Ever seen a dragon fruit that looks like a giant tangerine? That’s the amazing orange dragon fruit, a cool twist on the classic pink and white varieties.
Let’s learn more about this beautiful variant of the Dragon Fruit Family!
Facts about Orange Dragon Fruit
Scientific Name: Hylocereus polyrhizus x megalanthus
Common Name: Orange Pitaya
While orange dragon fruit is a delicious and visually striking fruit. But to date, there’s not a vast amount of scientific research available that is specifically focused on this variety compared to the more common red and white ones.
However, we can explore some general scientific facts about orange dragon fruit!
Origin and Cultivation of Orange Dragon Fruit
Do you know, that Orange dragon fruit is a cultivar? Cultivar means that it’s a specific cultivated variety within the Hylocereus genus. The Orange Dragon Fruit is likely developed from existing red or white varieties of dragon fruits. This cultivation of Orange Dragon Fruit is possibly done through hybridization or selective breeding techniques.
Well, about the origin of Orange Dragon Fruit… The exact origin of the orange dragon fruit is unclear. But the Orange Dragon Fruit is a relatively recent development compared to the more established red dragon fruit and white dragon fruit varieties.
Cultivars of Orange Dragon Fruit
There are several cultivars of orange dragon fruit, including:
Orange Dwarf
Hawaiian Orange
Peruvian Orange
Orange Dwarf: This cultivar of Orange Dragon Fruit has a smaller fruit size. It has bright orange skin and reddish pulp. If we talk about the taste, the Orange Dwarf cultivar of Orange Dragon Fruit is known for its sweetness. But the plant Orange Dwarf can be slower growing and as the name is mentioning; smaller in size.
Hawaiian Orange: This cultivar produces medium-sized Orange Dragon Fruit. It has a strikingly bright stunning orange exterior. The inner flesh of Hawaiian Orange Dragon fruit is reddish in color. It’s considered to be one of the sweetest dragon fruit varieties.
Peruvian Orange: The Peruvian Orange Dragon fruit has a bright pinkish-orange exterior with greenish shades on the scales.
Like other dragon fruit varieties, the orange ones are cactus climbers, with similar beautiful white flowers.
Wondering about the taste of Orange Dragon Fruit? Let’s discuss the flavor of Orange Dragon Fruit
Well, generally the orange dragon fruits have a mildly sweet flavor, similar to other dragon fruit varieties. The texture of inner flesh is often compared to a ripe kiwi. It has juicy tasty and nutrition-filled flesh which is usually reddish in color speckled with black, crunchy seeds.
The Hawaiian Orange Dragonfruit is said to be one of the sweetest dragon fruit varieties among Orange dragon fruits. It has more intense sweetness compared to other orange types.
Well, the Peruvian Orange Dragon fruit has a subtler sweetness compared to the Hawaiian Orange. Some people compare the taste of Orange Dragon Fruit to a combination of pear, kiwi, and watermelon.
It’s important to note that like other dragon fruit, ripeness plays a crucial role and affects the taste of Dragon Fruits. Unripe orange dragon fruit might be bland or tasteless..!!
If you’re curious about the taste of orange dragon fruit, the best way to experience it is to try it yourself! Look for ripe fruits with vibrant orange skin and explore this super fruit yourself.
Cut it open and enjoy it fresh! or you can also incorporate it into smoothies or salads. One of the best features of Dragon fruits is they give a unique visual appeal to your salads, which is undeniably irresistible…
Since we are discussing the cultivar and the cultivation of orange dragon fruit; let’s explore some Botanical Features of orange dragon fruit within the flow…
Botanical Features of Orange Dragon Fruit
Botanical family: Cactaceae
The orange dragon fruit plant is a cacti, belonging to the Cactaceae family. The Orange Dragon Fruit plants are basically climbing cacti. They have aerial stems that can grow tall about several meters in length.
The plant of Orange Dragon Fruit produces large, white, fragrant flowers that bloom at night.
The orange color of the fruit skin is due to the presence of pigments called betalains, Do you know? that Betalains are found in beets and some other fruits and vegetables. The specific type and concentration of betalains in Orange Dragon Fruit determine the exact orange shade of it.
Nutritional Content of Orange Dragon Fruit
Similar to other dragon fruit varieties, orange dragon fruit is likely a good source of fiber, essential for gut health.
It is important to know that the tiny black seeds of Orange Dragon Fruit are also edible. Not only edible, but they also contain healthy fats and essential micronutrients.
As Orange Dragon Fruit is a new variant so, there is limited information on the specific vitamin and mineral content of orange dragon fruit compared to red or white varieties. However, it contains antioxidants like vitamin C, and useful nutrients like Magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P).
Overall, orange dragon fruit is a fascinating new variety with potential health benefits. While scientific research specifically on this type is ongoing, its connection to the Hylocereus genus allows us to infer some general scientific facts.
Benefits Beyond the Bite: Why You Should Try It!
Here’s the exciting part: eating orange dragon fruit might be good for you!
It can help with digestion
Boost your gut health
Give you a bit of an antioxidant boost
Fight free radicals in your body
It can help keep you healthy
Contains vitamin C which keeps your immune system strong
Contains fiber that helps keep you feeling full
Low in calories and fat
Hence, An Orange Dragon Fruit is a perfect guilt-free snack!
So next time you’re at the grocery store, keep an eye out for the orange dragon fruit. With lots of health benefits and tasty juicy flavor, this Orange pitaya can become your new favorite healthy snack!
FAQs
Is there Orange Dragon Fruit/Orange Pitaya?
Yes. Orange Dragon Fruit is scientifically called Hylocereus polyrhizus x megalanthus. It is a very sweet, orange-pinkish member of the Dragon Fruit family.
Why there are spikes on a Dragon fruit?
These spikes aren’t just for show, they help the fruit absorb sunlight and deter hungry animals. Pretty smart, right?
What does Orange Dragon fruit taste like?
Orange Dragon Fruit/ Orange Pitaya tastes like juicy berries. Some people compare the taste of Orange Dragon Fruit to a combination of pear, kiwi, and watermelon.
Is Orange Dragon fruit good?
Yes, Orange Dragon fruit contains various antioxidants and nutrients. Being low in calories, it is also considered a Superfruit.
Well, a tip for you 😉 Yellow Dragon Fruit is considered the most sweetest among all variants of Dragon Fruits available.
Learn more about “Yellow dragon fruit” and explore the benefits of this tasty delight…
