Vietnamese white dragon fruit: Explore a taste of tropical elegance

In Vietnam, where tropical fruits thrive, the white dragon fruit holds a special place. Its unique appearance and pleasant taste make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Let’s discover all about Vietnamese dragon fruit.

Vietnamese white dragon fruit is a unique tropical fruit that has gained widespread popularity. It is cherished not only for its sweet and mildly tangy flavor but also for its distinctive appearance with a white pulp and spiky exterior. Learn more about Vietnamese white dragon fruit in this guide. So, when you embark on your Vietnam travel journey, you can savor it with confidence. 

1. What is Vietnamese white dragon fruit?

Vietnamese dragon fruit, scientifically known as Pitahaya, is a member of the cactus family. It originates in the desert regions of Mexico and Colombia. Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian country engaged in large-scale commercial cultivation of this unique fruit. The primary cultivation areas include provinces such as Long An, Binh Thuan, and Tien Giang.

Vietnamese white dragon fruit has pink skin, white flesh, and small black seeds. Its flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweetness and subtle tartness. This fruit is not only delicious but also nutritionally rich, making it a significant component of a healthy and nutrient-packed diet. 

It is exported internationally in various forms, including fresh fruit and frozen options. Within the country, it is commonly consumed in its fresh form, though dried dragon fruit and dragon fruit wine are also available. 

2. How nutritious is Vietnamese white dragon fruit?

White-fleshed dragon fruit is highly nutritious and boasts plenty of health benefits. Here are some ways it can support your physical health: 

• Immune system support: With a high vitamin C content, Vietnamese white dragon fruit provides protection against inflammatory diseases.
• Weight loss support: The fruit is a safe option for weight loss thanks to its high fiber and water content, coupled with low sugar.
• Cooling effects: With its natural diuretic effects, it proves beneficial during hot weather, alleviating skin issues.
• Digestive health support: Its high water and fiber content support digestive health, alleviating symptoms of bloating and constipation.
• Iron supplement: It helps supplement the body’s natural iron source, aiding in the production of hemoglobin and preventing iron deficiency.

3. How is Vietnamese white dragon fruit used in cuisine?

3.1. Vietnamese white dragon fruit smoothie

Vietnamese white dragon fruit, renowned for its unique flavor and nutritional richness, is a versatile ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. One popular culinary application is the creation of refreshing Vietnamese smoothies.

Dragon fruit smoothies are popular and so easy to make. Check out these simple steps to master this delicious drink: 

1. Wash and peel the dragon fruit, then cut it into small pieces.
2. Put the pieces of dragon fruit into the blender. 
3. Add a bit of sugar, condensed milk, and ice to the blender. 
4. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into a glass and garnish to your liking. 

This white dragon fruit smoothie, blending the distinct fragrance of the fruit with the rich taste of condensed milk, creates a delightful beverage perfect for hot summer days.

3.2. Vietnamese white dragon fruit salad

White dragon fruit is versatile and can also be made into a Vietnamese salad, a refreshing option for hot days. To make this dish, you will need:

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 1 dragon fruit
• 1 apple
• 1 avocado
• 4 tablespoons sweetened yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons condensed milk
• 3 teaspoons sesame seeds
• Some mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Rinse, peel, and dice the fruits into uniform squares. Place all the fruits on the same plate and store them in the refrigerator to keep them cool.
2. Mix the dressing by combining 4 tablespoons of sweetened yogurt, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and 2 teaspoons of condensed milk to taste.
3. Toast the sesame seeds in a pan until golden brown. Once cooled, lightly crush them and add them to the dressing mixture. Use a fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
4. Finally, drizzle the dressing over the prepared fruit and mix it all together. 

Your visually appealing dragon fruit salad, with a harmonious blend of various fruits, is now ready to be savored. Try it, and you will be enchanted by the flavor combination of refreshing fruits and the sweet and rich dressing.

Tips for selecting the best ingredients:

• Choosing fresh apples: When buying apples, pay attention to their color. Good apples have a uniformly dark red color, and the redder they are, the sweeter the flesh will be. Those with small white specks tend to be even sweeter. Also, make sure the apple feels firm. Lightly tap it to hear a clear, loud sound. Avoid apples with dropped or withered stems, as these indicate longer storage and a loss of freshness.
• Selecting ripe avocados: Opt for ripe avocados, as they are less fibrous and more flavorful than unripe ones. The skin of ripe avocados is green with yellow specks. Choose avocados with small stems, still fresh, and ones that feel firm when held, with the outer skin appearing plump and without black spots or indentations.

