Picking fresh dragon fruit is an easy way to enjoy some fruit.The dragon fruit plant is a part of the cactus family and grows on long stalks rather than vines.If the dragon fruit is ripe, you can pick it by twisting it or cutting it off the stalks.Remove the flowers from the base and rinse off the fruit.You can either chop it up and eat it fresh or save it for later.
Step 1: The fruit will start ripening a month after it flowers.
The dragon fruit will start ripening about a month after it flowers.You can use the flowers as a gauge for ripeness by checking the dragon fruit daily.
Step 2: Check for a saturated fuchsia color.
Depending on the variety, the fruit can be green or yellow.As the fruit matures, the color will change and deepen.Even though the fruit is ripe, the leaves on the sides will remain green.
Step 3: The "wings" to wither will be watched.
The fruit is likely to be ripe once the leaves on the sides of the fruit droop and wither.If the wings start to brown or dry out, you should check them regularly.The fruit is not ripe yet if they are still healthy and colorful.
Step 4: Press lightly on the fruit's skin.
Ripe dragon fruit is soft and has a bit of give.The fruit is not ripe if the skin still feels firm and doesn't yield to light pressure.The fruit is likely overripe if it feels squishy when you squeeze it.
Step 5: Don't wait for the fruit to fall.
When dragon fruit is ripe, you need to check it periodically to make sure it isn't over-ripened.
Step 6: There are yellow dragon fruit varieties that have thorns.
There are thorns on the tip of the yellow dragon fruit.To brush away the thorns, use a thick-bristled brush.If you can't reach the thorns with the brush, use shears.When picking the more popular red or purple dragon fruit, you don't have to worry about thorns because they only grow on the rare yellow variety.
Step 7: Use your hands to remove the fruit from the stalks.
Use your hand to twist the dragon fruit around.Pull at the fruit until it detaches from the plant.If the fruit doesn't come off quickly, it's not ripened enough.The fruit should be left on the stalks and let it mature for a bit.You can use a knife or garden shears to cut through the stalks at the top of the fruit to speed up the picking process.If you use a knife, cut as close to the fruit as possible so you don't leave a stump at the top.The fruit may not be ripe enough yet.The fruit should be left on the stalks and let it mature for a bit.
Step 8: At the bottom, break off the dried flowers.
Dragon fruit has long flowers that extend from the bottom of the fruit when it is dry and ripe.You can either remove the flowers from the base or hand them over.The flowers should come off easily since they are brittle.
Step 9: When you are ready to eat it, rinse it and cut it into quarters.
The dragon fruit should be washed in clean water.To cut the fruit in half, use a non-serrated knife.You can cube it into smaller pieces from there.The dragon fruit's inside should be white with black seeds.The fruit is gone if it looks translucent or brown.You can store the dragon fruit in a plastic bag for up to 3-4 days after cutting it open.
Step 10: The dragon fruit can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you keep the fruit in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for a few days.The best place to store fruit is in a drawer.