5 Delicious and Refreshing Ways to Eat Superfruit Pitaya

{Image Credit: Keepin’ It Kind}

Food trends come and go, but one of the most popular fruits emerging in recent years just so happens to be of the bright, prickly kind.

Spanish for “dragon fruit,” pitaya is a species of cactus with a strong, refreshing and juicy flavor, reminiscent of strawberries and raspberries. Offering health nuts and foodies alike a wide range of outstanding benefits essential for any diet with its melon-like texture, the rich, neon pink superfruit with notes of pear is giving acai a run for its money.

While pitaya is paleo-friendly and can be eaten raw and off the peel, it can be utilized in a plethora of recipes, including breakfast bowls, smoothies and cupcakes.

Recommended to eat first thing in the morning as an empty stomach breaks down beneficial nutrients and enzymes faster and more efficiently, pitaya is very easy to eat. Just like you would with any other piece of fruit during snack time, you cut it down the middle and either spoon the flesh out or skin the sides, cutting in cubes.

Thanks to its long list of health benefits, pitaya is a superfood with its seeds boosting heart healthy lipids of omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation. Moreover, it’s a fruit that has a significant source of micronutrients like calcium and vitamins A, B and C and rich in antioxidants, which cleanses the body of toxins. With these benefits at the helm of the fruit’s appeal, foodies can prevent free radical damage that leads to premature aging and disease, lower the risk of certain types of cancer, strengthen immunity, offer glowing skin and fight off infections.

Moreover, it has an extraordinary impact on preventing complications associated with diabetes, lowering heart disease development and high blood pressure. It is also a high source of fiber that aids in weight loss and jump start metabolism.

Though dragon fruit season begins in the summer and early fall, it is never too soon to hop on the delicious trend. Pitaya can now be found in a variety of grocery stores and produce stands thanks to farmers markets, growing locations, and off-season production methods.

Bound to boost lazy mornings without the need for a cape, we share why you need to think pink and add this pretty superfruit to your lifestyle with some of our favorite recipes.

{Image Credit: Laws of Bliss}

Pink Pitaya Cupcakes {via laws of bliss}

This raw vegan and gluten-free recipe is not only worthy of Instagram snapshots, but it includes just six ingredients for the cupcake base and six for its pitaya-filled filling that is super easy to make. Simply place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until thoroughly combined and completely smooth.

Coconut Pineapple and Pitaya Pancakes {via live fit}

The intense pink color of pitaya is not something you might consider for a breakfast meal, but it makes for a great addition on pancakes as a nice, sweet drizzle. Soft, moisty, fluffy and full of flavor, these pancakes are the bright spot you need every morning thanks to its rich topping.

Pitaya Parfaits {via live pure}

Nothing says good morning quite like  bright, vivid breakfast treat chock-full of life and nutrients. With a gorgeous magenta color, this organic raw vegan parfait is jam packed with antioxidants and includes six ingredients, including the main attraction complemented by blueberries, bananas and dates.

{Image Credit: Feasting on Fruit

Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl {via keepin’ it kind}

With its pink flesh resembling the texture of kiwi, this smoothie bowl is deliciously creamy and perfect for spring and summer. Made with less than 10 ingredients, including pineapple, kiwi, mango and almond milk, it is seriously good and super healthy. (Did we mention it has spinach too?) For a bowl resembling the experts, top with blueberries, bananas, coconut flakes and granola.

Pitaya Pink Coconut Macaroons {via feasting on fruit}

These vibrant magenta bites of chocolate-coated coconut are not only sweet and simple to make with just four ingredients, but they are perfect for an afternoon snack or party. With a touch of maple syrup for sweetness and oat flour to bind, they really shine with pitaya that bring out a nice color.

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What do you love most about pink dragon fruit? Let us know in the comments below.