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Dec 26, 2023
Fresh dragon fruit | Spoiling dragon fruit | Source: Shutterstock
How to Tell When Dragon Fruit Has Gone Bad: The Tell-Tale Signs
By
Akhona Zungu
Dec 15, 202307:42 A.M.
A somewhat sweet tropical delight, dragon fruit is quite a treat. You can enjoy this delicacy for up to two weeks with the proper storage method. However, if you're unsure whether it's still suitable for eating, here are the tell-tale signs.
Dragon fruit has grown in popularity over the years. The aesthetically pleasing delicacy grows primarily in southern Mexico and Central America and sprouts from the Hylocereus cactus.
It comes in several variations, with the three most recognized having green scales, although two are bright red and the other is yellow, hence the name "dragon fruit."
A dragon fruit sliced in half | Source: Getty Images
Inside, one of the red-skinned dragon fruits has white pulp with black seeds, while the other has red pulp. The yellow-skinned dragon fruit also has white pulp and black seeds as you'll see further down.
While the dragon fruit's appearance is indeed unique, its flavor is not so different from other fruits and has been described as something between a kiwi and a pear.
A dragon fruit with red pulp and black seeds | Source: Getty Images
Dragon fruit is also nutrient-dense, and consuming it is said to have many benefits, including a stronger immune system and improved cardiovascular health.
However, you want to eat the dragon fruit while it's still safe to do so, and if you suspect yours has gone bad, here are a few things to ook out for.
Dragon fruit | Source: Getty Images
Is It Bruised?
One of the tell-tale signs of a spoiled dragonfruit is its appearance. Check if it has any discoloration, like brown spots or bruises around the skin. If it does, it may be starting to rot.
It's worth noting, however, that these brown areas are the beginning stages of spoilage and can be cut away for you to eat the rest of the fruit. But if they're all around, then it might be best to discard that dragon fruit.
If a dragon fruit has brown spots or bruises, it may be starting to spoil. | Source: Getty Images
Does It Have Mold?
Mold, which can appear as a white or green fuzz on the dragon fruit skin, is another indicator that it is no longer suitable for consumption. If it has mold, throw it away.
Mold is a strong indicator to discard a dragon fruit that has gone bad. | Source: Getty Images
What Is the Texture Like?
With texture, you want to check the firmness of your dragon fruit. A good dragon fruit should be relatively firm, while a ripe one will only be slightly softer.
However, if you press your thumb against the skin and it easily gives in, barely has any firmness, and the pulp has a slimy consistency, then your dragon fruit has rotten.
Once your dragon fruit loses firmness and has a slimy consistency inside, it has spoiled. | Source: YouTube/Temponaut Time-lapse
Does It Smell?
When dragon fruit is still suitable for eating, it should have a mildly sweet scent. But if the smell has changed to something sour or unpleasant, then it may indicate spoilage.
Once your dragon fruit produces an unpleasant smell, it's time to discard it. | Source: YouTube/Temponaut Time-lapse
Final Thoughts
Generally, dragon fruit can last up to five days if kept at room temperature and approximately two weeks when refrigerated.
It's also good to remember that if you suspect it has gone bad, some of the rotting signs outlined above tend to appear simultaneously, so keep an eye out.
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