Dragonfruit - A Nutritional Powerhouse
Dragonfruit, also known as pitaya, is an exotic looking plant belonging to the cactus family that bears attractive brightly colored fruits. Its name comes from the green scales similar to that of a dragon which cover its smooth fuchsia or dark red skin. Slicing the fruit reveals a soft, creamy white or deep red flesh dotted with hundreds of tiny edible black seeds. With a taste described as somewhere between a kiwi and a pear, Dragonfruit is processed into a mild delicious-tasting powder which can be added to many functional foods and beverages loading them with good amounts of health-promoting nutrients.
Continue reading to find out more about this nutritious exotic fruit . . .
General Information
Native to Central and South America, Dragonfruit was brought to Southeast Asia by missionaries and now grows abundantly in tropical regions of the world including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Southern China and Taiwan.
The Dragonfruit plant, also known as Belle of the Night, is a vine with wavy fleshy stems bearing fragrant, beautiful white flowers that only bloom and last for one night. Relying on nocturnal pollinators like bats and moths for fertilization, Dragonfruit vines can have 4 to 6 fruit cycles a year. Mature fruits can weigh up to 2.2 pounds each (one kilogram), are round or oval and are usually pink in color, although some varieties may have dark red or yellow skin.
Nutrients and Benefits
Dragonfruit has an impressive nutritional profile:
- Due to its rich Vitamin C content, it is a potent source of antioxidants
- It is high in flavonoids, betalains and hydroxycinnamates which support cardiovascular health and maintain good cholesterol levels
- It is a good source of Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 essential in carbohydrate metabolism
- It contains protein, Omega 3 and 6, as well as a storehouse of vital minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus.
- It is also rich in phytoalbumin 1 that may help maintain healthy blood glucose and blood pressure levels.
NP Nutra's superior quality Dragonfruit products provide all the above nutritional benefits.
Dragonfruit Freeze-dried Powder is a premium dark red powder, partly soluble with a characteristic odor and taste obtained through freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization. This is a gentle, time-consuming procedure which protects the cellular structure of the raw material and retains the most color, flavor and nutrients.
Product Specifications/Applications
NP Nutra's Dragonfruit Freeze-dried Powder can be added to a variety of functional foods, beverages and dietary supplements including smoothies, shakes, juices, ice creams, jams, yogurt, baked goods, energy bars and snacks.
Contact us for a free sample and further product information.
Reference:
1 http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/dragonfruit-healthbenefits.htm
