Have you tried Dragon fruit before? Particularly the red fleshed variety… The colour kind of blows your mind, it’s like this iridescent pink that seems other worldly… and the taste is just as unusual as the colour, it tastes like you’re eating perfume but in a good way. And what’s even more bizarre is that it’s a fruit of a cactus…
If you haven’t tried Dragon Fruit yet, keep an eye out for them, they are those weirdly shaped funny looking fruit that you can easily walk past at your local market. Unfortunately they only grow in subtropical or tropical regions. There are powdered options available, but this doesn’t compare to the fresh fruit.
I’ve been a bit obsessed with dark coloured foods lately. Obviously eating a variety of different coloured fruits and vegetables is the best way to consume a wide range of nutrients.
But it’s the dark coloured fruits and vegetables like deep purples, reds and even black coloured foods that are filled with plant compounds that are particularly good for heart health and they often contain anticancer compounds too.
And you would be happy to know that the red fleshed Dragon fruit contains specific antioxidants called betanins and various flavonoids that are both very beneficial for the heart and overall cardiovascular health. They are pretty magical!
A few more health benefits of the red fleshed dragon fruit include;
~They also contain Vitamin C, which we all know is great for our immune system, but also for skin integrity and a general antioxidant.
~Dragonfruit is a good source of plant based Iron, which is quite surprising.
~They contain a good amount of plant fiber for healthy bowels and an improved microbiome.
~Lots of antioxidants like the ones mentioned above, flavonoids and betanins, and also lycopene which is also found in tomatoes and is great for cardiovascular health and prostate health.
Overall they’re a great addition to your fruit bowl, when in season.
Low waste tips for this recipe
~Use fresh Dragon Fruit when in season. If it grows in your area, it is a subtropical/ tropical fruit.
You can get powdered Pitaya/Dragon fruit, some bulk food stores stock it.
~Plant milk options, make your own or purchase in reusable bottles or recyclable cartons etc
~For the toppings;
Purchase seeds and other dry goods from a bulk food store to avoid plastic packaging, where possible.
And make sure to choose seasonal fruits for toppings, unpackaged of course.
~Compost all food scraps either in your home compost or hopefully your roadside green bin (if available in your area).
Here’s the recipe
I’d love to hear what you think about Dragon Fruit and if you’ve tried it before.
Dragon fruit smoothie bowl
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- ½ Red fleshed Dragon fruit (skin removed)
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1½ cups plant milk of choice
- 2 tbsp nut butter (optional)
- 1 tbsp Maca powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp Hemp seeds for topping
- ¼ cup blueberries for topping
- 6 cherries, pitted for topping
Instructions
- Add the Dragon fruit, bananas, plant milk, nut butter and Maca powder (if using) to a blender
- Blend on high until smooth
- To serve, pour into two medium bowls
- Add toppings of choice
