Desk report: Dragon fruit is not just delicious but also loaded with nutrients. This vibrant, refreshing fruit is perfect for summer. Besides enjoying it raw, you can also try some easy Dragon Fruit recipes.
Nutrients and Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a nutritional powerhouse despite its low calories. It is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. It also contains vitamin B which aids in energy production. High in fibre, dragon fruit supports healthy digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Dragon fruit is also packed with antioxidants like betalains, which combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Some research suggests these antioxidants have anti-cancer properties. Additionally, this fruit provides essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium, contributing to bone health and muscle function. Including dragon fruit in your diet can enhance the overall well-being of health.
Mouthwatering Dragon Fruit Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup dragon fruit (cubed and frozen), 1 cup mango (cubed and frozen), 2 bananas (cut into quarters and frozen), 3/4 cup almond or coconut milk, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 2-4 ice cubes.
Instructions
First, add frozen fruit, milk, and lime juice to a blender. Then, blend it until the mixture is very smooth. If needed, gradually add more almond milk to achieve your desired consistency. Serve chilled, and enjoy your refreshing smoothie.
Dragon Fruit Salad with Ice-cream
Ingredients
1 dragon fruit, 1 banana, 2 mangoes, 4 to 5 sapota, 10 to 12 strawberries, 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds and pistachios), 6 scoops vanilla ice cream or as required, 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (for garnish), and 5 to 6 strawberry slices (for garnish).
Instructions
First, rinse, peel, and chop the dragon fruits. Then place the fruit slices in a bowl. Now, add chopped nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios to the dragon fruits. Stir the mixture properly to combine. Following this put the fruit salad into ice cream cups.
After that, top each cup with vanilla ice cream. Garnish with slices of strawberries, berries, or other fruits. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top. Serve immediately for a fresh and healthy treat.
Dragon Fruit Dessert (Panna Cotta)
Ingredients
2 cups coconut milk (use full fat), 5 ½ tablespoons maple syrup (divided), 2 teaspoons agar agar, 1 cup chopped dragon fruit, 1/2 cup water divided, and 1 ½ teaspoon cornstarch.
Instructions
First, put a pan on the cooker with medium heat. Now, add coconut milk, agar agar, and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup to the pan. Stir until combined and heated. However, do not boil the mix. Reduce the cooker’s heat to a low to medium level. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the agar agar dissolves.
Next, strain the mixture for a smooth panna cotta and pour it into serving cups. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours until firm.
At this stage, prepare the dragon fruit sauce. First, heat chopped dragon fruit with 2 ½ tablespoons of maple syrup and 1/4 cup water. Then, boil the mixture until it softens, and gets mashed. Mix the remaining 1/4 cup water with cornstarch, add to the pan, and simmer for 2 minutes until thickened. Now, strain the dragon fruit sauce and leave it to chill.
Pour the sauce over the panna cotta before serving.
Dragon Fruit Pudding
Ingredients
3 cups water, 1 cup dragon fruit, 1 cup evaporated milk, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
First, scoop out the dragon fruit flesh with a spoon and set it aside. Now, place a pot over the cooker at medium heat. Combine evaporated milk and water. Then, add cornstarch and sugar. Stir the mix until dissolved.
Next, add vanilla extract and dragon fruit to the combination. After that, continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens. Turn off the heat and transfer the dragon fruit pudding to a container. Let it cool before serving.
Dragon Fruit Cake
Ingredients
1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 dragon fruit (cut into cubes), ½ tangerine (thinly sliced), and 2 tablespoons raw sugar.
Instructions
First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Take a large bowl and combine the flour with baking powder. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the mix. Now, stir the ingredients until well combined and thick. Take an 8/9-inch cake pan and pour the batter. Use a spoon to smooth the top. Then, put fruit slices on top of the batter, and press them slightly into the mixture. Sprinkle it with raw sugar.
Bake the combination in the microwave for about 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the centre comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.
Dragon Fruit Ice Cream
Ingredients
2 whole dragon fruit, 3 cups milk, 450ml condensed milk, juice from ½ lemon, a pinch of salt, and 2 cups coconut milk.
Instructions
First, remove the skin from the dragon fruit and purée it in a food processor. Next, add milk, condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt to the purée. Blend properly. After that, lightly whisk the coconut milk and gently add it to the purée mixture.
Then, pour the mixture into a shallow, lidded container and freeze until partially set. Whisk the partially set mixture until smooth, then return it to the freezer until fully set. This step ensures the texture remains soft and creamy while setting. Enjoy these icy treats on a hot day.
Closing Lines
Dragon fruit is a versatile summer fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. From smoothies to desserts, these recipes will help you stay cool and enjoy the benefits of this tropical superfruit. To enjoy the refreshing, nutrient-dense treats of dragon fruit this summer, get creative, and incorporate your favourite local ingredients!
Source: UNB News
