Learn how to cut dragon fruit from basic peeling to half moon slices, perfect cubes, wedges, serving bowls and more. Step-by-step photos with 10 ways to prepare this nutritious, refreshing tropical fruit. Recipe ideas included.
2largedragon fruit about 12 ounces each, any color
Instructions
Peel (4 ways)
Cut dragon fruit in half crosswise and scoop out the flesh with a large spoon.
Cut in half lengthwise and scoop flesh away from the peel with a thin-edged glass.
Slice the ends off and cut a slit through the skin. Push your thumb gently under the skin and peel away the rind.
Slice the ends off fruit. Cut it into wedges and serve the pieces with their easy-to-remove peel.
Cutting (6 shapes)
Spheres - Cut in half lengthwise and use a small melon baller to scoop out round marble shapes.
Half moons - Cut in half lengthwise. Then, place the cut half flat on a cutting board. Slice down through the skin in even sections.
Flat rounds - Slice whole fruit crosswise in even half-inch pieces. Cut round shapes with a large cookie cutter or biscuit cutter and discard the skin.
Wedges - Cut in half lengthwise. Divide each half again lengthwise and repeat to make eight wedges.
Chunks - Cut in half crosswise and remove the whole half from its shell with a spoon. Chop it into small or large chunks.
Square dice - Cut the dragon fruit straight down on all sides to make a square block without any peel. Next, slice the square block carefully into even slabs. Then, cut the slabs into straight french-fry sticks. Finally, cut the french-fry sticks into even-sized perfect cubes.
Store
Wrap whole, unpeeled produce tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Store cut fruit in a tightly covered container with a paper towel at the bottom for 3-4 days.
Freeze
Peeled pitaya cut in any shape can be frozen for up to 3 months. It will be mushy when it thaws but perfect for blending into juice or smoothies.
Notes
Selecting fruitThe shape of fruit you choose before cutting will lend itself to different recipes. For example, round pitaya is helpful when making square blocks for evenly diced cubes, and ovals make lovely serving bowls. to cutDeciding what shape to cutDecide first how you want to eat your dragon fruit, and then choose your cut. There is a world of possibilities, but here are a few suggestions to give you an idea. Also, be sure to view the photos in the recipe post!Snacking - Peel with methods one or two and enjoy straight from the shell with a spoon. Alternatively, peel with method four and eat out of hand.Fruit salads or salsas - Square dice.Topping for yogurt, puddings, tropical drinks- Spheres.Green salads - Half moons.Stacked appetizers or desserts - Flat rounds.Fruit plates and side garnish - Wedges.Blended smoothies, sorbet, and freezing - Chop.