How To Store A Dragon Fruit

How To Store Dragon Fruit: Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical delight with a vibrant appearance and a subtly sweet flavour. Whether you’ve just picked one up from the market or harvested it from your garden, knowing how to store dragon fruit properly ensures you enjoy its freshness and nutritional benefits. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you store dragon fruit effectively.

5 Tips To Store Dragon Fruit At Home

1. Storing Whole, Unripe Dragon Fruit

If your dragon fruit is not yet ripe, it's best to leave it at room temperature. Place it on the countertop away from direct sunlight and other fruits. Allow it to ripen naturally over 2 to 3 days. A ripe dragon fruit will yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe avocado.

Also, only wash dragon fruit before eating. This keeps its skin dry and extends freshness.

2. Refrigerating Ripe Dragon Fruit

Once ripe, dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness:

• Whole Fruit: Keep the unpeeled fruit in a plastic bag or airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other food odours,. Store it in the crisper drawer for up to 1 week. 

• Cut Fruit: After slicing, cover the exposed flesh with plastic wrap or store the pieces in an airtight container, shares professional baker and nutritionist Judi Klee in one of her YouTube videos of ‘Judi in the Kitchen’. Refrigerate and consume within 2 days to enjoy its best quality.

3. Freezing Dragon Fruit For Long-Term Storage

If you have a lot of dragon fruits or want to preserve it for smoothies and desserts, freezing is an excellent option:

• Preparation: Peel the dragon fruit and cut it into cubes or slices.

• Flash Freezing: Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour to freeze the pieces, as shared in a YouTube video by Daisy Poppets Farm.

• Storage: Transfer the frozen pieces into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date and return them to the freezer. Frozen dragon fruit can last up to 3 months.

4. Use Airtight Containers To Preserve Dragon Fruit’s Freshness

Airtight containers are essential for keeping dragon fruit fresh and maintaining its natural flavour and texture, this is a tip from a lot of chefs. When stored in a sealed container, the fruit retains its moisture, preventing it from drying out and keeping the flesh juicy.

It also helps to stop the dragon fruit from absorbing strong odours from other foods in the fridge, ensuring its delicate sweetness remains intact. 

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5. Keep Dragon Fruits Away From Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Dragon fruit is sensitive to ethylene gas, a natural compound released by fruits like bananas, apples, and avocados. Ethylene accelerates the ripening process, which can cause the dragon fruit to become overripe, mushy, or lose its texture. 

Even when refrigerated, proximity to ethylene-producing fruits can shorten the fruit’s shelf life. To avoid this, it’s important to store dragon fruit separately from other fruits, ideally in a different drawer or compartment in the fridge.

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Tips To Maintain Dragon Fruit Freshness While Storing: 

• Avoid Washing Before Storage: Only wash dragon fruit before eating. Excess moisture can lead to quicker spoilage.

• Keep It Dry: Moisture can cause the fruit to deteriorate faster. Ensure the fruit is dry before storing.

• Separate From Ethylene-Producers: Store dragon fruit away from fruits like apples and bananas, which emit ethylene gas that can accelerate ripening.

By following these simple storage methods, you can enjoy the sweet and nutritious benefits of dragon fruit at your convenience. Properly stored dragon fruit retains its delightful taste and texture, making it a versatile addition to your diet.

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Imaage credit: Freepik