I made a big mistake this week. I bought a Dragon fruit and I didn’t take a picture of the inside. I should have learned by now that the interesting part of these new fruits and vegetables is often the inside. Although the vivid pink and green skin of the Dragon fruit is clearly beautiful, it was the speckled black and white interior that stole the show. I have to be honest – it wasn’t the most interesting flavor, but the looks alone made up for it.
ME: The mystery food this week is Dragon fruit! Why do you think it’s called a Dragon fruit?
LAUREN: Because it has red all over it.
SAM: It looks like there’s fire on it.
ME: What color is it going to look like on the inside?
SAM: Pink.
LAUREN: I think it’s going to be black and white.
ME: OH MY GOSH! It’s polka dot! It looks like cookies and cream, seriously.
ME: Who wants to smell it?
LAUREN: Apples.
ME: Sam?
LAUREN: Really sweet apples!
ME: I don’t know if you’re supposed to eat the pink side on the outside. (Not the skin, but there is a pink layer inside the skin).
ME: (cutting)
ME: I think the pink part is edible.
ME: What does it taste like?
LAUREN: I want to feel it. It feels kind of prickly.
ME: OK, now that you’ve felt it, do you want to try it?
LAUREN: No.
ME: It doesn’t have much flavor. Kind of tastes like jicama.
ME: Guys, seriously, nobody wants to try it? How could you not? It’s so pretty.
ME: Sam, want to try it?
SAM: What are these black things?
ME: I think they’re seeds.
SAM: Hm, I don’t like it. I like plain flavors.
My fav is hot pink inside! Doesn’t taste any different but pink is always more fun than white. 🙂
Oh, my gosh! I had no idea there are different colors inside. I’ll have to buy a few more- do they look the exact same on the inside?
I can’t believe they didn’t like it! I think it is such a cool fruit – name and all! Oh well. They are usually white inside with black seeds. Pretty funny! It is a great fruit to serve with a spicy partner – it eases the heat. Love your posts!
I know, could you die? I thought of you when I put this up – I knew you’d be disappointed in the reaction! Another try is in the cards…Have a great weekend!
Interesting, I never heard of dragon fruit before this.
Hard to fine, but definitely worth a try if you can get your hands on one.
I haven’t tried dragon fruit and I don’t think I have ever seen it in the store.
It is such a cool looking fruit but I agree that it doesn’t have much taste. We thought it tasted like a mild kiwi.
By the way, I’ve noticed that if I ask my kids if they want something their knee-jerk reaction is to say, “No.” One thing I’ve found that (sometimes) works is to ask a question which gives them a choice, but both choices result in them trying the food. For example, you could say, “Would you like to try scooping it out with a spoon, or do you think I should cut it up?” Or “Would you like to eat it with your fingers or with a fork?”
I love the whole idea of your challenge by the way!! I’m amazed by all of the interesting fruits and vegetables you’ve tried.
Hey Julie, thanks for stopping by and glad you like the idea behind the challenge. We’ve been having so much fun with it. And great tip on giving them a choice- I sometimes give a choice between two foods, but great strategy to give choices for preparation too- will have to give that a try.