As I’ve browsed a handful (or two….or three handsful, perhaps) of times in the produce section of FRESH, our area’s nicer version of a Whole Foods, in my opinion, I’ve noticed people quizzically looking at some of the unique, exotic fruits displayed there. They almost seem afraid to pick them up, even! “What in the world is this?” is something I hear a lot. I’ve said it, myself. I decided to snap some shots of some of the more unique-looking items and search for information on how to eat them and what kinds of recipes they’re best-suited for. Since I love to share with you, you’re going to be in on this information, too! Maybe you could print this out, or some of the pages I’ll link to, and take the info to the store with you for ideas.
Today I’ll focus on the interesting, lovely, and delicious DRAGON FRUIT.
Here is easy instruction on how to eat a dragon fruit; basically, all you need are a knife and an ice cream scoop. They’re luscious fruits originating in Thailand and are loaded with healthy antioxidants. The flavor is reminiscent of a pear and kiwi, sort of. Try it out! Click here: How To Eat a Dragon Fruit.
Tips for choosing and storing dragon fruit: Squeeze on the dragon fruit gently. Under-ripe dragon fruit will feel hard and firm. When the dragon fruit ripens, it will slightly give when you press down on the skin.
Allow the dragon fruit to sit for three to four days in the refrigerator if you will not consume it immediately.
Avoid fruits that contain mold, brown stems, or cuts.
(tips are from the ehow.com dragon fruit article, linked above.)
Here’s a super-quick, easy recipe using dragon fruit; scallops could easily be replaced with shrimp, in my opinion. The recipe is from Brooke Peterson, Private Chefs of Beverly Hills on Food Network:
Seared Scallops with Dragon Fruit Salsa
Ingredients:
- 1 dragon fruit, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 8 large scallops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Put the dragon fruit in the fridge for a few hours and allow it to get very cold. This will allow you to dice it finely. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium high heat and pan sear the scallops until golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes on each side).
In a separate bowl, combine the dragon fruit, lemon juice, and chopped chives. Top the scallops with the dragon fruit salsa and serve.
Dragon Fruit Sorbet
Another recipe is to be found by clicking RIGHT HERE; it’s dragon fruit sorbet! Check it out, and the lovely pictures. She uses the hollowed-out halves to then serve the sorbet in! So pretty!
Tomorrow, we’ll learn about the spiky, yellow horned melon! Stay tuned for that. 🙂
I leave you with the picture of the lovely East Texas sky from last night…it’s too pretty not to share with you.
Enjoy!
In Mama Steph's Kitchen 
Pretty Pictures…but what does Dragon Fruit taste like? Just curious.
It’s sweet and mild; sort of like kiwi or pear or grape. Not sour. Good! 🙂
We get dragon fruit here in Mauritius too – some have a very deep purple colour inside – I have never tasted one though – thanks for your post, I am very curios now.
🙂 Mandy
I’d love to know what you end up doing with one, Mandy! You are so creative! 🙂
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