Dragon Fruit / Pitaya - Red
Origin - Central America
Class - Cat 1
Average weight - 350 grams +
Introduction
The dragon fruit is actually a species of cactus which is indigenous to the Americas. It is classified within the broad category of pitaya or pitahaya which also belong to the family Cactaceae. Dragon fruits are a distinct category of pitaya known as the sweet pitaya and they are different compared to sour pitaya variety both in taste and in texture. Sweet pitaya come in three types known as white-fleshed pitaya, red-fleshed pitaya and yellow pitaya. The red-fleshed pitaya is the rarest variety of all pitaya varieties.
History
The red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) is native in the western coast of South America and in particular in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Peru. However, as its popularity increased, the red-fleshed pitaya is now cultured in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Regions
Red-fleshed pitaya is native in South America but nowadays it can be found growing in Florida, South California, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan to name a few.
Flavours & Texture
Red-fleshed pitaya is refreshing although not as sweet as the white-fleshed variety, and has a mild acidity. The pulp has the texture of a kiwi fruit, with small, black edible seeds throughout. The red colour of the flesh is the result of a compound present in the called betacyanin, which is the same pigment present in beets and prickly pear fruit.
Preparation
Upon receipt we recommend keeping in the refrigerator to prolong its best before date. The outer rind is not edible and whilst it does start to wilt and perish once picked from where it has been cut from the cactus, It does a great job of protecting the edible but refreshing flesh inside. Slice it in half and then scoop out the slightly firm flesh with a spoon and eat it right out of the shell, or carefully use a sharp spoon to cut and remove the flesh from the skin. Then slice or cut it any way you like.
Nutritional Value
The red fleshed pitaya has a great nutritional value as it is rich in protein and antioxidants and it has zero fats.
|
Calories per 100g |
99 kcal |
|
Fats |
0 |
|
Carbohydrates |
9 g |
|
Fiber |
0 g |
|
Protein |
2 g |
|
Sodium |
60 mg |
|
Potassium |
436 mg |
|
Vitamin A |
133% of the RDI |
|
Vitamin C |
10% of the RDI |
|
Calcium |
8% of the RDI |
|
Iron |
8% of the RDI |
SHIPPING
Choose your desired delivery date at the checkout, available delivery dates will be displayed at checkout stage. All orders are dispatched via DHL on a 24hr Next Working Day service. If no date is selected your order will be dispatched at the next available date.
We offer Free Next Working Day Delivery on all orders over £75 including our selection boxes.
Our shipping rates are as follows:-
England - £6.95
Scotland - £9.95
Northern Ireland - £9.95
Customers are responsible for being present at the shipping address provided on the date selected at checkout. Exotic Fruits are not responsible for any missed or attempted deliveries that must be rearranged by the customer.
All orders are packed in cardboard boxes with a biodegradable packing pellets to protect the fruit during transit, unfortunately we do not offer a gift wrapping or send the fruit in a gift basket as this may cause toe bruise during transit..
RETURNS
Let's start by stating the obvious. Since our produce is perishable we cannot accept returns.
That said, we want every customer to be happy so we do offer vouchers, refunds and replacements at our sole discretion if your fruit has arrived inedible. If you would like to report an item which has become damaged or perished during transit, please:- We are not responsible for products that spoil if there is not someone to receive your delivery on the date that you request it, full tracking is provided and can be requested anytime after dispatch.
