Derived from the species of cactus, and aka pitayas, dragon fruits carry different names according to their regions of origin--China, Vietnam, Indonesia, or Malaysia. Whether you call it dragon fruit, fire dragon fruit, dragon pearl fruit, sweet dragon, or even strawberry pear, this fruit is originally native to Mexico and Central and South Americas, but many other far east countries and even Australia are not new to the cultivation of pitayas.
Dragon fruits come in few varieties, ranging from sour to sweet. The most commonly seen type is the one shown in the photos above. It is the red pitaya, with red skin and white flesh. It's fleshy texture is similar to that of a kiwi. The seeds are eaten together with the flesh of the fruit. Its taste is mildly sweet and the nutrients to this fruit is astounding, especially high in antioxidants. It is also known to help people who experience hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and high metal toxicity level, among other health ailments.
