Vietnamese dragon fruits, locally also known as "thanh long," are a highlight of Vietnam travel, offering a tantalizing blend of vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. These exotic fruits, with their distinctive beauty and sweet, juicy flesh speckled with tiny black seeds, are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Join us on a journey through Vietnam's tropical landscapes to discover the allure of these delicious treasures.

1. An overview of Vietnamese dragon fruit

Vietnamese dragon fruit, a prominent member of the cactus family, holds a special place among Asian fruits for its distinctive appearance and delightful flavor. Dragon fruit thrives in hot, arid climates and exhibits excellent drought tolerance, making it well-suited for cultivation in regions with semi-desert climates. This species is commonly grown in various countries in South America and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

Vietnam stands out as the sole country in Southeast Asia to cultivate dragon fruit on a commercial scale, with a focus primarily in Binh Thuan Province. Other provinces and cities where dragon fruit cultivation is prominent include Long An, Tien Giang, Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The dragon fruit plant, a member of the cactus family, features green stems and branches with three lobes, each adorned with small protrusions resembling waves. It produces 4-5 rounds of branches annually, stacking atop each other to form layers on the stem. Highly tolerant to drought, dragon fruit plants have two types of roots: terrestrial roots, growing from the core of the stem downwards to absorb nutrients, and aerial roots, secondary roots along the stem for climbing.

The elongated dragon fruit flower is hermaphroditic, composed of fused sepals and petals into a tube, featuring one elongated pistil and multiple shorter stamens. Emitting a pleasant fragrance, flowers bloom around branches and self-pollinate.

Dragon fruit is oval-shaped with green leaf-like extensions and a recessed top and weighs 300–500 grams. Green fruits are immature, while red or pink indicate ripeness, with flesh varying from yellow, white, to red, depending on the cultivar. The flesh contains numerous small black seeds that are edible.

2. How nutritious is Vietnamese dragon fruit?

Vietnamese dragon fruit, beyond its captivating appearance and refreshing taste, offers an array of nutritional benefits.

Vietnamese dragon fruit is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which boosts immune function and promotes healthy skin.
It is low in calories, making it a suitable option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
High in fiber, dragon fruit supports digestive health by promoting regularity and aiding in digestion.
Dragon fruit contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining bone health and preventing anemia.
Dragon fruit is a good source of antioxidants, helping to combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

>>> Check out: Vietnamese Fruits: List of TOP 20+ exotic fruits you must try in Vietnam

3. How many types of Vietnamese dragon fruit are there?

There are several types of Vietnamese dragon fruit, each distinguished by its unique characteristics, including skin color, flesh color, and taste.

3.1. Vietnamese white dragon fruit

Vietnamese white dragon fruit is a popular variety cherished for its delicate sweetness and refreshing taste. Characterized by its vibrant pink skin, this variety boasts a striking appearance that captures the eye. Once cut open, the white flesh of the fruit reveals a soft, mildly sweet pulp speckled with tiny edible seeds.

3.2. Vietnamese red dragon fruit

With its bold red or pink skin and vivid green scales, Vietnamese red dragon fruit stands out as a visually stunning addition to any fruit display. Upon slicing open, the vibrant red flesh of the fruit unveils a juicy and succulent pulp speckled with tiny black seeds, offering a burst of sweetness with every bite.

3.3. Vietnamese magenta dragon fruit

The magenta-fleshed dragon fruit emerges with exceptional features, particularly its robust flowering and pollination capabilities. With large branches and egg-shaped or elongated fruits, the magenta-fleshed dragon fruit boasts captivating pinkish-purple flesh that may be mistaken for red-fleshed varieties at first glance. This variety is relatively easy to cultivate and yields high-quality fruits.

3.4. Other less popular types of dragon fruit in Vietnam

Dragon fruits with white flesh and yellow skin

It is relatively challenging to grow the yellow dragon fruit in Vietnam. Most of this variety is imported due to its unique appearance and rumored delicious flavor, resulting in a relatively high price. When ripe, this type of fruit exudes a sweet and pleasant aroma with hardly any sour taste. It is often considered the sweetest of all dragon fruit varieties.

Dragon fruits with purple flesh and green skin

Originally from India and increasingly being cultivated in Vietnam, the exotic green-skinned dragon fruit with purple flesh is becoming more and more popular, contributing to the diversity of this fruit's unique color collection in general.

4. How is Vietnamese dragon fruit used in the cuisine?

Vietnamese dragon fruit, whether with white or red flesh, lends itself to a variety of culinary creations, making it a versatile ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. When visiting Vietnam or purchasing a food souvenir, there are several delightful dishes to enjoy.

4.1. Dishes from Vietnamese dragon fruit

Here are some dishes featuring Vietnamese dragon fruit:

Dragon fruit bread

Bright pink breads made from dragon fruit have recently become popular in Vietnam. You can enjoy this Vietnamese bread with savory meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and sauces, all encased in a crispy baguette.

