You’ve probably seen Dragon Fruit in the produce section and have considered buying it, but you’re not sure if you should take the plunge. Well, in this blog post I’m going to show you how to cut dragon fruit – so there’s no need to be scared!
What is Dragonfruit?
One of the first things you’ll notice about dragon fruit is its red or green scales. Its unique appearance is how it got the name “Dragon Fruit.”
The dragon fruit cactus is a climbing cactus with long, slender stems and large, showy flowers. It grows in Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, and Southern Mexico.

Besides producing a stunning flower, it can also be eaten for its fruit!
Dragon fruit is typically between 4 and 5 inches in diameter with green skin (unless it’s ripe). When you cut the dragon fruit open, you’ll see a white or pink fleshy part with tiny black seeds inside!
Dragon fruit is a mildly sweet and juicy fruit that’s great for snacking on its own or in a tropical fruit salad. It’s also a great source of fiber and vitamin C. You can find it at most grocery stores and Asian markets!
This beautiful tropical fruit is also known as “strawberry pear.”
What does Dragon Fruit Taste Like?
Dragon fruit has a sweet taste with a flavor like a cross between melon and pear. The texture is closest to that of a kiwi. They have a sweet, mild taste making them perfect for fruit salads and smoothies.
Dragon fruit is usually brightly-colored, but a few spots are normal. If there are large blemishes or dark spots, it means your ripe dragon fruit is too ripe.
How Many Calories are in Dragonfruit?
According to WebMB, a single 6-ounce serving of dragon fruit provides:
- Calories: 102
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbs: 22 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugars: 13 grams
Dragon Fruit is also packed with these crucialย vitaminsย andย minerals:
- Vitamin A: 100 (IU)
- Vitamin C: 4 milligrams
- Calcium: 31 milligrams
- Iron: 0.1 milligram
- Magnesium: 68 milligrams
Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is not just your average Instagrammable fruit – it’s also packed with health benefits.
- Dragon fruit is a high-fiber fruit, which means it can help you feel fuller for longer.
- Dragonfruit contains betacyanin, a plant pigment that has been shown to destroy cancer cells and promote healing.
- It may help lower blood sugar.
- Dragon fruit has prebiotics which is food for the good bacteria in your gut.
- Can help maintain healthy gut bacteria.
- It has high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
- The iron in dragon fruit helps your body carry oxygen, so it’s great for those who need a boost.
Where can I buy Dragon Fruit near me?
The best way to find dragon fruit in the United States is by shopping at your local Asian Market or Farmer’s Market.
When you’re selecting a dragon fruit, make sure to feel the skin. It should be firm with a little give – if it feels mushy or wrinkled, then it’s likely past its prime (like me, but I keep going to Jiu-Jitsu practice, regardless. My body hurts).

You’ll find that most of these markets are packed full of tons of different fresh produce and ingredients that can’t be found at a grocery store.
You can also have it delivered to you via Instacart if you don’t want to leave home!
Dragon Fruit Color Variations
There are three variations of dragon fruit:
- Yellow dragon fruit: yellow skin / white flesh
- Pink dragon fruit: pink skin / white flesh
- Red dragon fruit: pink skin / red flesh
These variations have the same texture, but the color is what gives them their distinctive taste. The yellow variety is common in Asia and is often added to desserts such as bingsu or ice cream.

The pink skin + white flesh variety is sweeter because it’s less ripe, while the pink skin + pink flesh variety is a little more sour and tangy.
How To Cut Dragon Fruit
Cutting dragon fruit may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple! Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, these step-by-step instructions show you the easiest way to enjoy this fruit.
Step 1: Begin by washing the skin of the fruit, and then scrub it until you’re satisfied that every inch has been cleaned.

Step 2: With a paring knife, slice off a small portion on 2 opposite sides. This helps the dragon fruit rest flat on your cutting board when you go to slice it in half.
Step 3: Next, cut the dragon fruit in half by slicing it lengthwise with a large sharp knife.

Step 3: Use a large spoon to scoop out the fruit from the outer skin, just as you would an avocado. I use a metal sharp spoon for this.

Chopping dragon fruit can be a fun and easy task, but it depends on what you plan to do with it afterward. If you’re going to snack on it plain, then quartering your dragonfruit is the way to go.
But if you want to use your dragon fruit meat in fruit salads, smoothies, or desserts, then cube it into large pieces instead.
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit has a sweet fleshy center that is delicious, but the dragon fruit skin is not edible. Here are some suggestions for how to eat your fresh fruit.
- For a quick and easy snack, cut the fruit in half and use a spoon to scoop it out.ย
- You can dice it or cube it and add it to a salad for a fresh, new taste.
- Dragon fruit is a great addition to your smoothie bowl. Its flavor pairs well with anything from avocado to coconut milk, honey, or mango.
- Eat your dragon fruit like a popsicle by cubing and freezing it first.
- Use a melon baller to cut out bite-sized portions!
- Mix it in with your favorite ice creams.
How to Store Dragonfruit
Dragon fruit is a superfood-packed tropical treat. Itโs beautiful, delicious, and easy to prepare. Store it on your counter or in your pantry โ just be sure to keep it away from the sun.
If you need to slice dragon fruit, store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Enjoy fresh dragon fruit right away so that it doesnโt go mushy!
Recipe Card

How To Cut Dragon Fruit (4 Easy Steps)
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Metal Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 Dragon Fruit
Instructions
- Begin by washing the skin of the fruit, and then scrub it until you're satisfied that every inch has been cleaned.
- With a sharp paring knife, slice off a small portion on 2 opposite sides. This helps the dragon fruit rest flat on your board when you go to slice it in half.
- Next, cut the dragon fruit in half by slicing it lengthwise.
- Use a large spoon to scoop out the middle of the dragon fruit. Scrape from top to bottom, just as you would an avocado.
Your Own Notes
Equipment
Notes
Nutritional Information
The Golden Lamb provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietician.
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