Learn how to cut dragonfruit, also known as pitaya, with this simple step by step guide. The mild-tasting tropical fruit has gained popularity in recent years for its use in smoothie bowls but it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways as a healthy treat or snack.This tropical fruit is native to central America but can now be found more widespread across the world. It’s actually a form of a cactus plant and similar in nature to the prickly pear fruit.
Method
No matter if you decide to slice, cube or create spheres with the fruit, the first step in cutting a dragonfruit is to slice it in half lengthwise. It should be effortless to cut through the dragon fruit and expose the flesh. I like to start from the end without the thicker stem using a sharp knife on a flat surface such as a cutting board.This will expose the flesh, providing a couple of ways to proceed from here.
Scooping the flesh out from inside of the peel using a spoon is one of two ways to expose the sweet edible part of the dragonfruit.If the fruit is at perfect ripeness, this method is simple. However, it can tend to leave some fruit behind, especially if you don’t use a large enough spoon.
With the flesh separated from the peel, the dragonfruit can be cut however you like. One method is to slice it into half moons.To do this, take either the scooped out or peeled off sections and use a sharp knife to make thin slices down the fruit.
For an even fancier presentation or garnish for a drink, consider leaving the peel on and slicing the fruit like you would an orange with the rind still attached.
To cut into cubes, start by slicing the dragon fruit as described above then turn the fruit and cut in the opposite direction to create small cubes. These cubes are great for freezing and using in smoothies.
