In the unique world of dragon fruits, we have variants with bursting vibrant colors and unique flavors, but few varieties hold quite the same allure as Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit. Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit is a hybrid cactus fruit. It has a stunning appearance, prolific growth, and a taste that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many fruit lovers.
Overview of; Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit
Scientific name: Hylocereus guatemalensis x Hylocereus undatus
The Physical Graffiti dragon fruit can be said to be the outcome of the wonders of plant breeding. It is one of the most famous hybrids created by Paul Thompson. (Link purple Haze article here, on Paul Thompson).
The Physical Graffiti dragon fruit has a very attractive pinkish-red exterior. The scales are large, and greenish and cover the whole body giving it the appearance of a real dragon. However, the prettiness of Physical Graffiti dragon fruit is not limited to that. Cut the fruit and you will get juicy flesh that ranges from light to deep purple, a color as enticing as the skin color of the fruit.
The Taste of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit
The Physical Graffiti dragon fruit isn’t just a pretty face! It has a flavor that is as exciting and appealing as the color of the skin and flesh of this appealing fruit. It has a sweet taste with a hint of tartness. It possesses a refreshing and a bit complex taste profile. Fruit lovers describe the taste of Physical Graffiti dragon fruit as a mixture of notes of kiwi, watermelon, and even lychee dancing on the palate.
This delightful combination makes Physical Graffiti dragon fruit, a perfect fruit to enjoy on its own or incorporate into smoothies, salads, and even in your desserts. Try “Dragon Fruit Cake”! You will be surprised by the flavor profile it offers!
Size of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit
The average Physical Graffiti dragon fruit falls in the medium to large size range. This translates to a weight of around 0.75 to 1.5 pounds per fruit.
While not the biggest dragon fruit variety, Physical Graffiti offers a good amount of delicious flesh to enjoy!
Nutritional Benefits of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit
With its stunning appearance, delightful flavor, and impressive growth habit, the Physical Graffiti rocks in the world of dragon fruit. But that’s not all! This vibrant fruit has nutritional benefits, that can make you fall in love with this beauty, more!!
Low in Calories and Fat
A 100-gram serving of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit typically contains only around 60 calories. It has less than 1 gram of fat. On a low-calorie diet? enjoy it guilt-free!!
Rich in Fiber
The same 100 gm serving of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit provides a good amount of dietary fiber. Approximately around 3 grams, which can aid your digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
Full of Vitamin and Minerals
Physical Graffiti is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including:
Vitamin C: Supports your immune system.
Iron: Essential for red blood cell production.
Magnesium: Important for normal muscle and nerve functioning.
Antioxidants: Help protect cells from damage.
Interesting Facts about Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit
Night Blooming Beauty
Physical Graffiti, same as other dragon fruit cultivars, mirrors the peculiar feature of night blooming. This plant has a large, white bloom that blooms at night for a few hours. Night pollinators such as moths are the most active during these hours. It is believed that this is an adaptation that has allowed the flowers to attract these nocturnal pollinators.
Cactus Climber, Not a Cactus!
Although it hails from the cactus family and its exterior is full of spines, Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit isn’t actually a cactus plant. Yes!!! It is a Hylocereus species, a genus that is a part of the cactus family. But, unlike cacti which grow as single plants, Hylocereus vines are epiphytic climbers. Consequently, they can climb, often trees and poles, to grow their stem that is long and vining.
The Power of Betalains
The fascinating purple flesh of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit owes its color to a group of high-class pigments called the “betalains”. These pigments are not only known for their beauty but also they are ascribed with antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants can prevent the deterioration of cells and could be one of the factors contributing to lowering the risks of chronic diseases.
Seed Symphony
The black crispy seeds embedded in the flesh of the Physical Graffiti are actually embryos. They are dormant and can be used to propagate new plants of dragon fruit! The germination rate is indeed variable but some individuals find the challenge of growing their acorns very exciting.
Self-Sterile
This cultivar, just like other dragon fruit, is self-sterile and requires pollen from another dragon fruit variety, more likely a red-fleshed one, to set the fruit.
If you are going to grow Physical Graffiti, you will need another compatible variety nearby or you will have to do hand pollination. As in most dragon fruit varieties, Physical Graffiti is also frost-intolerant and grows well in warm climates.
So, if you’re looking for a visually stunning and flavorful fruit that’s relatively easy to grow and offers a good dose of essential nutrients, then the Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit might just be the perfect addition to your garden or fruit basket.
FAQs
How many calories are in 100gm of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit?
There are about 57 calories in 100 grams of dragon fruit. It’s a low-calorie fruit that can be a great addition to a healthy diet.
What are the physical characteristics of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit?
Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit is a medium-sized hybrid cultivar of dragon fruit. It has a pink exterior with yellowish-green scales, while the flesh is light to dark purple with tiny crunchy edible black seeds.
What is the Brix score of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit?
The average Brix score of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit ranges from 17-18, depending on the condition of the fruit. The ripe fruit is more sweet and thus has more sweetness.
Is Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit self-fertile?
Yes, Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit is a self-fertile fruit. You need to do cross-pollination to set the fruit of Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit. It is done by using other variants usually, Red Dragon Fruit by hand pollination.
Do Dragon fruit also known as “Strawberry Pear”?
Yes, dragon fruit is also called “Pitaya”, “Pithaya” or “Strawberry Pear”.
