Dragon Fruit - แก้วมังกร (kaew mang gon) - Selenicereus undatus

-

 Introduction

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is now grown in many parts of the world, including Thailand. Dragon fruit is a popular fruit in Thailand because it is delicious, nutritious, and easy to grow.

Nutrition

Dragon fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamins C and E, and iron. It is also a low-calorie fruit, making it a healthy choice for people of all ages.

Health Benefits

Dragon fruit has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

  • Boosting the immune system
  • Improving digestion
  • Promoting heart health
  • Lowering blood sugar levels
  • Reducing the risk of cancer

Growing Dragon Fruit in Thailand

The harvest of our first dragon fruit
Harvest dragon fruit about 30-50 days after flowering. Look for vibrant, evenly colored skin. Use sharp shears to cut the fruit, leaving some stem attached. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Store in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. Enjoy your fresh dragon fruit!

Dragon fruit is a relatively easy fruit to grow in Thailand. It thrives in warm, humid climates with plenty of sunlight. Dragon fruit can be grown in pots or in the ground.

Here are some tips for growing dragon fruit in Thailand:

  • Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  • Plant the dragon fruit cuttings in a hole that is twice the size of the root ball.
  • Water the dragon fruit regularly, especially during the dry season.
  • Fertilize the dragon fruit every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the dragon fruit regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Harvest the dragon fruit when it is ripe.

Dragon fruit is typically ready to harvest 30-40 days after flowering. The fruit will be slightly soft and will have a slightly sweet smell. To harvest the dragon fruit, simply cut it from the stem with a sharp knife.

Eating Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. It can be added to smoothies, yogurt, salads, and desserts. Dragon fruit can also be used to make juice, wine, and jam.

Here are some ideas for how to eat dragon fruit:

  • Eat it fresh. Dragon fruit is a delicious and refreshing snack. Simply cut it in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
  • Add it to smoothies. Dragon fruit is a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your smoothies.
  • Add it to yogurt. Dragon fruit is a delicious and healthy topping for yogurt.
  • Add it to salads. Dragon fruit can add a pop of color and flavor to your salads.
  • Use it in desserts. Dragon fruit can be used in a variety of desserts, such as pies, cakes, and cookies.

Where to Buy Dragon Fruit in Thailand

Dragon fruit is widely available in Thailand. You can find it at most grocery stores, markets, and fruit stalls.

Tips for Choosing Dragon Fruit

When choosing dragon fruit, look for fruit that is firm and has bright, vibrant skin. Avoid fruit that is mushy or has blemishes.

Storing Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Dragon fruit is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-grow fruit that is perfect for the Thai climate. If you are looking for a healthy and exotic fruit to add to your diet, dragon fruit is a great option.


Dragon Fruit - แก้วมังกร (kaew mang gon) - Selenicereus undatus

Top 5 posts from the last 30 days

Ginger - ขิง [King] - Zingiber officinale

-
Image
Ginger is a versatile and important ingredient in Thai cuisine, and its cultural and medicinal significance makes it a valuable part of everyday life in Thailand.   Recipes: Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup with Cha-om, Coconut Milk, and Turmeric Vegetarian Red Curry with Coconut Milk, Turmeric, and Ivy Gourd Vegetarian Pad King Culinary Uses: Ginger is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, adding a distinct flavor and aroma to many dishes. It is commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as curries, soups, stir-fries, and desserts. In Thai cooking, fresh ginger is often preferred over dried, as it provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. Medicinal Properties: Ginger has been traditionally used in Thai traditional medicine for its various health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger is also known for its potential to alleviate nausea and aid digestion, making it a popular remedy for digestive issues. Cultural Significance: In Thai cul
Read more

Some Thai vegan dishes that feature bilimbi

-
Image
  1. Bilimbi and Tofu Curry A creamy and tangy curry made with bilimbi , tofu, and a blend of aromatic Thai spices and coconut milk. 2. Spicy Bilimbi Salad (Yam Taling Pling) A refreshing and zesty salad combining bilimbi with fresh vegetables, roasted peanuts, and a spicy lime dressing. 3. Bilimbi and Mushroom Stir-Fry A savory stir-fry featuring bilimbi, assorted mushrooms, tofu, and vibrant bell peppers, seasoned with garlic and soy sauce. 4. Bilimbi Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Taling Pling) A rich and tangy coconut soup with bilimbi, mushrooms, tofu, and lemongrass, offering a unique twist on the classic Tom Kha. 5. Bilimbi Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum Taling Pling) A variant of the traditional green papaya salad, incorporating bilimbi for an extra sour kick, along with tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts. 6. Bilimbi Fried Rice A flavorful fried rice dish with bilimbi adding a tangy note, mixed with vegetables, tofu, and seasoned with Thai spices. 7. Bilimbi and Vegetable Stir-Fry A simpl
Read more

Recipe for a vegan Gaeng phet kha-noen aun (แกงเผ็ดขนุนอ่อน) or Spicy curry with young jackfruit

-
Image
  Ingredients: For the curry paste: 2 tablespoons red curry paste 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon lemongrass , minced 1 teaspoon galangal , minced 1 teaspoon kaffir lime leaves , thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander How to prepare young jackfruit for a vegan Thai dish For the curry: 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk 1 cup vegetable broth 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 cups young jackfruit, shredded or pulled 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 cup Thai basil leaves Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Make the curry paste:  In a food processor or blender, combine all of the curry paste ingredients and blend until smooth. Cook the curry:  Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the curry paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Stir in the coconut milk, vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, and lime ju
Read more

Chaya (tree spinach) - ผักชายา (phak cha-ya) - Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

-
Image
Chaya, also known as tree spinach, is a fast-growing plant that's relatively easy to cultivate. Chaya spinach is an understory species in forests and as such is ideal grown in shade under fruit trees or palms. You can grow chaya from stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings with a few nodes (bumps where leaves grow) and plant them directly in the ground or pots with moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Established plants are somewhat drought tolerant but will produce more leaves with consistent moisture. Chaya is a fast grower and may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain a manageable size and encourage bushier growth. Don't remove more than two-thirds of the foliage at once. You can harvest young, tender chaya leaves throughout the growing season. Simply pick the leaves from the stems. The plant will likely be ready for its first harvest after less than a year. Raw Chaya leaves conta
Read more