If you think the name “Pitaya” is fun, wait until you see its color. A bright pop of fuscia packs a vibrant color and equally rich nutrient profile. Pitaya is rich in antioxidants, vitamins B and C and includes active enzymes to aid in digestion and immunity. You may be familiar with pitaya’s other name, dragonfruit, which has made appearances in fruit juices (and even vodka flavors). It’s rare to find this fruit in supermarkets, and even if you do find it, the spiky outer skin can be challenging.
An easier way to try the pitaya fruit is frozen in Pitaya Plus. A 3.5-ounce package contains frozen, pureed pitaya. Use it as your blank canvas to make a smoothie bowl or juice. These packets are easy for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks. Below are some "dump and go" recipes. All you'll need to do is add all the ingredients and blend together.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Purple People Eater
This bowl is good after a workout. The bananas provide extra potassium, the greens provide iron, and protein powder will keep you full.
- 1 Pitaya Plus packet
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (whatever brand you use on a daily basis)
*Garnish with coconut flakes, pecans and some sliced strawberries.
Rehydrate
This smoothie is great for a hangover. Coconut water (the clear liquid from green coconuts) is rehydrating. Lemons are cleansing and ginger wakes up the senses and soothes the digestive system.
- 1 Pitaya Plus packet
- ½ cup coconut water, plain
- 1 cored apple
- ¼ teaspoon ginger root
- juice of one lemon
Pitaya on the Patio
This cocktail is an easy accompaniment for a picnic. If you combine ingredients before you leave, the Pitaya will act as ice cubes, without diluting your drink.
- 4 Pitaya Plus packets
- ½ cup fresh squeezed oranges
- 1 bottle prosecco or sparkling wine
- 5 ounces St. Germain
Pitaya Plus became the first company to export pitaya to the United States, after co-founder Chuck Casano encountered the fruit while working in Nicaragua. Casano witnessed the community indulging on raw pitaya. He co-founded Pitaya Plus in 2010 with Ben Hiddlestone and created the first supply chain for the brand in Nicaragua. Since then, they’ve created jobs for more than 150 Nicaraguan moms who assist in harvesting the fruit.
Like many colorful health-food products, Pitaya Plus was originally distributed in California, but in April, it has hit shelves in Georgia. Use the store locator to find a location near you. An example of stores that sell Pitaya Plus include the Atlanta-area Sprouts Farmers Markets and Safeway stores. On the go Pitaya smoothies and bowls are available at Roots Juices.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
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