What Is the Sweetest Dragon Fruit?
What is the sweetest dragon fruit? If you’ve ever wandered through the fruit aisle and spotted something that looks out of the ordinary, you might’ve encountered the dragon fruit. With its bright pink skin and green-tipped edges, it’s hard to miss. And while it’s a standout in appearance, did you know that not all dragon fruits taste the same? Some are definitely sweeter than others.
Let’s dive in and learn more about this unique fruit and which variety takes the crown for sweetness.
What Is the Sweetest Dragon Fruit, In Depth
The sweetest dragon fruit is Hylocereus megalanthus, with its yellow skin and white inside. It takes like a ripe pear or melon. Second is Hylocereus costaricensis, which is red in and out. It tastes a bit like wild berries. Then there’s Hylocereus undatus, which is white with pink skin. It tastes like a pear/kiwi cross.
Each variety brings its unique sweetness to the table, so it’s all about personal preference!
Let’s look at the three main types of dragon fruit and their sweetness:
Hylocereus undatus (White Pulp With Pink Skin)
If dragon fruits had a vanilla variant, this would be it. It’s mildly sweet with an almost neutral flavor, making it a favorite for those trying dragon fruit for the first time.
Apart from its flaming pink outer skin, slice it open to reveal a stark white interior speckled with tiny black seeds. Its appearance has been likened to a “starry night” in fruit form.
This variety loves a bit of humidity but is also resilient to short periods of drought. While it’s low-maintenance, ensuring well-drained soil can help it thrive. It also needs support as it grows, because fruit only forms on the branches that hang down. I’m growing mine up a tree as you can see in the photo above. If I let it grow on its own accord, it wouldn’t fruit until it reaches the top of the tree!
This is the most commercially grown variety, making it the easiest to find in grocery stores worldwide.
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Hylocereus costaricensis (Red Pulp with Pink Skin)
Think of this dragon fruit as the richer, more intense cousin of the undatus. This variety delivers a fruity punch with sweetness and berry-like undertones. It has vibrantly pink skin and hides a deep red or purple pulp inside, making it a visually stunning choice for fruit platters.
This dragon fruit is a bit picky compared to its white-pulp sibling. It prefers consistent warmth, shielding from strong winds, and just the right amount of watering.
Interesting fact: Its vibrant pulp color is packed with betalains, potent antioxidants contributing to its health benefits.
The red dragon fruit is perfect for our dragon fruit puree recipe!
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Hylocereus megalanthus (White Pulp with Yellow Skin)
What is the sweetest dragon fruit? Here’s your reigning champion of sweetness! It’s not just sugary; it offers a flavor that’ll remind you of ripe pears or sweet melons.
This dragon fruit has a beautiful golden skin, with white pulp dotted with seeds. You’ll need to be in a warm climate to grow it yourself – it craves a more tropical environment, with regular rainfall and warm temperatures year-round.
The yellow variety’s exclusivity comes from the fact that it’s harder to cultivate, making it a rare find and often a pricier option in markets.
Yellow Dragon Fruit for the Win
If there were a contest of ‘What is the sweetest dragon fruit,’ the yellow dragon fruit or Hylocereus megalanthus would undoubtedly wear the crown. This variety tastes like a ripe pear or melon. Beyond sweetness, it also has smaller, more palatable seeds. It’s main downside is how rare it is!
Each dragon fruit variety has its charm, and while the yellow-skinned Hylocereus megalanthus takes the cake in sweetness, the others offer delightful flavors and textures. You might like the refreshing subtlety of Hylocereus undatus or the rich depth of Hylocereus costaricensis. Choosing the “best” dragon fruit ultimately boils down to personal preference.
For those with green thumbs looking to grow the sweetest dragon fruit variety, the yellow dragon fruit prefers a warm and humid climate. It’s essential to provide well-draining soil and ample sunlight. And while it’s a tropical fruit, it appreciates a good drink but not soggy roots.
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Final Fruit Facts
We’ll finish up with some fascinating facts for dragon fruit fans!
- Dragon fruits are primarily nocturnal bloomers, meaning their flowers bloom at night. They often rely on bats or moths for pollination. Talk about a midnight snack!
- Legend has it that the fruit was named after dragons because the plant would “breathe fire” when the fruits were ready to be harvested, thanks to their vibrant, fiery appearance.
- Under optimal conditions, the dragon fruit cacti can produce fruit six times a year. So if you’re looking to woo someone with exotic fruits, this might just be your steady supplier.
