Dragon fruit is definitely a delightful treat to eat… But picking the right one can be a little tricky, though, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. Don’t worry! Here are 10 simple tips to make sure you pick the juiciest and most delicious dragon fruit every time.
10 Tips to Help You Choose a Dragon Fruit
1. Check the Color
Look for a Dragon fruit with vibrant and even-colored skin. A bright and fresh-hued skin means the fruit is ripe. Dull or brown spots on the skin mean that the dragon fruit is overripe. Overriped Drgaon fruit could be good if you want to make dragon fruit juice, smoothies, dragon fruit cake or pie!
2. Feel the Texture
Hold the fruit, and give it a gentle squeeze. The dragon fruit should be slightly soft but not mushy. If it feels rock-hard, it needs more time to ripen.
3. Test the Weight
Pick it up! A heavier dragon fruit means it’s packed with water and juice, which usually results in a better texture and flavor.
Here is a quick guide on average sizes, interior and exterior color of famous Dragon Fruit varieties, to help you choose a Dragon fruit!
| Dragon Fruit Variety | Flesh Color | Skin color | Average Weight |
| Hylocereus undatus | White | Orangish-red | 300-800 g |
| Selenicereus megalanthus | White | Yellow | 120-25- g |
| Hylocereus guatemalensis | Fuschia Pink | Greenish Red | 300-400 g |
| Hylocereus polyrhizus | Red | Red | 130-530 g |
| Hylocereus costaricensis | Purplish-red | Red | 250-600 g |
| American Beauty Dragon Fruit | Red | Hot Pink | 0-.5-1 lbs |
| Vietnamese White Dragon Fruit | White | Orange Pink | 1-1.5 lbs |
| Sugar Dragon | Purple Red | Red | 0.5-0.75 lbs |
| Purple Haze Dragon Fruit | Magenta | Orange-Pink | 1.5-2 lbs |
| Giant Orange Dragon Fruit | Light Pink | Orange | 0.7-0.9 lbs |
| Hawaiian Orange Dragon Fruit | Pink-Purple | Orange | 0.3-0.4 lbs |
| Dark Star 9-S Dragon Fruit | Purple | Orangish Pink | 0.7-1.5 lbs |
| Palora Ecuador Dragon Fruit | White | Yellow | 0.8 lbs |
| Natural Mystic Dragon Fruit | Red | Reddish Pink | 1-2 lbs |
4. Avoid Bruises
Check for any brown marks or bruises on the surface. These may suggest the dragon fruit is damaged and may not taste as good.
5. Slight Fragrance
A light, sweet scent near the base of your Dragon fruit is a good sign that the dragon fruit is ripe and ready to eat.
6. Look for Firm Yet Yielding Flesh
Press gently on the fruit—if it gives a little, it’s ripe. If it’s too hard, it’s unripe; if it’s too squishy, it’s overripe.
7. Check the Ends
The ends or “wings” of the dragon fruit should be fresh and green, not dry or withered. Green tips mean it’s recently harvested.
8. Smooth Skin
The Dragon fruit should have smooth leathery skin. If you notice any cracks or blemishes, it is a no-go! While a few wrinkles are okay, too many could mean the fruit is drying out.
9. Shape Matters
Opt for evenly shaped fruits. Oddly shaped or lopsided ones might not have developed evenly. It could possibly be affecting their ripeness and taste.
10. Taste Test (When Possible)
If you’re buying from a market or store that offers samples, always go for it! Usually, a Dragon fruit has a mild sweetness, with a taste that resembles a mix of watermelon and pear and kiwi… But few varieties are very sweet such as “Sugar Dragon“. While some have a bit of tart and tangerine hints in taste. Select the one which you prefer and enjoy!!
Now you’re ready to pick the perfect dragon fruit like a pro! Enjoy its unique flavor and all the health benefits it brings.
