Dragon fruit derives its name from its bright-red skin covered in green scales, resembling a dragon as depicted in Chinese mythology. Various myths connect the fruit to dragons, including one that says it’s a gift from dragons.
There are several varieties of dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus, formerly called Hylocereus) that come from the climbing cactus family, grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions. Both sweet and sour exist, but the most popular is the red-skin variety with its sweet white pulp dotted with black crunchy seeds. Other varieties have red or yellow pulp. Sometimes referred to as pitaya, they have a slightly sweet taste between those of kiwis and pears.
