Dragon Fruit: Super Fruit of 2013

Image via Flickr/ Michael Canavan

Fruits such as blueberries, pomegranate and acai berries have all claimed the title of super fruits for their uber-nutritional qualities, including antioxidant levels. But a new fruit has hit the list in 2013—the pitaya. Also known as the dragon fruit, the pitaya is the fruit of a certain cactus the originated in South America but is also grown in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

The bright pink fruit with green leaves is full of an off-white flesh full of tiny, edible black seeds and tastes like a milder version of the kiwi. The fruit is rich in fiber, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. In fact, just 100 grams of dried dragon fruit contains about 50 percent of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement.

The seeds are also a source of Omega-3 fat, which can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. The super fruit even offers enough vitamin B-3 to enhance skin’s appearance. In some parts of the world, diabetes patients even eat the pitaya to regulate blood sugar levels.

Is dragon fruit better than other fruits? Does it really matter?

I think every year we are going to see a new fruit or vegetable that’s the hot new thing,” Jessica Kolko, Whole Foods Market’s Healthy Eating registered dietitian and culinary educator, told Time. “From my perspective as a dietitian, the more fruit you eat, the more super you are.”