The only RED Dragon Fruit (aka pitaya or pitahaya or strawberry pear) that I am used to were those with RED SKIN and WHITE FLESH (Hylocereus undatus). It tasted a bit bitter to me and I didn’t like the after-taste. Other reports said it tastes like a mix of kiwi fruit and watermelon.
I didn’t take notice of it other than eating what was being served to me until a friend shared about its benefits and salad recipe. As it is beneficial to health, I posted it here under “Why Dragon Fruit?“. Only then did I notice that there is a RED SKIN Dragon Fruit with RED FLESH (Hylocereus polyrhizus) variation.
Now I also found out that there is YELLOW SKIN variety (Selenicereus megalanthus) and with only white flesh.
The taste of the red flesh variety is sweeter and the after taste is great to me. Other reports said it tastes like raspberries. I will usually eat 1 whole fruit (about 300-500gm) willingly which I normally won’t with other fruits. However, it is not that common as they are in Malaysia.
Yesterday, at a neighborhood market, I saw red Dragon fruit selling at a stall and as usual, only white flesh variety was on sale at S$1.50 (approx. US$1) per fruit. When asked, the seller said that white flesh variety is preferred by most consumers because those who consumed are paranoid about the reddish variation of urine or stools that they will pass out after consumption. They are apparently worried that the red flesh is a result of genetic modification, adding of artificial coloring or preservatives, etc.
This red “symptom” happened only if one eats quite a bit, a fruit or so as I have experienced myself.
Exporters in Malaysia for pitaya explained that the color is 100% natural and that it is not genetically modified or dyed red. The color comes from natural pigments known as hylocerenin and isohylocerenin and is also known to have natural florescent property. That makes the red flesh variety prettier when served.
If one were to eat a lot of blackberries or those fruits with such pigmentation, the output into the toilet bowl will be similar. However, how many people eat 0.5kg or more of such berries?
Yet, red flesh variety is more expensive and they are sold here in kilogram (S$4-S$5 per kg) instead of by quantity. I recently bought 2 red flesh fruits for close to S$4.00 (approx US$2.80).
Malaysian exporters justified the higher cost to its benefits. One reported that “Eating red-fleshed pitaya fruit was reported to increase bone density, prevent colon cancer and ease constipation. This can explained why red pitaya cost more expensive as compared to white pitaya“.
It was also reported that the red flesh variety is believed to be rich in antioxidants and has an exceptionally high content of soluble fiber. It is considered a good source of vitamin C and its vitamin C is more easily absorbed than vitamin C from a pill supplement. Some bloggers swear that it helps to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
Well, anyone out there got a health benefit comparison report between the red and white flesh? Ahh, don’t forget the yellow skin.
Meanwhile, I will still go for the Red Flesh Red Dragon Fruit whenever possible.
January 28, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I got hooked on to eating the red version of the dragon fruit after being introduced to it by a friend a couple of months ago. I eat about 1 whole fruit each day. However I find that my bowel movements have changed drastically, not only my stools are red but I visit the toiled after every meal. This has been bothering me but I cant stay away from the fruit. I was so glad to read about your comments, especially about the red colour of the stools and urine. Yet I am still a bit apprehensive about the fruit though I cant stop eating it. Any comments to add. Thank you.
September 20, 2013 at 9:52 am
I heard a doctor said that a good digestive system is that ‘How many meal you have a day is how many times you have stools’. Digestive system is very important to our health. If you have a good digestive system, it can say that you avoid 80% of diseases.
September 7, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Hi there, I am from Malaysia and also a dragon fruit lover. Yes, It is good but dont over take it. Fruits like dragon fruit rich in fructose which cannot be used for energy by your body cells. It’s good for those diabetes (not work like glucose), but our liver works heavier because of fructose. In the end some hormones might imbalance (e.g. leptin).
If we eat about 1 whole fruit every single day will be too over for us.
September 4, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Wonderful!!!
