attractive, the Bisexually career plant, Perseverance’s seed. It also has a mild sweet taste and crispiness which makes it suitable for many preparations. Here are some popular culinary uses:Here are some popular culinary uses:
- Smoothies and Juices: One way that dragon fruit can be incorporated in one’s diet is by adding the fruit to the juices or smoothies. It also complements other fruits and, in its combination, it goes well with mango, pineapple and banana.
- Salads: As a base, dragon fruit is sweet and colorful and is often added to salad recipes to bring a little of the two aspects into the meal. That is why it can be taken with green vegetables, other fruits, nuts, and seeds to make a healthy meal.
- Desserts: It can be employed in a wide variety of dessert preparations and these are the sorbets, ice creams as well as the fruit salads. It is easy to present as its color is very bright and catches the eye.
- Bowl Toppings: The fruit can also be cut into cubes and used as a garnishing for smoothie bowls, yogurt or oats.
- Cocktails and Mocktails: Dragon fruit can also be incorporated in making of exciting and eye-popping cocktails, which are both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic ones. Due to this feature, it is often used to decorate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Cultivation and Harvesting
Growing dragon fruit requires a warm, tropical or subtropical climate. Here are the key steps in its cultivation:
- Planting: Dragon fruit can be propagated using both, seeds or cuttings; however, the use of cuttings is preferred because it is fast to grow and bears fruits. They are started off in more or less-sonsy mix to germinate and grow successfully and they require support to climb on such as a fence or stake.
- Watering: Even though the dragon fruit is suited to dry climates, irrigation is needed during the time of development. However, one should not overwater the plant since this can cause root rotting.
- Fertilizing: Dusting of a balanced fertilizer should be done every two months during the growth period in order to aid growth and fruiting.
- Pollination: Blossoming occurs at night whereas fruits are ripe during the day; pollination is majorly done by bats or moths. However, since there are no natural pollinators, it is advisable to perform hand pollination in order to help set fruits.
- Harvesting: Within one to two years of planting the Dragon fruit plant starts producing fruit. As the skin color changes from green to vibrant pink or red, and it yields slightly to pressure the fruit is said to be ready to harvest.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
It is equally important to note that the cultivation of dragon fruits is less problematic concerning the environment as compared to other crops. The Cactus plants are xerophytes; they need small amounts of irrigation and can adapt to harsh ground and substandard soil types, hence proper for arid and semi-arid areas. Also, there is an opportunity to increase the area of sowing dragon fruit which positively affects availability of living space for various kinds of pollinators.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-
Q. What could be the reason that my dragon fruit is pinkish in color inside?
A. The pink or red inside of the dragon fruit is because of specific kind of dragon fruit, Hylocereus costaricensis, which has more betalains, natural pigments which are responsible of the brightly hued skin and flesh color.
Q. Can I consume it if the dragon fruit is pink in color?
A. Indeed, if you are seeing pink colour in the dragon fruit then it means that the fruit is safe for consumption. This is though carried out through the pink interior which means the density of antioxidants along with other advantageous nutrients.
Q. What if the flesh of dragon fruit is red in color?
A. If your dragon fruit is red inside, then you might be dealing with the red-fleshed one which is scientifically called Hylocereus costaricensis and is said to be sweeter than the white-fleshed one.
Q. How do I know if the dragon fruit is pink or if cut, is the fruit white in the inside?
A. Externally, pink-fleshed dragon fruit may have blackish/pink skinned being more attractive in color. But, the most accurate method to find out if the fruit is ripe or not, is by cutting it into two.
Q. What are the advantages Enjoy the pink dragon fruit inside?
A. This fruit has pink flesh and it’s packed with antioxidants, improves the immune system, digestive system, cardiovascular health, skin, and it also has benefits to diabetes patients.
Q. In which currency of India the Dragon Fruit Pink Inside is offered?
A. In India, depending on season and place, the pink fleshed dragon fruit may cost about INR 200 – 400 per kg.
Q. Can I get a Dragon Fruit Pink Inside?
A. Some of the places where pink-fleshed dragon fruit can be bought include, farmers’ markets, specialty grocery stores, health food stores, supermarkets, and online stores.
