Dragon fruit and starfruit are two different plants. They belong to distinct families. The dragon fruit is a cactus, and the star fruit is a tree called the carambola. This tree comes in several varieties, all of which are long and ribbed and, when cut across, resemble a star.
All fruits provide different sorts of advantages to a body and enhance health in many ways. They help you gain variety on your plate and make it colorful too. They add diversity to your diet.
Some are famous, while others are underrated. Dragon fruit and star fruit are two fruits that are gaining popularity these days. They each have their unique benefits and taste. These fruits are very pretty and unique in appearance.
While reading this blog, you will get all the information about these fruits, along with their nutrients, health benefits, and risks associated with them,
What is a star fruit?
Star fruit, also known as carambola is a fruit that looks like a star. It has a sweet and sour fruit that has the shape exactly that of a star. It contains five-pointed ends which make it look exactly like a star. The skin is edible, and the flesh has a mild, sour flavor that lends itself well to a variety of dishes.
The color of the star fruit is yellow or green. It is available in two sizes: a small, sour variety and a larger, sweeter variety.
Star fruit is a sweet and sour fruit with five pointed ends. There are a variety of them.
What is a dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit is a fruit that grows on the Hylocereus climbing cactus, which can be found in tropical regions all over the world.
The plant’s name is derived from the Greek words “hyle,” which means “woody,” and “cereus,” which means “waxen.”
On the outside, the fruit resembles a hot pink or yellow bulb with spike-like green leaves shooting up around it like flames. When you cut it open, you’ll find fleshy white stuff inside dotted with black seeds that you can eat.
This fruit is available in both red and yellow-skinned varieties. The cactus originated in southern Mexico, as well as South and Central America.
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit that has gained popularity recently, Though people eat it for its distinct appearance, evident that it may have health benefits.
The cactus of Dragon fruit originated in southern Mexico, as well as South and Central America. In the early nineteenth century, the French introduced it to Southeast Asia. Central Americans refer to it as “pitaya.” It’s known as a “strawberry pear” in Asia.
All in all, this fruit has a unique taste and an aesthetic appearance that appeals to everyone who tries it out.
How do you compare dragon fruit and starfruit?
Dragon fruit and star fruit are distinct from each other, they contain unique characteristics and nutrient counts.
Let’s have a look at its description.
Dragon fruit contains a high amount of nutrients and low calories. It can act as an immunity booster and may help to fight illnesses. It can improve gut health too. Dragon fruit contains a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals i.e., manganese and iron.
On the other hand, Star fruit is an exotic fruit that is high in nutrients and minerals. It has also become popular in recent years. The name is derived from the distinctive shape of this fruit when cut in a cross-section – it resembles a star. The entire fruit, including the waxy outer layer, can be eaten.
Dragon fruit is beneficial for ;
- Weight loss
- improving digestion
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- Enhancing energy levels
- Prevention of cancer and heart diseases
While Star fruits help in:
- Boosting the immune system
- Detoxification of the body
- Relieving respiratory distress
- Accelerating metabolism
- Optimizing digestion
- Building strong bones
- Improving skin and hair health
Thus, star fruits have so many benefits as compared to dragon fruit. But adding both of them to our diet can help us benefit from them individually. As you can see, dragon fruit and star fruit should be added to our diet to gain benefits from them individually.
Is dragon fruit and star fruit the same?
No, they have distinguishing characteristics. Even the nutrient count is different. We have discussed the benefits that they provide to our bodies; now let’s discuss their nutrient count.
This table compares the nutrients of both fruits.
| Nutrient Content | Dragon fruit | Star fruit |
| Vitamins | 3% of Vitamin C RDI | 52% of RDI (Vitamin C) Vitamin B5 (4 % of the RDI) |
| Fiber | 3 grams | 3 grams |
| Proteins | 1.2 gram | 1 gram |
| Carbs | 13 grams | 0 gram |
| Minerals | Iron 4% of RDI | Copper 6% of the RDI Folate 3% of RDI |
| Magnesium | 10% of RDI | 2 % of the RDI |
Keeping in mind the nutrient content of both the fruits, it is observed that dragon fruit is dense in nutrients while star fruit is nutritious but not as much as dragon fruit. Nonetheless, both fruits should be a part of our daily diet.
What is the taste of dragon fruit?
People usually say that the flavor is melon-like, resembling a cross between a kiwi and a watermelon. Others include pears in this category. Some describe the flavor as tropical. Hence, everyone has their perception of this fruit, it has done a lot with the texture and color of dragon fruit.
The dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is known to have a very bland taste similar to kiwi. Take note that the kiwi fruit does not have a strong flavor, but rather a combination of sweetness and sourness. However, the bland part is what stands out the most, which is why most people find its mild flavor to be unappealing.
However, you can leave it unpeeled if you don’t like the taste because the appearance of dragon fruit is very nice.
Unfortunately, the flavor of good dragon fruit can only be described in the context of another Cactus fruit. The flavor of the best Red skinned Violet fleshed Dragon fruit was the same as that of a very good violet-colored Prickly Pear (Tuna), the Fruit of the Nopales cactus, but only 10 times as concentrated.
Overall, we can say that Dragon fruit is neither sweet nor sour, it has a hint of kiwi essence and a cucumber aftertaste. it’s not a particularly tasty fruit; rather, it’s a moderately tasty fruit.
Why should we add dragon fruit to our diet?
Dragon fruit contains a high concentration of antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage. It contains prebiotics, which are foods that feed the good bacteria in your gut known as probiotics. Dragon fruit is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are beneficial to your immune system.
Dragon fruit helps to improve insulin resistance, promotes a healthy heart, and keeps the liver free from bacteria as well.
What is the difference between red dragon fruit and white dragon fruit?
Red dragon fruit and white dragon fruit are quite different from each other. They differ in color, sweetness, price, and nutritional value.
The most common dragon fruits on the market are the red dragon and white heart.
Dragon fruit is a magical fruit and vegetable that combines fruits, flowers, vegetables, health care, and medicine. It is also known as red dragon fruit, green dragon fruit, fairy honey fruit, and jade dragon fruit. It is shaped like a large mango and is not only nutritious but also tasty.
Red dragon fruit has red skin, while the white heart is purely white.
Another significant distinction is made as a result of different sugar. The red heart dragon fruit’s fructose is usually above 15 degrees, and the white heart dragon fruit’s sugar is also around 10 degrees, so the red heart dragon fruit is sweeter and better than the white heart dragon fruit.
The red dragon is high in nutritional value as compared to the white heart. Red Heart Dragon Fruit contains more carotene, which boosts immunity and protects the fiber parts of the crystals in both eyes. The fruit is high in anthocyanins, which can prevent blood vessel hardening and obstruct heart attacks caused by heart attacks and blood clots.
You can have red dragon fruit to gain nutritional benefits from it, you can store it in your refrigerator as well.
What are the benefits of eating star fruit?
Many beneficial plant compounds can be found in star fruit. After experimenting on animals, it was observed that these may reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and the risk of fatty liver.
Star fruit is very tasty. It is low in calories but high in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibers.
Caution: People with Kidney problems should avoid having star fruit, or consult a doctor before having it.
Although there is not so much research on humans, is observed to be beneficial for humans as well.
How to cut a Dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit can be eaten by making it a part of salads and smoothies. It is easy to cut with a simple knife that is used in our daily lives. To eat it, all you need to do is to find a perfectly ripe one.
Here are the following steps to cut a Dragon fruit perfectly:
- Cut it in half, lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Scoop the fruit out with a spoon or cut it into cubes by cutting vertical and horizontal lines into the pulp without cutting through the peel.
- Push on the back of the skin to expose the cubes, then remove them with your fingers or a spoon.
- To eat, mix it into salads, smoothies, and yogurt, or simply snack on it, on its own.
If you want to add variety and color to your food, dragon fruit is the best choice for that. It has an amazing appearance along with a delicious taste.
It is a worth-trying fruit.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dragon fruit and star fruit have contrasting characteristics. Star fruit is like a five-pointed star, mostly yellow in color. While dragon fruit resembles a cactus, it is round in shape and either red or white.
Dragon fruit is juicy and sometimes has a bland taste. Its unique appearance is what makes everyone attracted to it, and they try it at least once in their lifetime. Star fruit has a slightly sweet or sour taste.
Dragon fruit helps to strengthen the immune system, has prebiotics and antioxidants along with vitamins and minerals. Star fruit is low in calories but high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. So they help in the fight against cancer and heart diseases. Don’t forget that a person having kidney problems should avoid eating star fruit.
Hence, it is quite simple to cut these fruits, yet there are many recipes available online that help you to diversify their inclusion in your diet. They add flavor to your diet and make it colorful.
At least once in your life, you must try both of these fruits, and then you can choose whether to make them a part of your diet or not.