Hylocereus undatus as a food organism

Dragon fruit is enjoyed in many areas all over the world. Often, dragon fruit is merely eaten raw. The dragon fruit can be cut into slices to access the fleshy inside, which is the edible portion of the fruit. The white flesh with black seeds is often described as just slightly sweet and as having the consistency of Kiwifruit. Besides being eaten raw, the inside flesh of the fruit can be used in numerable different fashions, such as to make juices, wines, smoothies, pastries, jams, yogurt, ice cream, along with countless others. The leave and flowers can also be used to make teas and soups.


Besides having a number of delicious uses, H. undatus is also nutritionally healthy. Dragon fruit has high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, calcium, and fiber, along with other important dietary elements. By adding dragon fruit to products such as yogurt, the antioxidant activity levels in the yogurt, increasing nutritional value of the product (Zainoldin, 2012). H. undatus is also thought to lower blood glucose levels in diabetes patients as well as to have overall beneficial effects on cardiovascular health (Kolla et al., 2010).

Hylocereus undatus is popular as a fruit crop around the world for many reasons. Not only is it appetizing and nutritious, it can also be produce fruit for about 20 years, and is able to adapt to dry environments.

 

 

 

 

 Learn about a other exotic, healthy fruits starting with Passion fruit and Star fruit!

 

To learn more about Hylocereus undatus, visit my references page, or feel free to contact me.

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