Anybody like to try red dragon fruit recipe
please enter: alddragon.blogspot.com
November 25, 2008 at 9:20 am
I wonder if any scientific research has been conducted on the health benefits of the Red Dragon Fruit? I’m a big fan but has recently been worried about its genetic status. Your article does help reassure me a bit but at this point, I’m going to do the Red Dragon Fruit with moderation, applying the golden rule “Moderation is key”!
Thanks for the info. 🙂
March 22, 2014 at 1:01 pm
Same here. There is too many “natural” GMO, and no one ever will bother to tell that.. So best way to eat what`s around us and we know since we were small.
November 27, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I have tasted the red skinned white flesh dragon fruit and to me it is better to mix it in a salad. Can anyone send me a detailed information on how to plant and grow the Dragon fruit. Thank You !
January 17, 2013 at 12:02 am
It really takes no effort. Just put the flesh (with the seeds) in a pot of dirt and water so that the soil is moist. Most easy germination process ever! The sprouts will pop up enmass so you’ll have as many plants as you want. It is a cactus so it really doesn’t need much care, just lots of sunlight. The plant limbs don’t like sitting on moist soil so if you look online for pictures, you will see that most plants are elevated so that their long, flexible limbs can hang freely.
January 4, 2009 at 10:17 am
I haven’t tasted the purple-fleshed dragon fruit yet. But your right the white-fleshed one isn’t that tasty. Looking forward to trying the purple thing. Anyone interested in importing dragon fruits? Im from the Philippines, and my family plans to start a dragon fruit plantation. We’ll plant red and white-fleshed variants, and possibly we’ll include the yellow-skinned one. If anyone’s interested you can reach me at doradexplorer_101@yahoo.com
January 5, 2009 at 4:13 pm
For a greater taste , just squeeze some lemon juice to the dragon fruit . You’ll love it 🙂
January 10, 2009 at 9:36 am
I prefer the red type and I can eat the whole Dragon fruit myself
January 14, 2009 at 12:00 pm
the red pigment passing out during defecation is often known as Pseudohematuria, a harmless reddish discoloration in urine and faeces. i eat red dragon fruit everyday. sometimes i cut it into pieces but most oftenly i blend it into juice by adding little bit of water just to ensure it is not too muddy. I never added sugar because the fruit already has its own natural sweetness. If you guys thinking of trying this recipe please make sure don’t blend it for too long.
February 15, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Glad to hear you guys like red dragon fruit so much. I love it too and take a fruit a day. I like to blend it as it make a very nice refreshing drink and the seed is broken up to ease absorbtion of it anti oxidant.
Guys, try organic dragon fruit. check out http://www.kenkorealorganic.com.
February 22, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I want to know from whom and how I can buy yellow and red variety of dragon fruit stems.
June 1, 2009 at 11:04 am
My neighbour hooked me on to having red dragon fruit juice with orange juice, all freshly squeezed of course. Delicious!
June 19, 2009 at 3:02 pm
More info about Pitaya could be found here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitaya
June 21, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Where can i get Dragon Fruit? I had it for breakfast everyday in China a few weeks ago. I have never felt better. My stomach was not bloated the whole week. I loved it. It tasted like a giant kiwi fruit and wasn’t near the work to get my fill!! I live in MS. is there a dealer near?
June 30, 2009 at 5:12 pm
i have Dragon fruit farm in Thailand ,if you are interesting in Dragon fruit can contact us >>kratair42@hotmail.com
🙂
May 21, 2014 at 8:52 pm
do you still have dragonfruit farm in Thailand. would love to visit. will be there next week may 28. my email is tonya2211@hotmail.co.uk
September 28, 2009 at 2:02 am
I love red dragon fruit and while my stools do appear to have the red pigment several hours after eating, the benefits of this fruit outweighs the colour. Dark pigmented fruits and vegetables have strong anti-cancer properties and since it is also rumoured to bring down the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes (which I suffer from), I eat red dragon fruit as often as I can. I recommend it to anyone who wants a good, natural antioxidant… Be healthy.. eat more red dragonfruit. 🙂
January 4, 2010 at 1:34 pm
wah enaknya kalo makan buah naga merah 🙂 😛
March 23, 2010 at 2:29 pm
After tasting the white flesh (red skin) pitaya once, I developed an aversion to the fruit.. However, I recently saw my younger sister hogging down a whole red fleshed pitaya… I decided to give it another go… and now I’m addicted!
