What is Pitaya?

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or the strawberry pear, is a beautiful tropical fruit that is sweet and crunchy. The plant the fruit comes from is actually a type of cactus of the genus Hylocereus, which includes about 20 different species. Originally popular in Southeast Asia and Latin America, dragon fruit is now grown and enjoyed all over the world. Though it may look intimidating with its pinkish red skin and light green scales, preparing this unusual fruit is easy. You can enjoy eating it in fruit salads, it can be used to create tasty drinks and desserts, and it is a wonderful, healthy snack on its own.

Dragon fruit was named after its appearance—which is somewhat similar to an artichoke—the pointy "scales" around the oval-shaped fruit are reminiscent of a dragon.

The fruit comes in four varieties; three are pink-skinned, one with white flesh, one with red flesh, and the third with purple flesh. The fourth variety has yellow skin with white flesh. All have tiny black seeds that are edible, just like kiwifruit. Its unique appearance lends to serving as is, but this tropical fruit is also wonderfully blended into cocktails. The fruit is quite simple to prepare—just cut it down the middle and remove the flesh with a spoon.

Here at Berries & Bowls we use organic fresh frozen Pitaya.  We then blend it with bananas and pineapple to give it it’s creamy texture and sweet flavor. The color can’t be beat! The bright pink is sure to make you happy!   We have pitaya bowls, which you can top with your favorite toppings and a Pink Beach Pitaya Smoothie that has pitaya, banana, mango and coconut water.  And as always, no junk and no fillers. 

Hope you come in to try our delicious pitaya soon.  Acaiulater!