A pitaya bowl, also called a dragon fruit bowl, is a smoothie bowl full of antioxidant-rich fruits including pitaya, mango and figs. A perfect nutrient-rich breakfast or snack, especially when topped with fresh fruits.
Pitaya Bowl
Pitaya bowls or dragon fruit bowls are my favorite breakfast when I want an energizing fruity hit for breakfast. And the these bowls hit the nutrition out of the park with 11 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber in one bowl. And that's not counting all the other nutrition.
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Benefits to Pitaya Bowls
Pitaya bowls have a slew of nutritional benefits. [source] Those include largely the benefits derived from the pitaya fruit, or as it's also called, dragon fruit. Those benefits include:
1. antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acid, and betacyanin which all fight disease and aging.
2. high in fiber and free of fat
3. lowers blood sugar and has low sugar
4. aids your gut with natural probiotics which feed healthy bacteria in your stomach and help you to digest food correctly.
5. boosts immune system because it is high in vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients.
Ingredients in a Pitaya Bowl
To make a basic pitaya bowl, you'll need some form of pitaya or dragon fruit and frozen fruits.
I provide a recipe below using frozen pitaya or dragon fruit which can be bought in the frozen section of most grocers. I've linked to a brand Whole Foods carries but any frozen brand will work. Be sure to find frozen pitaya that is only pitaya and not a mix of fruits.
My recipe can be converted to using powdered pitaya as well. I provide instructions in the recipe card below.
Here is your shopping list for both types of pitaya bowls.
Pitaya - You can use fresh or frozen. In both cases you'll need about two cups worth.
To use fresh, peel off the skin and use the fruit inside. Chop and freeze it. I has the consistency of kiwi and can come in white or pink insides. Both taste the same.
To buy frozen, go to a natural or high-end store like Whole Foods and check out the frozen fruit section. Here is a frozen pitaya or dragon fruit brand I like.
To use powdered, you'll need powdered pitaya or dragon fruit. You can find it with other supplements. Here is one powdered pitaya or dragon fruit brand.
Frozen fruits - You'll need about 2 cups of frozen fruits. In this recipe I used a cup of frozen mango and a cup of banana, which is about one chopped and frozen. But frozen berries or pineapple also work. Just be sure to have about the same amount as you have frozen pitaya.
Liquid - I always use a bit of dairy-free milk in my smoothies to make them creamier and less icy. You can use any kind but the higher the fat - like coconut - the creamier your smoothie. Also, if you can, freeze the liquid in ice cube trays. I always have coconut milk frozen in ice cubes waiting in the freezer.
Toppings - The list of potential toppings for a pitaya bowl is as long as your imagination. I normally try to increase the nutrients with my choices.
How to Make a Pitaya Bowl
Make sure as many ingredients are as frozen as possible, and blend until you have a soft ice cream texture. Pour the pitaya into a bowl, add toppings and eat this smoothie bowl with a spoon.
Tips & Tricks To Making a Pitaya Bowl
1. Keep it thick. A smoothie bowl is meant to be eaten like a bowl of ice cream so be sure most ingredients are frozen, and add very little liquid.
2. Expect to eat it right after you blend it. A smoothie bowl does not keep, it will melt into a smoothie in the refrigerator.
3. Use a variety of toppings to add crunch and nutrition.
Toppings to Add to Your Pitaya Bowl
berries
chopped fruit
crushed nuts
sprinkles of chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds
gobs of yogurt
This smoothie bowl is more tropical than sweet but you can add a dessert angle by topping with chocolate chips or crushed cookies.
FAQS
Why Eat Pitaya or Dragon Fruit?
A pitaya bowl is filling, fruity and energizing. And different. It's not always easy to find frozen pitaya so when you do, make a pitaya bowl to vary your breakfast. The bowl is high in nutrition you won't find in many fruits.
How Nutritious is Pitaya or Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, or pitya, is high in vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, iron and antioxidants all at once. And it kicks off the metabolism so eating a pitaya bowl in the morning is good for weight control. But it is high in magnesium and low in sugar so eating a pitaya bowl at night can help your sleep.
The toppings can be customized to add additional nutrition and fiber. I have added figs which have sweeping nutritional properties, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are anti-fungal, have antioxidants and much more.
But What is Dragon Fruit or Pitaya?
Pitaya, also called dragon fruit, is the fruit of a cactus. It is now grown in California, Central and South America. [source]
Nutritionally the fruit is full of antioxidants which battle aging and disease. And it also has fiber and heart-healthy fats. [source]
How Does Dragon Fruit Taste?
Pitaya, or dragon fruit, tastes like a mild kiwi. There are dark pink-fleshed versions and white flesh. I can only find white flesh here on the east coast in the USA so I use frozen pink pitaya when I want that gorgeous color.
The fruit pairs well with tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple to turn your breakfast into a tropical treat.
Is A Pitaya A Dragon Fruit?
A pitaya is a dragon fruit and visa versa. The original name of the fruit is pitaya, and it is grown in many places, but especially in South and Central America. The name dragon fruit came about in the 1960s when farmers began to refer to them as that since they have a leathery skin and scaly spikes. Plus Hollywood came knocking and used them as fruits to depict food grown on alien planets. The name caught on and is used for marketing purposes all over the world. [source]
How to Eat Dragon Fruit
If eating fresh, wash the fruit, cut in half, and scoop out the edible flesh. Cut into cubes for use in a smoothie, salad or to eat like a melon. Spice it up with fresh ginger.
Other Pitaya or Dragon Fruit Recipes
dragon fruit pina colada popsicles
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Pitaya Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 packet of frozen pitaya (dragon fruit) (I find the brand linked in the freezer section of Wholefoods and fine grocery stores)
- 1 cup frozen mango or frozen banana
- 1 frozen raspberries or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup dairy-free milk frozen in cubes if possible
Toppings
- ½ cup frozen berries
- 3 fresh figs (optional)
Useful Equipment
Instructions
Prep
- Freeze everything overnight
Make the Smoothie Bowl
- Blend up all ingredients.
- Pour the smoothie into bowls and adorn with fresh fruits such as figs and fresh pitaya triangles and more...Enjoy !
To Use Powdered Pitaya
- To use powdered pitaya in this recipe, replace the frozen pitaya with 1 ½ cups of yogurt or two frozen bananas, and stir in 3-4 tablespoons of powdered pitaya.
David
Incredible smoothie flavor!
Ela
So in love with your pink nicecream bowl! I should really make more nicecream bowls, but every time I make one it melts within seconds and I have no time to make a photo, haha. Teach me how you do it, your pics are wonderful! 😀
Debbie
Ela, nicecream is SOOOO hard to photograph, I agree! Seriously, for every photo I "approve" and post, there are dozens I toss and just eat bowl, haha. Thank you for stopping by! Dee xx
Nadia
These nicecream bowls are so stunning! I love the vibrant pink colour the dragonfruit gives. And the star shaped toppings are too cute! 😀
Debbie
Nadia! Thank you sweet pea! So happy you like my pink treat! Dee xx