Why Is It Called Dragon Fruit?

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The Dragon Fruit

The name "dragon fruit" comes from the fruit's striking appearance!  

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Looks Like A Dragon 

The vibrant red skin, often with green, scale-like protrusions, resembles the body of a dragon as depicted in Chinese mythology. 

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The name "dragon fruit" first appeared in 1963,  and quickly became the most popular way to refer to this fruit in English.

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First Appearance

Dragon fruit is native to southern Mexico and Central America, where it has been cultivated for centuries. It was later introduced to Southeast Asia, where it is now widely grown.

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Origin Story

-Pitaya/pitahaya (Mexico and Central America) -Kamal Phal (Lotus Fruit, India) -Thanh long (Vietnam) -Gau long (Thailand) -Shenglongguo (China, literally translates to "fruit of the climbing dragon")

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Local Names

Red dragon fruit: This is the most common variety, with red skin and white flesh Yellow dragon fruit: This variety has yellow skin and white flesh. Pink dragon fruit: This variety has pink skin and red flesh.

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Varieties Of The Fruit

The flesh of all dragon fruit varieties is sweet and mildly tart, with a texture similar to a kiwi. They are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.

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The Flesh

The beautiful flowers that produce the dragon fruit only bloom at night!  These large, fragrant flowers open in the late afternoon or evening and then wilt by the next morning.

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Dragon Fruit Flowers

Did you know all this about the dragon fruit?

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