3.3. Vietnamese white dragon fruit jelly

Ingredients:

• 1 white dragon fruit
• 50 grams of granulated sugar
• 1 packet of agar powder

Instructions:

1. Clean the dragon fruit, and use a knife to remove the outer skin. Cut the dragon fruit into square blocks or use a tool to shape them into round balls. Set aside the peel.
2. Cut the pink part of the peel into small pieces. In a pot, add granulated sugar and an adequate amount of water, then add the dragon fruit peel and boil to extract the color.
3. After the peel releases its pink color, remove the peel, and slowly add the agar powder to the pot. Mix well. Once the mixture boils again and the agar powder dissolves evenly, add the small pieces of dragon fruit.
4. Pour the mixture into a tray and refrigerate.
5. Once the jelly has solidified, cut it into bite-sized squares and enjoy.

3.4. Dried Vietnamese white dragon fruit

Dried fruits are among the most unique Vietnamese foods, which can be consumed as a healthy snack. Here’s how to make them using white dragon fruit. 

1. Select uniformly-sized dragon fruits that are ripe to ensure a sweet flavor after the drying process. Thoroughly wash the dragon fruit, then carefully peel off the thin layers of the outer skin that may still be attached to the dragon fruit peel.
2. Cut the dragon fruit into slices with a moderate thickness. If the chosen dragon fruit tastes slightly tart, you can dip it in a sugar solution, then wait for it to dry before placing it on the tray.
3. After arranging the dragon fruit slices on the tray, you can dry them using one of these two methods:
   • Expose the arranged dragon fruit slices to sunlight.
   • Use a dehydrator. In the first three hours, dry the dragon fruit at 50°C. Then, adjust the temperature to 60°C and continue drying for another two hours.
4. Store the dehydrated dragon fruit in a glass container for longer preservation.

3.5. Vietnamese white dragon fruit wine

With a distinct fragrance and fruity taste, Vietnamese white dragon fruit wine is also a special local drink worth trying.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of dragon fruit flesh
• 300 grams of sugar
• 40 milliliters of 42-45% alcohol
• Utensil: a porcelain, ceramic, or glass infusion jar for the best liquor quality

Instructions: 

1. Cut the dragon fruit into thin slices and place them in a mixing bowl. 
2. Add sugar in a ratio of 1:1/3 (for example, every 1 kilogram of dragon fruit flesh should take about 300 grams of sugar). Add white liquor.
3. Use your hands to squeeze the dragon fruit slices thoroughly until the mixture is well-blended. It is advisable to use disposable latex gloves for hygiene.
4. Transfer the dragon fruit and sugar mixture into a liquor-infusing jar. Let it sit for about 3 hours until the sugar dissolves and the dragon fruit releases its juice. Shake the jar well, and then seal the lid.
5. The infusion process may take 3 to 5 days. When you see bubbles rising to the surface, it indicates that the dragon fruit has fermented.
6. After the period of infusion, you can strain and remove the solid parts of the dragon fruit to extract the liquid.

Tips:

• Choose ripe dragon fruit with firm, dark red skin and green tails for freshness and quality.
• Do not tightly seal the jar to avoid direct sunlight exposure, which can spoil the fermentation process.
• If you notice white foam or mold on the surface during fermentation, it may indicate that the liquor has spoiled.
• Store the dragon fruit liquor in the refrigerator and consume it gradually. But note that it is recommended to finish the Vietnamese white dragon wine in a week to preserve the original taste.

4. Things to know about buying Vietnamese white dragon fruit

Vietnamese white dragon fruit costs about 20,000 VND/kilogram, making it a rather affordable option for gift-giving in Vietnam. 

*Note: The price given is for reference only and may change depending on market fluctuations.

When selecting Vietnamese white dragon fruit, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure you bring home the best-quality and most flavorful fruits. 

Keep in mind the four crucial aspects, including:

• Shape: Choose dragon fruits that are uniformly round, as these tend to be juicier and sweeter. Round fruits not only enhance the visual appeal but also make for an aesthetically pleasing presentation when arranged on a plate.
• Skin: Look for fruits with a dark red and taut skin, indicating they are freshly harvested. Avoid fruits with unevenly colored skin, blemished eyes, or dark yellow and brown spots, as these may not be of the highest quality.
• Top: Check the stem and top of the dragon fruit; they should be firm, flexible, and lightly colored. A fresh and delicious dragon fruit will have a green top that is not shriveled or dry. Less desirable fruits may have brittle, easily breakable stems and tops with dark spots at the end. 
• Texture: Gently press the dragon fruit skin with your fingers; it should feel slightly soft, similar to a ripe avocado or mango. Less desirable dragon fruits may feel overly soft or hard.