Dragon fruit dumpling

Dragon fruit dumplings are a delightful Vietnamese food specialty. These dumpling skins, made from dragon fruit juice, are not only eye-catching but also delicious. These steamed buns are filled with pork, mushrooms, and seasonings, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in every bite.

Dragon fruit salad

For a refreshing treat, try dragon fruit salad, a creative Vietnamese salad, a vibrant mix of diced dragon fruit, cucumber, and mint, and a tangy dressing of lime juice and fish sauce.

Dragon fruit pancake

A twist on the traditional Vietnamese pancake, this version incorporates diced dragon fruit into the batter, adding a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the crispy pancake, which is typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs before being folded and served with dipping sauce.

4.2. Desserts from Vietnamese dragon fruit

Vietnamese dragon fruit adds a vibrant touch to a variety of desserts, offering a captivating fusion of flavors and colors.

Dragon fruit mousse cake

Dragon fruit mousse cake, one of the most favorite Vietnamese cakes, features layers of light and airy mousse infused with the delicate flavor of dragon fruit, nestled between soft and moist cake layers. This cake offers a delightful fusion of tropical sweetness and creamy indulgence, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion or celebration.

Dragon fruit sweet soup

Dragon fruit sweet soup is one of the most delicious Vietnamese desserts, featuring cooked sweetened beans, tapioca pearls, and chunks of fresh dragon fruit in a chilled and sweet broth. This dessert is a refreshing and satisfying treat, perfect for cooling down on a hot day or as a sweet ending to a meal.

Dragon fruit ice cream

Made with a creamy ice cream base infused with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of dragon fruit, this dessert delights the palate with its tropical flavor profile. This ice cream provides a cool and creamy indulgence that is perfect for enjoying on a hot day or as a delightful treat any time of year.

Dragon fruit jelly

Dragon fruit jelly is made by setting dragon fruit puree with agar agar into colorful and translucent jelly cubes. This refreshing treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and lightness, with the natural flavor of dragon fruit shining through in every bite.

Dried dragon fruit

Dried dragon fruit is enjoyed as a standalone snack or added to trail mixes, granola, or yogurt for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, dried dragon fruit offers a convenient way to enjoy the health benefits of this tropical fruit on the go.

4.3. Drinks from Vietnamese dragon fruit

Drinks featuring Vietnamese dragon fruit offer a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy this tropical fruit.

Dragon fruit smoothie

Dragon fruit smoothie is one of the most refreshing and nutritious Vietnamese smoothies made by blending ripe dragon fruit with yogurt, milk, and sweeteners such as honey or sugar. Often enjoyed as a healthy breakfast option or a refreshing snack, this smoothie is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it not only delicious but also a nourishing choice.

Dragon fruit wine

This wine offers a distinctive taste profile, with the natural sweetness and subtle tartness of dragon fruit creating a refreshing and aromatic drinking experience. Whether sipped on a warm summer day or savored during a special celebration, this exotic wine delights the palate with its fantastic flavor and bold color.

Dragon fruit tea

Dragon fruit tea is a fragrant and refreshing beverage made by steeping slices of fresh dragon fruit in hot water, allowing the delicate flavor and aroma of the fruit to infuse into the liquid. This light and flavorful tea offers a subtle sweetness and tropical essence, making it a delightful choice for any time of day.

>>> Learn more: Asian fruit cakes: 8 exquisite delights for your palate

5. Guide to choosing and preserving Vietnamese dragon fruit

When selecting and preserving Vietnamese dragon fruit, there are key factors to consider to ensure optimal flavor and freshness.

Selecting ripe dragon fruit:
- Look for vibrant color: Choose dragon fruit with bright and vibrant skin color and avoid fruits with dull or faded color.
- Firmness: Gently press the skin of the fruit. Ripe dragon fruit should yield slightly to pressure but still feel firm. Avoid fruits that are too soft or mushy.
- Fragrance: Sniff the stem end of the fruit. A ripe dragon fruit will have a sweet and fragrant aroma, indicating optimal ripeness.
- Spots and blemishes: Inspect the skin for any blemishes, bruises, or soft spots. Opt for fruits that are free from any visible damage.
Storing dragon fruit:
- Room temperature: If the dragon fruit is not yet ripe, store it at room temperature and allow it to ripen naturally.
- Refrigeration: Ripe dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
- Avoid moisture: Keep dragon fruit away from moisture to prevent mold growth. Store it in a dry place and avoid washing it until ready to eat.
- Freezing: If you have excess ripe dragon fruit, you can freeze it for later use.

>>> Also read: Vietnamese food souvenirs: Top 20 must-buys for a taste of Vietnam

Vietnamese dragon fruit stands out for its unique features, diverse types, and versatile uses in culinary creations. Whether enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or as part of refreshing beverages, dragon fruit adds a tropical flair to dishes and drinks alike. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it is no wonder that Vietnamese dragon fruit has become a beloved fruit worldwide.

For those planning to visit Vietnam, exploring the local cuisine is a must. Don’t forget to try the tantalizing local delicacies in iconic destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Ha Long, etc.

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