Bold | Dragon Fruit & Pitaya Juice

Never mind the fact that genetically, my roots hail from the tropics. I do believe that if I were to be reincarnated as a fruit, I would still opt (if the option was possible, of course), to grow near the Equator, where the warm sun…

Bold | Dragon Fruit & Pitaya Juice

Never mind the fact that genetically, my roots hail from the tropics. I do believe that if I were to be reincarnated as a fruit, I would still opt (if the option was possible, of course), to grow near the Equator, where the warm sun is generous, and the vegetation that grows is often electrifying. What is it about this latitude that lends its flora to often develop such bold and exotic fruit? From mangoes to papayas, kiwis to passionfruit, these fruits are stunning inside and out, with wild flavors to match.

Have you met the dragon fruit? Such a wild and ferocious name for a what is actually, quite a tame fruit. The dragon fruit, otherwise known as pitaya, is actually a fruit from the cactus species, and is native throughout Asia as well as Mexico, Central America, and South America. It’s glossy red exterior with its fringe of almost finger-like extensions, cuts open to reveal a gorgeous white interior, studded with black seeds. In some cases, the flesh is a brilliant fuchsia. Its texture is very similar to a kiwi, but its flavor is decidedly subdued.

Subtleties aside, the pitaya is a vitamin-packed fruit and is being touted as an up and coming superfood. Packed with antioxidants and Omega-3s, pitaya boasts low calories and low sugar content, and is said to be a great digestive aid.

I was contacted by Chuck Casano, the force behind the new Pitaya Plus juice company. Inspired by his time in Nicaragua, where he worked under a grant for Agora Partnershps, a non profit agency where he was able to get hands on experience supporting local Nicaraguan agriculture, Chuck has harnessed the nutrient rich pitaya juice in a bottle. With their recent launch and distribution at Whole Foods throughout the West Coast and Colorado, I was offered the chance to sample this super juice. I was definitely curious to taste the juice, but I was also touched by the company’s social mission. Their dedication to provide opportunities for the people of Central America as well as their commitment to renewable energy (their company is solar powered!) really made an impression on me.

Pitaya Plus has a very unique flavor, and the best way to describe it, at least for me, is clean. It is subtle, with a hint of coconut water, and drinking it reminds me of a wheatgrass shot. You just feel very cleansed – probably the type of juice you would want to drink after indulging in a succulent, multi-layered sirloin burger topped with sauteed onions and oozing with crispy bacon and cheese. You get the idea. My sister actually got hooked on the juice when she visited me recently. It was her favorite after-dinner drink while she was here, and though she had to say good bye to the juice after flying back East, she will be excited to know that Pitaya Plus ships.

If you happen across the juice, give it a try. It is one of the most unique juices I have ever tasted, and I am sure you will be intrigued!

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Comments

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  1. Feast on the Cheap

    I’m with you all the way – mangos, kiwis, pineapples and passionfruit are amongst my all-time faves! The first time I had dragon fruit I was living in Hong Kong and became totally enamored of these stunning fruits. I just wish they were easier to find back in the States!

    Reply
  2. David

    Hi Liren, we have been eating truck loads of dragon fruits here in Asia. It’s true that they have a very subtle and clean taste, but right after you get used to it, you get hooked to it. We don’t know how we will get hold of dragon fruit in Sweden, a juice sounds like a good idea, but I’m guessing that they don’t ship it overseas …?

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hi David, I can definitely see how you can get hooked onto dragon fruit! You would love Pitaya Juice, and I know they ship…perhaps they *will* ship overseas, it’s worth a shot!

      Reply
  3. Liren

    Thank you all for your redesign feedback! So pleased you like what you see. And definitely check out Pitaya Plus and dragon fruit if/when you see it! I myself am curious as to how else I can use dragon fruit in my diet!

    Reply
  4. Cristina

    How interesting about the Dragon fruit, Liren. I doubt that the boring stores in my area would carry it, but I’m going to look for it – so beautiful and different. Thanks for sharing about it…I’m on the lookout! ;)

    Reply
    • Liren

      Cristina, I’m certain you’ll be able to find dragon fruit in your part of Southern California! I’ve seen it here at my local 99 Ranch!

      Reply
  5. Trish

    Love your new look, Liren! Beautiful and sleek!! Thanks for educating me on dragon fruit. I’ve never tried it but I’d like to get more familiar with tropical fruits. Lovely pictures as always.

    Reply
  6. Monet

    Such a treasure…I’ve only tried dragon fruit once, and I need to change that…because it is so very good! And of course, you did justice to how beautiful this fruit is. What great photographs. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  7. sippitysup

    My roots do not hail from the tropics, nonetheless these are my favorite flavors. The blog look so chic too. GREG

    Reply
  8. Becky

    Love your site with new design. Very nice. I’ve never had this fruit, but it looks so interesting, and the juice is gorgeous.

    Reply
  9. Eizel

    Never seen dragon fruit – this fruit almost looks animated… either that or it’s because I don’t have my glasses on :P

    Very nice layout here!

    Reply
  10. Laura @ Family Spice

    What a gorgeous fruit. I think I will have to hunt some down! I prefer warmer climates, myself. Got a tattoo of the sun on my ankle because of it, too!

    Reply
  11. Pudding Pie Lane

    Dragonfruit is prettttyyyy :) I love it, though it’s pretty hard to come by where I live :( I would love to try dragon fruit juice though!

    Reply
  12. Jill Colonna

    That fruit is art in itself. OK, me too. As a Scottish lass forced to the colder climes I think it would be only fair I’m reincarnated near the Equator. Is there a site we can sign up? ;-) Beautiful photos and slick site – bravo!

    Reply
  13. The Cilantropist

    Wow sounds intriguing! I am always up for trying new flavors. And, I’m with you – lets be reincarnated as fruits together and move near the equator. ;)

    Reply
  14. Lisa

    I’ve seen dragon fruit before – but didn’t actually know it was called dragon fruit or that it was a fruit at all! Thanks for enlightening us. I love the new layout, it’s sleek and wonderfully emphasizes your beautiful photos!

    Reply
  15. skip to malou

    I absolutely love the new look of your blog Liren. And the moving banner is a great way to showcase your stunning pictures. Great job!
    It’s my first time to see a dragon fruit thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. norma823

    This is the second time I see this fruit and I always wonder what it would be like. It is so exotic and I can just can imagine the taste. One day I will have the pleasure of finding one and devouring it. Absolutely beautiful pictures.

    Reply
  17. Ken

    Every time I see a dragon fruit, it reminds me of my travels to Asia. Oh the memories. Love love love your new site design, very chic.

    Reply
  18. Kate @ Diethood.com

    I love your new design – polished and beautiful! And that fruit is just gorgeous… I’ve never tried it, but I hope to run into it soon so I can have a bite!

    Reply
  19. Nancy~The Wife of a Dairyman

    What a gorgeous fruit! I want one just so I can photograph it! Love the colors and the seeds inside. I’ve never tried one and now I’m wondering where I can find one around here:) And that sirloin burger you described…..it’s 9p.m. and I’m hungry now.

    Reply
  20. She's Cookin'

    Wow, love the new look – especially the flash header with a sampling of your gorgeous photos! Dragon fruit is so beautiful but I don’t know what to do with it! The Pitaya juice has such a luscious color and an anti-oxidant boost that I could really use!

    Reply
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