Dragon fruit, or pitaya, grows on a tropical cactus vine. Each fruit has a spiny skin, though the spines are usually trimmed from the fruits before they are sent to market. The fruit is either creamy white, yellow or crimson red, and all varieties are speckled with small black seeds. Like all fruits, dragon fruit only has a limited storage time. Using the proper storage techniques allows you to extend this time as much as possible.
Place the dragon fruit in a paper bag. Do not peel or cut it prior to storage.
Store the dragon fruit in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Dragon fruit stores best at temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Store refrigerated fruit for up to three months.
Scoop the pulp from the skin with a spoon once the dragon fruit has been cut. Place the pulp in a tightly sealed container. Cut dragon fruits must be stored frozen as their quality quickly declines.
Keep the dragon fruit pulp in the freezer for up to three months. Use the pulp in ice cream, smoothies and jelly.
Tip
Dragon fruit may lose some flavor during refrigeration, so it's best to only purchase what you can use in a short period.
References
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Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.