How To Identify Dragon Fruit Varieties

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit with a unique appearance and flavor. With its bright pink or yellow skin and white or red flesh dotted with black seeds, dragon fruit has become a popular ingredient in smoothie bowls, salads, and desserts. 

There are several different varieties of dragon fruit, each with its own distinct characteristics. In this article post, we will explore how to identify dragon fruit varieties, including their appearance, taste, and texture. 

Varieties of Dragon Fruit

There are 16 varieties of dragon fruit and we are going to give you an overview:

1. Red Flesh dragon fruit

This variety of dragon fruit has a bright red or pink outer skin, and its flesh is deep magenta or red. It is often sweeter and juicier than other types of dragon fruit, with a mildly sweet and refreshing flavor.

The texture of the fruit is similar to that of a kiwi, with small black seeds scattered throughout the flesh..

2. White flesh dragon fruit

Selenicereus undatus, also known as white-fleshed dragon fruit or “pitahaya blanca” in Spanish, is a popular variety grown in Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean. It has a pink or yellow skin and white flesh dotted with small black seeds.

The texture is similar to kiwi fruit, with a soft and juicy flesh. The taste is sweet and slightly tart, with a flavor reminiscent of a mix of pear, kiwi, and watermelon.

3. Yellow dragon fruit

Yellow dragon fruit, also known as Hylocereus megalanthus, is a popular variety in South America. It has a bright yellow skin and white flesh dotted with small black seeds.

The texture of this fruit is similar to kiwi, with a slightly crunchy and juicy flesh. The taste is sweet and slightly tart, with hints of citrus and tropical fruit.

4. Physical Graffiti Dragon Fruit

Physical Graffiti dragon fruit is a type of Hylocereus undatus with striking pink and green skin that resembles a psychedelic work of art. The flesh is white with black seeds, and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is reminiscent of watermelon.

One unique feature of Physical Graffiti dragon fruit is its texture. Unlike other dragon fruit varieties, which can be somewhat crunchy, Physical Graffiti has a soft, smooth texture that almost melts in your mouth. This makes it a popular ingredient in smoothies and desserts.

In terms of nutrition, Physical Graffiti dragon fruit is high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and delicious snack. It is also relatively low in calories, making it a great choice for anyone trying to maintain a healthy weight.

5. American beauty dragon fruit

This variety of dragon fruit has a bright pink outer skin and white or pink flesh with small black seeds. It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that is often compared to that of a pear or a kiwi.

The texture of the fruit is similar to that of a kiwi as well, with a slightly firmer texture than other types of dragon fruit. 

6. Dark star dragon fruit

This variety of dragon fruit has a deep red or purple outer skin and white or pink flesh with small black seeds.

It has a sweet and slightly tart flavor that is often compared to that of a cross between a kiwi and a pear. The texture is soft and juicy, making it an excellent choice for smoothies or fruit salads. 

7. Cosmic Charlie Dragon Fruit

Cosmic Charlie is a visually stunning dragon fruit variety, with bright pink and green skin and juicy white flesh. The texture of this fruit is soft and somewhat grainy, similar to kiwi fruit.

It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with hints of tropical fruit like pineapple and melon. When fully ripe, the flesh becomes more translucent and the flavor intensifies. 

8. Hylocereus polyrhizus (Vietnamese dragon fruit)

Vietnamese dragon fruit has vibrant red skin with green scales and white flesh with black seeds. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, similar to kiwi or pear. The texture is juicy and firm, with a crunchy bite. Vietnamese dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

9. Hylocereus stenopterus (Honduras pitaya)

Honduras pitaya has bright pink skin and white flesh with black seeds. It has a mild, sweet taste with a hint of sourness. The texture is soft and creamy, similar to a ripe avocado. Honduras pitaya is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

10. Hylocereus triangularis (red-fleshed dragon fruit)

Red-fleshed dragon fruit has vibrant pink or red skin with green scales and pink or red flesh with black seeds. It has a sweet and floral flavor, similar to a mix of watermelon and pear. The texture is soft and juicy, with a slightly grainy texture.

11. Hylocereus triangularis (red-fleshed dragon fruit)

The red-fleshed dragon fruit, also known as Hylocereus triangularis, is easily identified by its bright red, triangular-shaped scales. The flesh inside is a deep magenta color with small black seeds.

This variety has a mild sweetness with a hint of sourness and a refreshing taste, making it a popular choice for salads and drinks. The texture is smooth and juicy, similar to a kiwi, and is a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

The seeds of this variety are edible and add a slight crunch to the overall texture. The red-fleshed dragon fruit is commonly grown in tropical regions and is known for its striking appearance, making it a beautiful addition to any fruit plate.

12. Hylocereus guatemalensis (Guatemalan pitaya)

The Guatemalan pitaya, also known as Hylocereus guatemalensis, is easily recognized by its oblong-shaped scales, which can range in color from green to yellow. The flesh inside is white with small black seeds and has a mild, sweet flavor that is often described as similar to a pear.

The texture is soft and juicy, similar to a kiwi or a watermelon, and is a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. The Guatemalan pitaya is commonly used in smoothies, salads, and as a garnish due to its beautiful appearance.

13. Frankies Red dragon fruit

The Frankies Red dragon fruit is easily identified by its bright pink skin and vibrant red flesh. The taste of this variety is similar to that of the white-fleshed dragon fruit, with a mild sweetness and a refreshing taste.

The texture is smooth and juicy, with small black seeds that add a slight crunch to the overall texture. The Frankies Red dragon fruit is commonly used in smoothie bowls, fruit salads, and as a garnish due to its striking appearance.

14. Red Jaina dragon fruit

The Red Jaina dragon fruit is easily recognized by its bright pink skin and deep red flesh. This variety has a sweet and tangy taste that is similar to a mix of watermelon and kiwi.

The texture is soft and juicy, with small black seeds that add a slight crunch to the overall texture. The Red Jaina dragon fruit is a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and is commonly used in smoothies, salads, and as a garnish due to its vibrant appearance.

15. Red Jaina Dragon Fruit

The Red Jaina dragon fruit variety is a type of Hylocereus polyrhizus with deep red skin and white flesh that is studded with tiny black seeds. This variety is named after the Jaina ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, where it is believed to have originated. The fruit is medium-sized and oval-shaped, with a slightly pointed end.

In terms of taste and texture, Red Jaina dragon fruit has a mild, sweet flavor that is often compared to that of a kiwi. The texture is soft and juicy, with a refreshing crunch from the seeds. This variety is also high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your diet.

16. Vietnam White Giants Dragon Fruit

As the name suggests, the Vietnam White Giants dragon fruit is a large variety of dragon fruit that is native to Vietnam. It has white flesh that is sweet and juicy, with a slightly tart taste. The skin of the fruit is yellow-green and covered in spiky, green scales.

Vietnam White Giants dragon fruit is typically larger than other dragon fruit varieties, with some fruits weighing up to 1kg (2.2lbs) each. The flesh is also thicker and creamier than other varieties, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel. This variety is also known for its high nutritional value, containing antioxidants, vitamin C, and several B vitamins.

Wrapping Up

Wrapping Up, dragon fruit is a delicious and nutritious treat with many varieties to choose from. Depending on your taste and texture preferences, you can find the perfect dragon fruit for you.

Dragon fruit is also high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber , so no matter which variety you choose, you can enjoy all the health benefits that come along with it. With this guide, you should now be able to identify the different dragon fruit varieties and find one that is perfect for you.