Thursday, May 10, 2012

Can a fruit be angry?

I've often wondered who the first daring soul was that had the nerve to eat an artichoke.  For such an unfortunate looking thing, they are delicious and one of my favorite vegetables....so my hat goes off to that epicurean adventurer.  

On my most recent visit to my favorite little organic market, a basket full of what looked like artichokes on acid caught my attention.  I was told they were called Dragon Fruit (Pitaya), sort of a cross between a kiwi and a melon, and a little bit bland.  I decided to give the odd-looking thing a go; it was too fun-looking not to.


It gives the impression it's trying to be angry,


but it's hot pink!


It's not angry at all.  
Unlike a mango, which offers no graceful way to prepare it,
the dragon fruit slices ever-so-easily down the center, and the inside flesh
scoops effortlessly and neatly into your spoon.

As for the taste?  Yes, a little bland.  And not sweet.  
I found it sort of melon-like, a little bit crunchy, 
a nice consistency, and surprisingly refreshing.

I'm thinking the cool husks would nestle a scoop of vanilla ice cream 
drizzled with Grand Marnier very nicely!

Enjoy!