Simple Step Guide: How to Cut Dragon Fruits

Simple Step Guide: How to Cut Dragon Fruits

Learn how to cut dragon fruits, including peeling, half-moon slices, and precise cubes. Once you master its preparation, there are countless ways to enjoy this beautiful, juicy, exotic fruit.

What is a Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit is called paniniokapunahou in Hawaii and pitaya in many other countries. It is a colorful, soft hair-shaped, refreshing fruit of the cactus family that is technically a berry.

Low in calories and high in fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C, Hylosereus contains few calories. The highly pigmented fleshy varieties are rich in antioxidants, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which are considered superfoods.

Well speaking of dragon fruits, there are total three kinds of it: white dragon fruit, red dragon fruit, and yellow dragon fruit.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cut Dragon Fruits? 

Our family loves dragon fruit and can't get enough of it during the months of August and September when this extraordinary giant berry is at its peak.

So I devised several ways to peel and prepare it. All the steps below show how to peel and chop it for any recipe. Watch this video to learn easily how to cut dragon fruit:

Four Methods for How to Peel a Dragon Fruit

Method 1

The easiest way to peel a pitaya is to cut it in half horizontally and scoop out the flesh.

  • Cut in half horizontally.
  • Remove the flesh using a tablespoon.

Method 2

If you want an even prettier look, try this mango scooping recipe. An oval-shaped bowl will flatten more easily and can be used as a serving bowl.

  • Cut in half lengthwise.
  • Using a fine-edged glass, remove the flesh from the sieve.

Method 3

My favorite way to peel dragon fruit when I don't want to save the peel is to just make a cut and slide my thumb between the skin and the fruit underneath.

  • Cut off the ends and make a slit in the epidermis.
  • Peel the peel by gently pushing the tip of your finger under the skin of the fruit.

Method 4

Of course, you might let others experience the joy of serving wedges with the peel intact.

  • Trim the edges.
  • Cut into wedges and serve with the skin coming off easily.

Six Methods for How To Cut Dragon Fruits

Now that's fun, right? Once you know how to peel this sweet fruit, choose your shape from each of the cutting methods below.

Whether you want to cut cubes for a beautiful fruit salad, cut wedges for a tropical fruit platter, make dragon fruit juice, or cut precise, stackable rounds for a Hawaiian poke tower, we've got you covered in  every method for how to cut dragon fruits.

Spheres

  • Cut in half lengthwise.
  • Use a small melon baller to create marble-like shapes.

Half Moon

  • Cut in half lengthwise.
  • Place the sliced fillet halves on a cutting board. Cut through the skin into equal portions.

Flat Rounds

  • Unpeeled, cut the whole fruit into half-inch crosswise pieces.
  • Using a large cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out circular shapes and discard the skin.

Wedges

  • Cut in half lengthwise.
  • Divide each half again lengthwise and repeat to make eight wedges.

Chunks

  • Cut in half horizontally.
  • Remove the entire half from its shell with a spoon and cut it into small or large pieces.

Square Dice

Arguably everyone's favorite, square dice are a little tricky to cut. Follow these steps to cut small blocks with perfectly straight edges.

Just save the chopped pieces for snacking or smoothies, and you won't mind finishing off the ends!

  • Cut straight across each side to make a square block without any peel.
  • Carefully cut the square block into even slabs.
  • Cut the slabs straight into French fry sticks.
  • Cut the French fry sticks into perfect cubes of equal size.

Expert Tips for Dragon Fruit

Sharp Knife: When it comes to how to cut dragon fruits always use a straight-edged, sharp blade to cut the dragon fruit.

Choose the Fruit: The order of the fruit you choose before slicing will affect the recipes you create. For example, round pitaya is useful for making square blocks for evenly cut cubes, while oval pitaya makes beautiful serving dishes.

Store Fruit: Wrap whole, unopened produce securely in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Cut fruit can be stored safely in a sealed container with a paper towel at the bottom for three to four days.

Freezing: Peeled, shaped pitayas can be frozen for up to three months. When thawed, it will be thick, but ideal for mixing into juices or smoothies.

Important Notes

Selecting the Right Fruit

Depending on the shape of the fruit you choose before slicing, different recipes can be made. For example, round pitaya is useful for making square blocks for evenly cut cubes, while oval pitaya makes beautiful serving dishes.

How to cut Dragon Fruits Accordingly?

Before choosing a kit, determine how you want to use your dragon fruit. There are an infinite number of options, but here are a few to give you a hint. Additionally, be sure to check out the photos in the recipe article!

Snacking: Peel one or two ways and eat directly from the shell with the dish. Alternatively, peel and eat unprepared using method four.Fruit Salads or Salsas: Square dice.
Topping for tropical drinks, yogurt, and pudding: Spheres.
Green Salads: Half-moons.
Appetizer: Flat rounds.
Fruit plate decoration: Wedges.
Smoothies: Chop.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the easiest way to cut a dragon fruit?

The article is all about how to cut dragon fruits, but here is the simplest and easiest way to cut them:

  • Cut the dragon fruit in half lengthwise. 
  • Using a large spatula, divide the meat into two large portions. 
  • Throw away the "shell". 
  • Cut the meat to your liking, and enjoy!

Is Dragon Fruit Nutritious?

Yes! Like other fruits, dragon fruit contains fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Dragon fruit is especially rich in fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium.

How to Choose a Good Dragon Fruit?

When buying dragon fruit, look for flesh that is shiny, bright pink, and fresh green in color. Avoid dragon fruit that is wrinkled, deformed, or brown.

Can my dog eat Dragon Fruit?

All varieties of dragon fruit are non-toxic and safe for dogs. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate diet for your breed. Peel first and start with small portions, as overuse can result in loose diarrhea.

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Besides blogging, I love to decorate homes for the good. Check out my blogs and revamp your house with a new perspective. I also have a YouTube channel to share DIY home improvement tips and five-minute home decor hacks.

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