How to tell when the dragon fruit is ripe

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How to tell when the dragon fruit is ripe
How to tell when the dragon fruit is ripe
Anonim

Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is the fruit of several cactus species.

Sweet pitayas are of three types:

Hylocereus undatus (White Pitaya or White-fleshed Pitaya) has a red-skinned fruit with white flesh. This is the most popular "dragon fruit".

Hylocereus costaricensis (red Pitaya or red-fleshed Pitaya, also known as hylocereus polyrhizus) has a red-skinned fruit with red flesh.

The hylocereus megalanthus (yellow Pitaya, also known as Selenicereus megalanthus) has a yellow-skinned fruit with white flesh.

The instructions below will help you recognize ripe dragon fruit.

Steps

Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 1
Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 1

Step 1. The outer skin of the unripe dragon fruit has a bright green color

When the fruit ripens, the outside turns red or yellow depending on the variety and the pulp begins to become less hard.

Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 2
Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 2

Step 2. Look for a bright, colorful skin

If the fruit has a lot of spots, it may be overripe, while a couple of marks are normal. Another element that makes you understand that the fruit is overripe is the brown, brittle and very dry stem.

Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 3
Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 3

Step 3. Hold the fruit in the palm of your hand and try to press the peel with your thumb or fingers

It must be soft but not soft. If it is very hard, it must mature for a few more days.

Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 4
Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 4

Step 4. Dragon fruits are usually harvested when they are nearing full ripeness, as they do not continue to ripen once harvested

The maturity indices commonly used are the days after flowering (minimum 27-33 days, depending on the cultivation and production area) and the intensity of the red or yellow skin color.

Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 5
Tell if a Dragon Fruit Is Ripe Step 5

Step 5. The right time for harvesting is four days after the color change

If they are intended for export, the fruits must be picked the day after the color change.

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