how to tell if dragon fruit is ripe - hengliang cooling riening tips

Most people are familiar with dragon fruit, and many household gardens even have one growing. The roots of a dragon fruit resemble those of a cactus. Dragon fruit offers many benefits, and the most well-known is its ability to promote digestion and relieve constipation—consuming one can have a noticeable effect. The surface of the dragon fruit is covered with many scales, so to buy a delicious and sweet one, you need to choose carefully. But how to tell if dragon fruit is ripe? I went to a dragon fruit orchard and asked around, finally discovering some effective methods. Next, I’ll share with you how to select a good dragon fruit.

How to Choose a Good Dragon Fruit

1. Select a Red Color

To determine the ripeness of a fruit, look at its color. The more vibrant the color, the more mature the fruit. This applies to dragon fruit as well. Different varieties and colors exist in the market, and these differences affect quality. How to know if dragon fruit is ripe? To buy a sweet one, first look at the exterior color: if the skin is fully red with no spots, and the leaves at the top are slightly green, it indicates the fruit is fully ripe and sweet. If the skin has many white spots and the red color isn’t vivid, and if the leaves are yellowish, it suggests the fruit is not yet fully ripe — likely less sweet and may taste sour.

2. Choose Smaller Scales

A significant feature that distinguishes dragon fruit from other fruits is its scales. The outside surface is covered with scales, and inspecting their size is important. Typically, when the fruit first starts growing, its scales are larger. As it matures, the scales become smaller, and the skin thinner. How to know if dragon fruit is ripe? Smaller scales usually indicate a more mature fruit. Conversely, if the scales are large, the fruit may not be fully ripe yet.

3. Pick Fruit with Larger Gaps Between Scales

Besides the size of the scales, observe the distance between them. Large gaps between scales are a sign of better ripeness and will result in a sweeter, more enjoyable taste with a better texture. If the gaps are small, the fruit is likely not fully mature, and its flavor and texture may be less desirable. This is a good question about how to tell if dragon fruit is ripe—look for larger gaps between the scales.

4. Check the Top of the Fruit for Freshness

To tell if a dragon fruit is fresh, look at the top part. If the top is fresh and green, it indicates that the fruit is recently harvested. If it’s blackened, shriveled, or shows signs of decay, it means the fruit has been stored for a long time and is no longer fresh. Knowing how to know if dragon fruit is ripe involves observing these visual cues.

5. Choose Heavier Dragon Fruits

Although we can't see the inside of the fruit directly, we can gauge its quality by handling it. Pick up two dragon fruits of similar size and feel which one is heavier. The heavier one usually contains more flesh and water content. A lighter fruit tends to have less pulp and moisture, suggesting it's less juicy. This simple method also helps answer how to tell if dragon fruit is ripe.

Following these five tips can help you select high-quality dragon fruit. Be sure to keep this guide handy for your next purchase!

Note: Hengliang Cooling specializes in late-ripen fruit ripening room. While dragon fruit doesn’t respond to ethylene for ripening, if you need equipment for ripening fruits like mangoes and bananas, feel free to contact us. We offer global installation services!

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