Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fruit of the dragon?????

We have a cactus that has been growing on one of our trees for sometime now and just this summer it has bloomed. Turns out it is a night bloomer like our other cactus in the yard (night blooming cereus). This vine growing cactus is the Pitaya cactus and about a week after the bloom dropped there was this awesome looking large fruit!
According to legend and lore during a battle the dragon fruit was the last thing that came out of the mouth of the fire breathing dragon. The fruit was then presented to the emperor as a coveted treasure.

I had heard dragon fruit before but never saw one. We harvested it and then I looked it up online to make sure it was edible - always a good idea don't you think?
We put in in the fridge to chill because I read it was better cold. Then one evening when friends were over we cut into it and gave it a try. It was actually very much like kiwi but more mild in flavor. The numerous black seeds are crunchy and easy to chew. Apparently they are quite expensive if you buy them in a store. They are also supposed to be very nutritious.
So far we have only had one fruit this summer. Hopefully next season will bring more blooms and hence more fruit of the dragon.

Now I have to go get busy packing for QUILT RETREAT!!!!!!!
No I'm not at all excited - HA
As always I will take too many projects, but you surely don't want to run out of things to do!
I will take pics and share when I get back.....

Play like you mean it.....
Linda

3 comments:

Stitched With Prayer said...

Oh my!!! The sliced fruit looks very tasty, though I must admit it didn't look that appetizing on the plant. Your right, you absolutely need to read up on new foods to ensure that first, they are safe to eat, second, the great satisfaction of finding out it is good for you! Glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful time at your retreat! Hugs...By the way, I'm still drinking my morning hot chocolate or tea out of my wonderful snowman mug from your giveaway last Christmas. Sorry I was away for so long. Largely due to health issues, but things are looking up!

Kathleen said...

What a pretty piece of fruit!

Jen said...

How neat! I feel like I missed out! Have fun at quilt retreat!