However, I still have an aversion to the white-fleshed variety…
April 21, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I’ve sell red dragon fruit, and bring in every Sunday from M’sia, S$3/perkg, if you are interesting can contact me
ph-82212437
>>pheobe052004@yahoo.com
April 24, 2010 at 6:01 pm
i quite like the white flesh variety, but i just had the red for the very first time…best i have ever tasted. will surely be hoping to find more of the red flesh variety available here in Australia in the future.
May 26, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I look thru the web saying dragon fruits will make us increase our mentalbolism. Hence, i eat 1 whole pc per day for 2mths but i realised it oso increase my menstrual from 2x per months instead of one.
Can anyone out there tell me y?
July 18, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Dragon fruit will not increase menstrual flow. If you are having issues with it, you would be well advised to see a doctor.
July 30, 2010 at 4:07 am
For sale rooted dragon fruit plants. We have the following varieties available:
Hylocerus Undatus (White Flesh)
Purple Haze
American Beauty
Dark Star
For shipping info contact us at 786-259-2995 or alex@dmstudios.tv.
August 17, 2020 at 8:47 am
Good day!
Hi, how much per variety of rooted dragon fruit? From where is your location? Do you have also a yellow dragon fruit?
August 2, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I had nvr tried the yellow skinned and wld be interested to tried it..aniwae,for your info, the fruits itself came from cactus..but comparing the white and red-fleshed dragon fruits, the red one is better, especially for woman due to the high content of anti-oxidence.
As told by the fruit vendors that I always visited, the fruit should not be eaten in whole at one go. If you do then,it explains the red coloration in your urine. It is best to have the fruit split into half and eat it separately.As for myself, I ate it half in the morning or for lunch and the other after dinner. Then there wont be coloration and our body absorbs more of the nutrients.
Try and let me know if it works for you guys too.. 🙂
August 2, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Hi,
I have bought two piece of red dragon fruits yesterday, any one can advise me if I need to keep into the fridge or just leave it outside normal temperate?
August 5, 2010 at 3:45 pm
I like the red dragonfruit as well! I havent tried the orange skin one though. Stumbled upon your site when I was searching for red dragonfruit nutrition.
My website is for an online survey site, please join if you can 🙂
August 8, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Please tell me how I can distinguish red from white before I cut into the fruit.
Thanks
January 12, 2011 at 10:26 pm
The way that I differentiate the white variety from the red variety of dragon fruit that’s sold in Malaysia is in their shape.
The white variety tends to be oval (egg shaped) while the red variety is round.
I was also confused initially, but after having purchased both varieties on numerous occasions, I tend to notice the difference.
I’ve yet to come across the yellow variety in Malaysia.
April 28, 2015 at 11:30 am
I have tried the red and yellow (white fleshed) dragon fruit. They grow in the jungle here in Peru. Between the two, the yellow skinned one is much sweeter and refreshing. I am hooked.
August 23, 2010 at 10:52 am
It’s funny how many people do admit they look at their stool after defecating. I should do that too…ha ha ha.
As for the Dragon Fruit, I’m still looking for that red flesh variety. So far, I planted 6 plantlets of Dragon Fruit, they are probably white flesh.
July 16, 2013 at 6:35 pm
How is your dragon fruit plants doing? Did you get any fruits yet? How long did it takes?
August 23, 2010 at 10:56 am
I was at Farmers Market and didn’t bother to buy Dragon Fruit even though there are a lot available. The fruits were not a good quality; the majority were soft when you try to press you thumb on the fruit. If there is a firm one, they usually are small. That’s why I decided to plant my own Dragon Fruit.
September 20, 2010 at 10:43 pm
hi i visited bangkok and ate dragon fruit and like it very much i wanted to sell this in indian market the white flesh dragon fruit so any who can supply me that fruit pls contact me.
