Pitaya - the fancy name for dragon fruit - is a superfood, with every part of the fruit proving beneficial to the body. The seeds contain fatty acids, the edible skin is filled with magnesium and the fleshy bit on the inside is jam-packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and B. In basic terms, all these things mean that dragon fruit is really great for weight loss and preventing high blood pressure.
But perhaps the best bit is that you feel like you’re eating an actual rainbow. The intensity of the colour in this popular breakfast bowl is definitely the most Instagram-worthy meal you’ll eat all day, we promise. However - and sorry to disappoint - the taste of pitaya is in stark contradiction with the bright colour of the fruit. It’s still crazy delicious, but it has more of a mild, sweet flavour, not dissimilar to melon or kiwi.
The really great thing about this fruit is it literally goes with anything. Chuck a bit of greek yoghurt in there, some tropical fruits, or even a few greens such as kale or broccoli, and it’ll still be delicious - without turning your food that hideous green colour. To make a pitaya bowl, you can buy the dragon fruit yourself or, if you’re lazy like us, you can pick up pitaya smoothie packs from health food stores. Take a look at these pretty pitaya recipes below for some pitspiration.
1. Peanutaya Bowl
What's better than eating peanut butter without having to deal with that horrible brown-beige colour? Get the recipe here.
2. Barbie bowl
Appealing to pink ladies young and old! Recipe here.
3. Fruitopia smoothie
If you love fruit, it's pretty much a given you're going to enjoy the hell out of this version. You know what to do, recipe here.
4. Greek pitaya
Go exotic by chucking some delicious greek yoghurt in your bowl and top it with a smattering of toasted pecans. Delish. Recipe here.
5. Granada greens smoothie
Get that vegetable goodness in there without even a hint of that kale taste. Who said healthy couldn't be tasty? Recipe here.
6. Pitaya pops
Although the hot summer days are probably behind us now, there's never a bad excuse to indulge in an ice lolly! And with these pitaya pops, the word 'indulge' needn't come into the equation - it's basically a frozen pitaya bowl! Amazing. Get the recipe here.
7. Blended bliss
This pitaya drink is delicious and refreshing, and contains just three ingredients: pitaya, club soda and lemon juice. And maybe a splash of gin. Or not. I mean, we're not encouraging you to drink. Or are we.... Recipe here.
8. Mint bowl
Whilst we can't quite imagine what mint and pitaya tastes like together, we're trusting these guys - their taste game seems strong. Plus, who can resist a breath of minty freshness when they wake up in the morning. Lovely. Recipe here.
9. Avocado delight smoothie
Aah, avocados. Another hipster favourite. This combination of pitaya and avo means you're getting an insane amount of nutrients. Probably too many nutrients. (Only kidding - there's no such thing!). You can find the recipe here.
10. Pitaya pump-up smoothie
If you've just completed a particularly heinous workout, then this is the perf pick-me-up for the post-gym slump. Recipe here.
Do these pitaya recipes make you want to change up your breakfast routine? Let us know! @sofeminineUK
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