How to Store Dragon Fruit

Co-authored by Ed Kuoha

Last Updated: March 14, 2023 References

Not only is dragon fruit a beautiful tropical fruit with a sweet taste, but it has many health benefits as well. While they have many perks, dragon fruits have a very short window before they go from fresh to funky. By choosing the best storage strategy for your needs and knowing how to spot expired fruit, you'll be munching on dragon fruit even longer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Storing Dragon Fruit Short-Term

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Don’t peel or cut the dragon fruit before storing it. Peeling or cutting a dragon fruit before you store it will shorten its life significantly. Take it straight from your grocery bag to the storage spot to ensure it stays fresh.^{[1]
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Leave your dragon fruit on the counter for 2-3 days. If you’re going to be eating the dragon fruit in the next few days, place it on the counter. Dragon fruit will last a couple days simply sitting out, but make sure you don’t cut into or peel it beforehand.^{[2]
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Keep dragon fruit for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Putting dragon fruit into the refrigerator will slow down the ripening process. Be sure to put the dragon fruit in a sealed container or bag first. It should last 2 weeks or more in the fridge.^{[3]
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- Dragon fruit can be affected by other foods you might have in your fridge, making the fruit taste differently. To ensure this doesn't happen, make sure the fruit is properly sealed.^{[4]
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4
Place sliced dragon fruit in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If you’ve already cut up your dragon fruit and want to save it, remove the flesh from the peel. Put the dragon fruit into a sealed container or plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag or container to keep it fresh.^{[5]
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- Cut-up dragon fruit will most likely only last a couple of days before going bad, even in a container. To slow down this process, sprinkle lemon juice over the dragon fruit to ensure it stays fresh.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Storing Dragon Fruit Long-Term

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Cut the dragon fruit into small pieces before freezing. To store dragon fruit long-term, you’ll need to freeze it. Peel the dragon fruit, and then cut it up into small cubes.^{[6]
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Place the cubes on a baking sheet. Put the dragon fruit cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or something similar. When placing them, make sure that none of them are touching each other. This will make it easier to remove them once they’re frozen.^{[7]
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- If you don't have a baking sheet, place the dragon fruit on a plate. Remove the frozen fruit with a spatula or other kitchen tool.
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Freeze the pieces of dragon fruit overnight. To ensure that the dragon fruit cubes are completely frozen, place the tray in the freezer overnight. Make sure that the tray is level so that none of the cubes go sliding around.^{[8]
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Transfer the cubes into a sealed container or plastic bag. Once the cubes are frozen, remove them from the lined tray. Place all of the cubes in a sealed container or plastic bag to keep them fresh and protected.^{[9]
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- Make sure the container or bag holds as little air as possible to ensure fresher fruit.^{[10]
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- Label the container or bag with the date before putting it in the freezer so that you'll know how long the fruit has been in there.^{[11]
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- Dragon fruit should last several months in the freezer.
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Use frozen dragon fruit for puréed foods. Freezing dragon fruit keeps the fruit from going bad, but it also alters the texture and taste slightly. If you want your dragon fruit to keep its firm and fresh texture and taste, you shouldn't freeze it. It's best to use the fruit in smoothies and other puréed foods without letting it defrost first.^{[12]
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- Frozen dragon fruit will become mushy once it is completely thawed.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Recognizing Expired Dragon Fruit

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Check your fruit for a dull color that indicates it's no longer fresh. If you’ve left the dragon fruit in the fridge or freezer for too long, its color will begin to fade away. If you notice a dull color, cut open your dragon fruit to make sure it’s still edible.^{[13]
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- A fresh dragon fruit looks clean and plump with bright leaves that aren't shriveled.
2
Check the fruit’s outer layer for split-open cracks. If you notice any cracks or splits in the dragon fruit’s skin, the fruit is no longer fresh. Cracks are a sign that the fruit is rotten and damaged.^{[14]
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- A good dragon fruit feels firm but still has a softness to it.^{[15]
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Make sure your fruit isn’t frostbitten if left in the freezer. While a little bit of ice on your fruit is okay, make sure it hasn’t been freezer-burned. Frostbitten fruit will be almost entirely white with a different texture, and it might have a bland taste if you eat it.^{[16]
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Look for brown fruit flesh. If you can’t tell if your dragon fruit is fresh from the outside, cut it open. If its flesh has turned a brown color, it’s time to throw it out because it has turned rotten.^{[17]
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Community Q&A

Question

What's the best temperature for storing dragon fruit?

Community Answer

Dragon fruit stores best at temperatures between 45 - 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 - 10 degrees Celsius). Store refrigerated fruit for up to three months.