March 12, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Hi There,
I farm red FLESH dragon fruit in Malaysia and Taiwan, average 1350gm/each, Can supply u, need ur email address to show u the pictures.
Regards,
Jim
April 20, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Hi Jim
Can send me some picture of your red dragon fruits?
April 28, 2011 at 7:58 am
Hi Jim,
What is your address. Please email me the prices I would like to get more info.
Cphan802@gmail.com
June 4, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Hi Jim
I need some plant material of Red dragon fruit and little amount white also. WOuld you supply me? if you can please write me giritripathi@gmail.com
June 11, 2011 at 5:31 am
Hello Jim.
I am wanting to buy red flesh dragon fruit cuttings in bulk quantity. Can you help me with this? Any help you can give me is greatly appreciated. My Email is
charlenefisher@gmail.com
March 15, 2014 at 10:51 pm
Hi jim, do you still farm red flesh dragon fruit – do you supply anyone in the uk london
thks sha
October 23, 2016 at 4:46 am
Hi we r growing Dragon fruit full red inside in India . First initiation .
Planning to sell in India at premium rates . What intake is expected ??
March 28, 2011 at 5:40 pm
My name is James.
I would like to know what are the verities of Pitaya available trough from your farm?
Would you sell cuttings? How much would you sell for bulk purchase?
Hope you answer all of my questions.
pls reply to Nayzaw888@gmail.com
Greatly appreciated!
James
May 30, 2011 at 11:29 pm
I would prefer taking red flesh dragon fruit as it tastes sweet and solid .
July 17, 2011 at 2:23 pm
hello everybody, my name is Wong from subang usj. the supermarket i usually go and buy my stuffs is currently having a red dragon fruit promotion. sold by RM3.99/kg, it may sound nothing special but if you are a regular buyer i’m sure you must be aware of the market selling price. what surprises me is that the dragon fruits are pretty big in size and you can choose by your own. each can weight up to 750gm. i bought 2 whole red dragon fruits and it costs me about RM5.60, which means it is RM2.80 each!! if you were to buy this at other stores like tesco, jaya grocer or carrefour, i think they sell it at RM5.00-RM7.00 per piece of similar size! again, these are all medium – big size RED dragon fruit, not the white flesh type. today i bought another 8 pieces and keep them in my fridge, that would last within a week.
July 17, 2011 at 2:38 pm
btw, i don’t think the red dragon fruit is a genetically modified product. you can’t simply alter the information inside the DNA to make it produce red-colored pigment. even if it’s true then from what source did they obtain the genetic code to combine with the DNA of dragon fruit? it must have been either cross-breed or existed in nature as it is.
there’s a big difference between GMO engineering and cross-bredding.
February 18, 2013 at 11:22 am
Hi
I want to know red dragon fruits multiplied on culture medium (MS).
And dragon fruit plants grown on soil but use in light. (it control red dragon fruit’s off years season products)
Thanks u very much I’m mann in Myanmar
if u can pls write me
snowingparadize@gmail.com
May 15, 2013 at 6:42 am
Where can I get a red flesh dragon fruit?
August 11, 2013 at 6:30 am
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October 19, 2013 at 12:33 am
All this talk about red stool and urine makes me hungry.
February 11, 2014 at 12:11 am
White one is tasteless
February 14, 2014 at 9:21 am
Hi popcorn. Usually white is tasteless.
March 15, 2014 at 10:55 pm
can anyone tell me where to buy red pitaya fruit in the uk London ?
thks
Sha
July 4, 2014 at 7:30 am
I am looking for a wholesale of this Red Dragon fruit if someone could please email me at copyandpaste02@gmail.com thanks
September 21, 2014 at 10:02 pm
I need some read flush fruits in India. if someone could please email me amolmmali01@gmail.com thanks
November 16, 2014 at 1:31 am
In this the fruit and vegetables are first ground and then the juice is forwarded with the help of
a strainer which revolves at a very high rpm. Most high functioning juicers will cost somewhere in the range of $200 to $2,000.
