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Corliss

Jul 13, 2010, 6:02 AM

Post #1 of 7 (4481 views)

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Please identify this unusual fruit

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Can anybody identify this cool looking fruit (or veggie) and tell me what to do with it? I found a bunch of them on a shopping trip a couple days ago, and the vendor told me it tastes like a kiwi. They were so pretty I had to buy one, but haven't done anything with it but look at it and take a picture :) Looks like it must come from a cactus?
http://www.ranchoevergreen.com/coollookingfruit.jpg

Casa

Jul 13, 2010, 6:08 AM

Post #2 of 7 (4478 views)

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Re: [Corliss] Please identify this unusual fruit

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That is a Pitaya, (some times referred to as Dragon Fruit in some places) . They are most commonly found during dry season. Yes they are from a type of cactus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitaya

Vichil

Jul 13, 2010, 8:00 AM

Post #3 of 7 (4457 views)

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Re: [Corliss] Please identify this unusual fruit

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In Oaxaca I had sorbet made from them. They are just about as tasty as a kiwi....I guess my tastebuds are not sophisticated enough to appreciate the very subtle flavor of kiwis or dragon fruits.

Look great in a bowl or on the cactus they come from !

Corliss

Jul 13, 2010, 8:10 AM

Post #4 of 7 (4455 views)

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Re: [Vichil] Please identify this unusual fruit

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I know! I really got it for an ornament and out of pure curiosity :) I figured it must not taste as pretty as it is.

esperanza

Jul 13, 2010, 12:43 PM

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Re: [Corliss] Please identify this unusual fruit

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IMHO, the dragon fruit is not as flavorful as kiwi, which should say something. Many people love them, though.

Alternate spelling: pitahaya.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

yucatandreamer

Jul 13, 2010, 2:13 PM

Post #6 of 7 (4417 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Please identify this unusual fruit

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If you live where it is unbearably hot. A pitaya cold from the fridge and cut in half is a wonderful thing. Admittedly it doesn't have a lot of taste but it is cold, wet and a feast for the eyes.

Cooking in Mexico

Jul 15, 2010, 8:54 PM

Post #7 of 7 (4347 views)

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Re: [Corliss] Please identify this unusual fruit

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These cost more than their taste warrants, in my opinion. Beautiful to look at, but I'd opt for kiwi for more flavor .

Another cactus fruit, the pitaya, can be found in the Guadalajara markets in the summer time. They are brilliantly red inside, with crisp, black seeds, and make an interesting addition to fruit salads. They are more reasonably priced.

Kathleen