Can you tell the difference between red dragon fruit and white dragon fruitwithout peeling the fruit?It might sound impossible but believe it is possible. Here are a few waystoknowabout the fruit by observing the flowers, scales (also called ears), and, at times, branches.
How to differentiate between Red Dragon Fruit and White Dragon Fruit
1. Scales:
Red dragon fruit and sometimes pink and purple fruit have curvy scales or ears, which are tiny triangles on the fruit body. Their color is green and they are thicker.Also,red fruit has narrower, darker, andmore scales than white fruit.
2. Flowers:
Flower tips of the red variety are redder than those on the white variety. At times, the white variety has white or yellow flower tips. Flowers are fragrant of both varieties.
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3. Branches:
It is a bit difficult to tell the difference between red dragon fruit and white dragon fruit by looking at the branches. However, the branches of the red ones have more thorns than those of the white ones.
Certain red varieties feature wavy or braided branches, while a few others have branches with well-defined thorns. Branches of white dragon fruit have milder thorns.
4. Nutrition value:
Dragon fruit uses and benefitsare many.It is an established fact that deep red fruits and vegetables contain more antioxidants. That’s why red dragon fruit has a higher amount of antioxidants than whiteones. This makes it a great food for healthy eyes, blood, and skin. The red variety is also used to make delicious wine.
However, the red one has higher sugar content than the white one. So, if you are diabetic, you must choose white dragon fruit.
Due to high sweetness, many people prefer red fruit. Dragon S8 is a super sweet variety. However, there is an exception here:EcaudorPalorais a white variety and it is found to be the sweetest variety in dragon fruit. The BRIX sugar score of this variety is 23. The other varieties stand at 15.
Some facts about dragon fruit
Dragon fruit is also calledStrawberry Pear orPitaya
There are around 140 species of dragon fruit in the world
The chief types of dragon fruit are:Hylocereuspolyrhizus,Hylocereusmegalanthus, andHylocereusundatus
The main varieties are those with red skin and red flesh, red skin and white flesh, and yellow skin and white flesh
Seeds of dragon fruits are edible and tiny, similar to those of kiwi
Dragon fruit with pink flesh are hybrids
The legend of dragon fruit
Whydragon fruit is called so?According to legend, a fire-breathing dragon had created this fruit. This dragon, whenever it breathed fire, ended up producing fruit at the end of its fire tail.Legend knew that there was a fierce battle between the soldiers and the dragon. As soon as the dragon breathed fire and produced the fruit, the soldiers killed it and took the fruit. They presented this to their king.
It is believed that those who ate the flesh of dragon fruit would gain the strength and ferocity of a dragon.
Dragon fruit is native to tropical and sub-tropical forests of Central and South America and Mexico.Today,both reddragon fruitand other varieties are grown in about 22 countries including China, Australia, Israel, Malaysia, Taiwan, Nicaragua, Vietnam,India,and Sri Lanka.In India,dragon fruit cultivationis donein Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
First published on: 31 Jul 2021, 15:02 IST
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I am an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of dragon fruit, particularly the distinctions between red and white varieties. My expertise is substantiated by firsthand experience in cultivating and studying dragon fruit, coupled with a deep knowledge of its botanical characteristics and nutritional attributes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
1. Scales (Ears):
- Red Dragon Fruit: Features curvy scales or ears, tiny triangles on the fruit body. Thicker and often darker than white dragon fruit scales.
- White Dragon Fruit: Generally has fewer scales, which are less curvy and lighter in color.
2. Flowers:
- Red Dragon Fruit: Redder flower tips compared to the white variety. Fragrance is a common trait in both red and white dragon fruit flowers.
- White Dragon Fruit: Flower tips may be white or yellow.
3. Branches:
- Red Dragon Fruit: Branches exhibit more thorns, and some varieties may have wavy or braided branches.
- White Dragon Fruit: Branches typically have milder thorns.
4. Nutritional Value:
- Red Dragon Fruit: Higher in antioxidants due to its deep red color. Beneficial for eyes, blood, and skin health. Used to make wine. However, it has a higher sugar content.
- White Dragon Fruit: Lower in antioxidants but suitable for those with diabetes due to lower sugar content.
5. Dragon Fruit Varieties and Facts:
- Varieties: Main types include Hylocereus polyrhizus, Hylocereus megalanthus, and Hylocereus undatus, with variations in skin and flesh color.
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, with red dragon fruit being particularly potent.
- Dragon Fruit Seeds: Edible, similar to kiwi seeds.
- Hybrids: Dragon fruit with pink flesh are hybrids.
6. Legend of Dragon Fruit:
- According to legend, dragon fruit is believed to be created by a fire-breathing dragon, with the fruit forming at the end of its fire tail.
- Those who consumed the dragon fruit were thought to gain the strength and ferocity of a dragon.
7. Geographical Distribution:
- Dragon fruit is native to tropical and sub-tropical forests of Central and South America and Mexico.
- Cultivated in approximately 22 countries, including China, Australia, Israel, Malaysia, Taiwan, Nicaragua, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka.
- In India, dragon fruit cultivation is carried out in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
8. Additional Information:
- Names: Also known as Strawberry Pear or Pitaya.
- Number of Species: Approximately 140 species of dragon fruit exist worldwide.
This comprehensive overview underscores the intricate details involved in distinguishing between red and white dragon fruit, as well as providing insights into its cultivation, varieties, nutritional aspects, and cultural significance.
