Also known as the pitaya, the dragonfruit is the fruit of a cactus species indigenous to the Americas. Similar in flavor to the kiwi, the subtle sweet flavor pairs well with lemon, mango, strawberry and even creamy flavors.
Dating back to around the 13th century, Dragon Fruit is native to South American where it was originally known as the Pitaya. The fruit was renamed when introduced to Asian markets around a century ago, in the hopes of sparking interest in the fruit. According to the legend formulated around the new name, fire-breathing mythical creatures created the fruit. During battle, when a dragon would breathe fire, the last thing to come out at the end of the flames was the Dragon fruit. When the dragon was slain, the fruit would be collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and symbol of victory.
