How to Ripen Dragon Fruit

Pitaya, or dragon fruits, grow on a climbing cactus vine. The fruits have white or pink flesh and deep crimson skins. Their sweet flavor develops on the vine, so it's necessary to harvest the fruit at the right time to ensure maximum ripeness. Though the fruit may soften after it's picked, it won't develop a sweeter flavor. The fruits decline slowly when left on the cactus, so it's preferable to harvest them late rather than early.

Shears
Plastic bag
Work gloves (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the pitaya cactus for fruit formation beginning in midsummer. Begin counting the days once fruits form.
- 2
  Pick the dragon fruits 50 days after the fruits form. The fruit reaches its mature red-blushed color in 30 days, but allowing the dragon fruit to ripen on the vine for an additional 20 days ensures maximum sweetness.
- 3
  Grasp the fruit in one hand and cut the stem with a pair a shears using the other hand. Cut the stem off flush to the top of the fruit. Handle the fruits gently to avoid bruising or damage.
- 4
  Store the dragon fruits at room temperature for up to five days. The fruit becomes softer and more tender during this time, though the flavor doesn't change. For longer storage, keep the dragon fruits in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for two to four weeks.

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