Most lower- and medium-end juicers on the market use the centrifugal method.
October 31, 2015 at 7:39 am
The red variety is more beneficial. It’s the same for dark colored fruits or veggies. The colorful varieties have more antioxidants. Just because it’s red doesn’t mean it’s going to make you poop more. The water will be red if you eat a bit. The same thing happens if you eat a lot of beets.
January 6, 2016 at 11:34 am
I live in Malaysia it is very much available everywhere here, the white ones are rare but the red ones are practically at every store. A pure dragon fruit juice cost 3 ringgit which is like 50 cents to the dollar. Making it to some degree cheaper than coke.
January 25, 2016 at 10:24 am
Supply of Red Dragon Fruit has increased in Indonesia so much that it is now less expensive than White Dragon Fruit! (Red as low as $1.2/kg vs White about $1.5/kg)
January 25, 2016 at 10:34 am
White Dragon Fruit is less sweet (than Red Dragon Fruit) due to less simple sugar. Thus, White Dragon Fruit is more suitable for diabetics and pre-diabetics to consume.
February 3, 2016 at 10:53 am
Hi I am new here. I’m not sure if this is the correct place to post this, but I’m wondering if anyone has tested Athletic Greens for their green drink? I’m discovering most either taste gross or cause my stomach to revolt.
August 4, 2016 at 12:55 am
Just bought a red flesh dragon fruit (small obviously from the price!) to see what it was, At first thought it had gone bad due to red color! This fruit in the US, $9/ pouind! One 4 inch fruit cost me $5.50! Wont be eating every day but wantted to see. Thanks for your info on red flesh.
September 1, 2016 at 4:47 am
i am just new here. i have question guys. just wondering what is the difference between the white flesh and the red flesh. is the white flesh have i additional benefits compare with the red flesh?
March 14, 2017 at 1:36 pm
any one supplying red flesh pitaya fruit in india
April 20, 2017 at 8:55 pm
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June 28, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Thanks for sharing knowledge. One more thing I would like to add is that red fleshy dragon fruits can stain to the cloths. They can found in Myanmar (Burma) at Poppa region. Organic and fresh fruits with lower, comfortable price.
November 1, 2017 at 9:56 am
We have a dragonfruit, cactus plant growing on our rock walls… the fruits are sometimes red and sweet inside or white and less sweet, outsides look the same… can’t tell color till cut open
January 5, 2018 at 12:05 am
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January 6, 2018 at 2:40 am
[…] Posted by Mannajoy under 4064289, blood, bone density, cactus, colon, constipation, diabetes, dragon fruit, glucose, hylocerenin, Hylocereus, Hylocereus Polyrhizus, Hylocereus Undatus, isohylocerenin, kiwi, Pitahaya, pitaya, Polyrhizus, raspberry, Selenicereus Megalanthus, strawberry pear, Undatus, watermelon [70] Comments […]
October 11, 2019 at 12:30 pm
You’re lucky. In the U.S., red dragonfruit are more than twice as expensive (even accounting for inflation since 2008).
October 13, 2019 at 8:27 am
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March 22, 2020 at 9:38 am
It’s less popular because it’s more expensive
September 29, 2020 at 7:10 am
I am sharing.
December 23, 2020 at 12:17 pm
No Experience Necessary
January 20, 2021 at 3:27 pm
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August 17, 2021 at 2:01 am
I have a few cuttings for sale. Unrooted and up to 12” for only $6.00 plus shipping. Rooted at $9.00 plus shipping. Will come from San Diego, CA. Text me if you’re interested at 619/791-5225. Varieties include Vietnam White, Thai White, Purple Haze, Sugar, Lisa, Condor, and Tricia. Bonus cutting if order is at least 3.
April 16, 2022 at 11:49 pm
Hi, can anyone tell me how to slice a dragon fruit and still leave the red skin on? Not all of it, just a bit for color. Is it ok to eat it this way?
I can’t share a photo of the dessert I’m making to better describe what I mean in my comment unfortunately 😕