Pitahaya (pronounced pea-tie-ah), called dragonfruit in the States, is a baseball-sized fruit that grows from a vine-like cactus found in Latin America and some parts of Asia.  It has an unusual appearance both inside and out, with a lobed, soft, fleshy peel, and a richly colored, almost kiwi-like interior.  Right now it’s in season and can be found just about anywhere fruit is sold for about 60 cents each.

Locals mix the dark purple juice with lime juice to make a sweet drink or they use it to flavor/color ice cream.  The fruit is high in vitamin C, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants, but is usually mixed with so much sugar that it’s hard to claim that it’s healthy!