Super source
Carbohydrate
15.2 g · 6% DV target
A visually striking tropical cactus fruit with a mild, kiwi-like sweetness and crunchy seeds, offering a hydrating profile rich in essential minerals and unique plant pigments.
Dragon fruit is a low-glycaemic index (low-GI) fruit, meaning its natural sugars—primarily glucose and fructose—are absorbed slowly, which may help prevent spikes in blood sugar .12
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that regular consumption of the red variety (red pitaya) can help reduce glycemia (blood sugar levels) in humans and may assist in the prevention of diabetes .12
The fruit has a lower calorie density than many other tropical fruits, such as bananas or mangoes, because it contains a high water content and fewer total carbohydrates .2
Dragon fruit provides a variety of essential minerals, most notably magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, which support bone health and vascular function .12
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
15.2 g · 6% DV target
3.10 g · 11% DV target
9.75 g · 20% DV target
Keep at room temperature until slightly soft to the touch.
Once ripe, store in a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Water requirements are low for a fruit crop, but environmental impact is raised by air-freight emissions to non-tropical regions.
Despite its exotic appearance, the dragon fruit is actually the fruit of a climbing cactus that blooms only at night, often referred to as 'moonflowers' or 'Queen of the Night'.