Exploring the vibrance of African dragon fruit in sweet dishes
What's the story
The African dragon fruit, known for its bright pink color and distinct flavor, is the latest food trend in the world of desserts.
This vibrant fruit doesn't just add visual appeal - it also packs a healthy punch.
Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, it's a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Read on for five fun ways to sweeten up your day with African dragon fruit.
Sorbet
Dragon fruit sorbet
A delicious and healthy way to beat the heat, dragon fruit sorbet is easy to prepare and only needs a few ingredients.
Simply blend the pulp of two dragon fruits with the juice of one lemon and 100 gm of sugar until smooth.
Freeze the mixture for four hours, making sure to stir every hour to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Enjoy your homemade, icy treat! Healthy can be tasty too.
Salad
Tropical dragon fruit salad
Take your fruit salad to the next level by adding cubes of African dragon fruit to a medley of tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and bananas.
Drizzle it all with a light honey-lime dressing for a refreshing zing.
This salad is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.
Panna cotta
Dragon fruit panna cotta
For a fancy dessert, try dragon fruit panna cotta.
Start by blooming gelatin in water. Next, heat 250 ml cream with 50 gm sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the bloomed gelatin.
Blend this mixture with 200 gm dragon fruit pulp until smooth. Pour into molds and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours to set.
This dessert has a creamy texture and vibrant pink color.
Cheesecake
Vegan dragon fruit cheesecake
For a show-stopping, dairy-free dessert, whip up a no-bake vegan cheesecake.
Begin by soaking cashews overnight to create the creamy foundation of the filling.
Blend these with the pulp of African dragon fruit for a brilliant color and exotic flavor.
Build the crust from dates and almonds, adding both taste and health benefits.
This eye-catching cheesecake is ideal for anyone looking for dairy-free alternatives in their dessert repertoire.
Jam
Dragon fruit jam spread
Homemade jam from African dragon fruit will add an exotic touch to your breakfast or desserts.
Just simmer one cup of dragon fruit pulp, half cup sugar, and two tablespoons lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened (about 30 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Let it cool before bottling, and enjoy this vibrant jam on toast, yogurt, or even in cakes.