Taming Your Exotic Dragon Fruit Made Easy Through These Cult Classic Recipes

Dragon Fruit has a unique taste that might be surprising given its vibrant pink skin and white, seed-filled flesh, sometimes purple flesh. Beyond its strange taste, it offers notable health benefits being rich in moisture. In desserts, it adds moisture, texture and a burst of its trademark flavor. Its flesh blends beautifully into smoothies, sorbets and ice creams. Dragon fruit can also be sliced or diced into cakes, tarts or crisps for visual appeal. Based on the unique properties of this fruit, let’s walk you through some of the most fascinating desserts that are enhanced by the addition of dragonfruit.

1.Dragon fruit Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

- 500 ml coconut milk

- 1/2 cup chia seeds (about 80 gm)

- 1 dragonfruit, peeled and diced

- 1/4 cup coconut flakes

- Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the coconut milk and chia seeds. Stir well to combine and prevent clumping.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until thickened.
3. Scoop the chia pudding into bowls or jars. Top with diced dragon fruit and coconut flakes.
4. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if using.

2.Dragon fruit Sorbet

Ingredients:

- 1 kg dragonfruit, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)

- 150 ml water (optional)

- 30 ml lemon juice (about 2 tbsp)

- 60 ml sugar (about 1/4 cup), more to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube the dragonfruit and set aside.
2. Place the dragon fruit cubes in a blender or food processor. Add the water (only if the fruit is not ripe and juicy), lemon juice, and sugar (if using).
3. Blend until smooth. Taste the mixture and add more sugar if needed.
4. Pour the puree into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, this usually takes 20-25 minutes, until frozen.
5. Transfer the sorbet to an airtight freezer container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
6. Remove the sorbet from the freezer 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

3.Dragon fruit Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

- 395 gm can coconut milk (around 500ml), full fat

- 30 ml maple syrup

- 2 tsp agar-agar flakes

- 150 gm chopped dragon fruit

- 200 ml water

- 7.5 ml cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Add the coconut milk to a pan over medium heat. Stir in the agar agar flakes and 15 ml maple syrup. Allow to heat through without boiling, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until agar dissolves fully, stirring frequently.
2. Strain the mixture and pour into serving dishes. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for 3-4 hours to set.
3. Cook the dragon fruit with the remaining 15 ml maple syrup and 75 ml water in a pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook until very soft. Mash the fruit using a masher.
4. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 75ml water with the cornstarch until smooth. Add the slurry to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring, until thickened slightly.
5. Strain the sauce to remove any bits of fruit. Refrigerate until chilled.
6. Once set, top each panna cotta with the chilled dragon fruit sauce. Serve.

4.Dragon fruit Popsicles

Ingredients:

- 500 gm dragon fruit, chopped

- 125 ml lime juice

- 125 ml water

- 60 ml honey or agave nectar

- Lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the dragon fruit, lime juice, water, and honey/agave nectar. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about 2.5 cm space at the top.
3. Add a lime slice to each mold.
4. Insert popsicle sticks and place in the freezer overnight or for at least 6 hours, until fully frozen.
5. To serve, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to help release the popsicles.
6. Enjoy the refreshing dragon fruit popsicles.

5.Dragon fruit Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

- 150 gm rolled oats

- 500 ml milk of choice (almond, coconut, soy milk)

- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract

- Pinch of salt

- 125 gm dragonfruit, chopped

- 2 tbsp yogurt or curd

- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Combine the oats, milk, vanilla and salt. Stir until well combined.
2. Divide the oat mixture evenly between 2 jars or containers with lids.
3. Top each container with half the chopped dragon fruit.
4. Seal the containers and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
5. When ready to serve, top each container with 1 tbsp curd or yogurt and 1 tbsp honey/maple syrup.