The Yellow Dragon Fruit!: One of nature’s most delightful treats!
You might be familiar with the most commonly seen cousins of Yellow Dragon Fruit, the White Dragon Fruit, the Green Dragon Fruit, and the Red Dragon Fruit, but let me tell you, the yellow variety is a whole different ball game – equally enticing and perhaps even more exotic!
Yellow dragon fruit, also known as yellow pitaya or yellow pitahaya, is tropical. It belongs to the cactus family. Yellow Dragon Fruit is native to Central and South America and cultivated in Southeast Asia, Palestine, and Australia.
Yellow Dragon Fruit has a characteristic bright yellow skin. It sometimes has a green shade on the scales. Inside, it has soft white flesh with tiny black seeds.
Yellow Dragon Fruit is one of the three main varieties of dragon fruit, along with red and white.
Let’s talk some science about Yellow Dragon Fruit!
Scientific Name: The scientific name of the yellow dragon fruit is Hylocereus megalanthus.
Facts and Features:
The plant of Yellow Dragon Fruit is a climbing cactus. It can grow up to 15 feet tall.
Yellow Dragon Fruit plant produces large, fragrant flowers that only open at night.
As the flower of the Yellow Dragon Fruit blooms at night, the pollination is also nocturnal. Bats and moths pollinate the flowers.
The fruits of Yellow Dragon Fruit take about 30 to 50 days to mature.
The Yellow Dragon Fruit are oval-shaped and weigh about 150 to 600 grams each.
They have thin, bright, crisp, yellowish, smooth, and leathery skin that can be easily peeled off.
The flesh is juicy, sweet, and mildly acidic, with a texture similar to kiwi or pear.
The seeds are edible and crunchy, and they contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Nutritional Properties of Yellow Dragon Fruit
Yellow dragon fruit is low in calories but high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. According to the USDA, a 100-gram serving of yellow dragon fruit provides:
– Calories: 60
– Protein: 0.4 grams
– Fat: 0.2 grams
– Carbohydrates: 15.4 grams
– Fiber: 2.9 grams
– Vitamin C: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)
– Iron: 2% of the DV
– Magnesium: 3% of the DV
Health Benefits of Yellow Dragon Fruit
The Yellow Dragon Fruit is a blessing to your health. Many appreciable health benefits are hidden in this tropical gem. Some are known, and many are there to be explored.
Some of the expected health benefits of yellow dragon fruit are:
Improves digestion and bowel movements
Because Yellow dragon fruit is rich in soluble fiber, it can help prevent constipation and other gut issues.
Yellow Dragon Fruit can help lower your cholesterol levels.
Contains Probiotics
Yellow dragon fruit contains prebiotics. Prebiotics are essential for the growth of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system because these bacteria can improve your digestion and immunity and regulate your mood.
Laxative Effect
Some people may experience a laxative effect from yellow dragon fruit. It is more common if you consume large amounts of Yellow dragon fruit or are not used to high-fiber foods. Well, this is normal, beneficial sometimes, and not harmful!
Diabetic Friendly
The Yellow Dragon Fruit is a fruit for those diabetic patients having a sweet tooth! It is not only delightfully sweet but also is lower in the Glycemic Index (GI). Yellow Dragon Fruit can also regulate your blood sugar levels.
Boosts immunity and skin health
Yellow dragon fruit is a good source of vitamin C. Especially after COVID-19, everyone knows how essential Vitamin C is for our immune system. Vitamin C in Yellow dragon fruit is also necessary for your wound’s healing and collagen synthesis.
Well, Want to Know What Collagen is? Why is it important?
Collagen is a protein that gives structure and elasticity to your skin, hair, and nails. If your hairs are falling and becoming dull? Or if you have fine lines, flat or saggy skin, and are looking for a plump in your skin? Consider having Yellow dragon fruit in your daily diet. The Vitamin C in Yellow dragon fruit will boost the buildup of Collagen in your body and help you revive your beauty.
Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties, which means it can protect your body cells from free radical damage and inflammation.
What are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause aging, disease, and cancer. Yes… They are harmful, but luckily, you can quickly eliminate them by consuming a healthy diet full of antioxidants. And! Yellow dragon fruit also contains other beneficial antioxidants, such as:
Betalains
Hydroxycinnamates
Flavonoids
These antioxidants can enhance the effects of vitamin C and provide additional benefits for your skin and overall health.
Supports heart health and blood pressure
Yellow dragon fruit contains elements that benefit your heart and blood vessels. These are:
Potassium (K)
Magnesium (Mg)
Omega-3 fatty acids
Potassium and magnesium can help regulate blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower your triglycerides and inflammation. Improving blood flow and the arteries’ elasticity is also significant.
Betalains; in Yellow dragon fruit
Yellow dragon fruit also contains betalains. These are pigments that give the fruit its yellow color.
According to scientific research, betalains have been shown to reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and oxidative stress. Do you know these are important risk factors for heart disease?
Active Alkaloids and Compounds in Yellow Dragon Fruit
Well Yellow dragon fruit also contains several active alkaloids. These alkaloids are medically active and have beneficial medicinal effects on the human body.
Hylocerenin: A surprising fact is this is a compound extracted from the peel of yellow dragon fruit! It has been found to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It may also have anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects.
Isocitric acid: Well, it is a compound detected in the pulp of yellow dragon fruit. This one helps generate the energy in your body.
Too much Science!! Let’s come to the fun fact…
There’s a thrilling debate among fruit lovers: are Yellow Dragon Fruit and Golden Dragon Fruit the same?
Well, they are not the same! The Yellow Dragon Fruit and Golden Dragon Fruit are two different varieties of Dragon Fruit with various characteristics!
Yellow Dragon Fruit is like a burst of sunshine with its bright yellow skin and sweet, creamy flesh. On the other hand, Golden Dragon Fruit takes it up a notch with its golden-yellow skin. It has a sweeter taste and enchanting aroma. While both are delicious and nutritious, they have unique flavors and charm.
So, whether you want to enjoy the Yellow dragon fruit as a refreshing snack, incorporate it into culinary creations, or consume it for your overall health! It is full of taste and health benefits for you.
FAQs
How to eat yellow dragon fruit?
The easiest way to eat a yellow dragon fruit is to take it, wash it, cut it in half, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon!
You can also peel off the skin and slice or dice the flesh.
You can eat it fresh, chilled, or frozen or add it to salads, smoothies, yogurt, or desserts.
You can also make juice, jam, or desserts from yellow dragon fruit.
How to choose and store yellow dragon fruit?
Choose yellow dragon fruit that is bright yellow, firm, and free of bruises or cuts. You should avoid overripe or underripe fruits. They may have a sour or bland taste.
While for storing, you can store yellow dragon fruit at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
You can freeze the peeled and cut flesh for up to three months.
Is Yellow Dragon a natural laxative?
Yes. It has 5 grams of fiber in every six-ounce serving. The fiber can soften stool and treat constipation.
Is Yellow Dragon Fruit rare?
Not rare, they are usually sold in the regions of the world where they are grown. Well, for the other case, they are found to be slightly less common than different varieties such as Red Dragon Fruit and Pink Dragon Fruit.
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