Dragon Fruit Juice
Species Name: Hylocereus undatus
Also Known As: Pitaya, Pitahaya, Dragonfruit, Night Blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, Conderella plant, Mood Flower.
The dragon fruit is a night flowering, vine-like cacti plant that is native to South and Central America, and Mexico.
The fruit is now cultivated in Asian countries including Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
Dragon Fruit is also grown in Northern Australia, Hawaii, Israel, southern China, and Okinawa.
The dragon fruit has a yellowish colored flower that is about 1 foot long and about 9 inches wide. It is bell-shaped and very fragrant. The flowers open in the early evening and wilt by daybreak.
The fruit is sweet and juicy, similar to a watermelon, kiwi, or pear. It is oblong, the most popular species is bright pink to red in color, with green overlapping rind scales and the edible white interior of the fruit with hundreds of sesame-size black seeds.
The fruit comes in three types all in the Cetaceae family group with leathery, slightly leafy skin:
- Species: Hylocereus Undatus – with White Flesh, and red outer skin.
- Species: Hylocereus Polyrhizus - with Red Flesh, and red outer skin.
- Species: Selenicereus Megalanthus – with White Flesh, and yellow outer skin.
What is dragon fruit juice? The fruit is converted into juice by mashing or blending. It is available in commercial drinks and juices.
Dragon Fruit Juice Recipe:
To make dragon fruit juice, choose fruit without brown tips on the leaves, or any blemishes or soft spots, the fruit should be nicely filled out, with a little give like a ripe mango.
The first step is to cut the dragon fruit in half by using a knife to peel away the outer skin, and then cut the fruit. An ice cream scoop or spoon should be used to scoop the dragon fruit from the skin.
Once the fruit is out, slice into pieces and put it in a blender. Blend alone or add pineapple or orange juice with ice cubes. You can clarify the juice by straining through cheesecloth or leave it cloudy with seeds and pulp. The seeds are said to be beneficial.
Home Remedies Using Dragon Fruit Juice:
Benefits of Dragon Fruit Juice:
Dragon fruit juice is low in calories and contains nutrients that include Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, antioxidants, and fiber.
Dragon fruit juice may be beneficial for the following:
- Lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes
- Prevent formation of cancer causing free radicals
- Moisturize and smoothen skin and decrease bad cholesterol level
- Improve appetite
- Increase metabolism due to protein content
- Improve digestion and reduce fat
- Maintain eye health
- Strengthen the bones and teeth
- Promote tissue development
- Promote healing of cuts and bruises
- Improve memory
Dragon fruit juice is thought to improve eyesight and prevent hypertension. The fruit seeds if left in the juice are helpful with control of blood glucose levels for non-insulin-dependent hyperglycemic conditions. The juice is also used in the treatment of stomach and endocrine problems.
Side Effects of Dragon Fruit Juice:
There are no adverse side effects noted with dragon fruit juice. One disconcerting side effect of the bright pink juice is that drinking a lot of it may turn your urine pink.
