There are three different types of dragon fruit, called pitaya.They have either yellow or red skin.White or red flesh can be found in the yellow-skinned varieties, while the red varieties have white flesh.You can determine if a dragon fruit is ripe by touching the fruit before eating.The right time to harvest dragon fruits is when you grow them.
Step 1: Look for dragon fruit that is red or yellow.
The dragon fruit will be green if it is not ripe.The outer skin of the fruit becomes red or yellow as it matures.The outer skin should be bright and even-colored when it's ripe.The fruit may be overripe if it has a lot of dark blotches on the skin.There are a few spots that are normal.
Step 2: If the "wings" on the fruit have started to lose their strength, then you need to know about it.
The leaves of the fruit are called dragon fruit wings.The dragon fruit is ready to be eaten when they start to dry out.If the wings are still colorful, that means the fruit is still young and needs more time to mature.The dragon fruit should come off the vine with a light twist once it reaches the stage of ripeness where the wings start to wither.The fruit is overripe if it falls off the vine on its own.
Step 3: The dragon fruit is open.
The inside of a dragon fruit is usually white, deep pink, or purple and contains small black seeds.The black seeds are similar to the ones found in a kiwi.A dragon fruit should look like a cross between a melon and a pear when ripe.The brown color of the dragon fruit's inner flesh is similar to the bruised flesh of a banana.You shouldn't eat fruit that is brown or dried out.
Step 4: You can press the dragon fruit with your thumb.
Try pressing the skin with your thumb or fingers if you hold the dragon fruit in your palm.It should be soft.The fruit is likely overripe if it is really squishy.It will need a few days to mature if it is very firm.If you are growing and harvesting dragon fruit, use this method.Squeezing a dragon fruit can leave the fruit bruised, which is inconsiderate to vendors and other customers in a store or market setting.If you want to leave a dragon fruit out on a counter for a few days, you can purchase it or harvest it.It will be ripe in a couple days.Pressing the skin will show the ripeness.
Step 5: Check the skin for any damage.
The skin of dragon fruit can be damaged from rough handling.If the fruit is not packaged correctly, they can roll into each other.They might be bruised from being dropped.Damage to the fruit will cause it to be smaller and more damaged.Don't buy fruit that has been damaged, cracked, or split open.
Step 6: Fruits with dried out stems are not good.
A dried out stem is a sign of overripe dragon fruit.The stem of the fruit should be brittle and dried out if you touch it.
Step 7: The dragon fruits are close to being ripe.
Dragon fruits don't oxidize as quickly after harvest and should be Harvested when they are almost fully ripe.The fruit is ready to harvest once it has changed from green to yellow or red.As the fruit matures, the small leaves on the sides will start to fade or turn brown.The days after the plant flowers can be counted.The fruit is usually ripe in 27 to 33 days.Four days after the color of the fruit changes is the proper time for harvesting.It is important to harvest sooner after the color changes.
Step 8: The thorns should be removed from the fruit.
You can brush the thorns off with gloves or use pliers.The needles should not be difficult to remove when the fruit is ripe.You should always wear gloves because the needles are very sharp.
Step 9: Take the dragon fruit out of the vine.
When a dragon fruit is ripe and ready to be harvest, it will detach from the plant by twisting a few times.It is not likely that the fruit will be ready for harvest if you pull it too hard.Don't wait for the dragon fruit to fall off the plant.The fruit is too ripe.