Frozen Durian & Pitaya – Why To Eat This Non-Ordinary Fruit?

While durian and pitaya are very exotic fruit, it is possible to eat them frozen and experience this tropical fruit at your home.

But, is it good to eat frozen durian and frozen pitaya?

Do they still have all nutritious effects and why eat them?

In this article, we bring you their characteristics, but also why to eat them and some recipes to use with them as main ingredients.

Characteristics Of Durian

Durian is a famous tropical fruit that is better known for its strong and specific smell that doesn`t remind of fruit. This fruit grows in Thailand and Malaysia mostly, so there are 300 variations developed in that area. For growing, it needs higher temperatures and humidity, so is considered to be tropical fruit. Since it usually grows more than 15 cm and weighs from 2 to 3 kg, it is called the king of fruit. Durian originates from South-East Asia and the name in Malay means “thorn” and describes the rind. Interestingly, it grows on a high tree that can reach more than 40 meters in height and the flower is usually closed during the day. Another interesting thing about the durian flower is that a specific type of bat pollinates it and it has a buttery and sweet odour. The fruit is edible after three months and most of the species are completely safe to consume. What is more, there are many traditional recipes in South Asia that consists of durian in any stage, from green to ripe. The fruit is covered with thorns and needs to be opened to remove yellow or red flesh from the inside. Even though it has a very good taste, mostly compared to almonds, it has an unpleasant smell, described as rotten onions. For that reason, many avoid eating it and in some parts of Asia is forbidden to eat it in public.

Characteristics Of Pitaya

Pitaya is exotic fruit better known as dragon fruit. It originates from Mexico and South America but nowadays is cultivated all around the world. In warm locations around Mexico and South America, it is possible to find it in the wilderness, but the biggest cultivations are in Vietnam. It is the fruit of several cactus species and grows in warm conditions. The cactus has long and thin leaves, like sticks, and grows in a bush form. Pitaya grows on the end of each leaf and comes in various colours. The cactus needs two years to bear fruit and good conditions for it to be sweet. It comes from a big and very scented flower that is only opened during the night. The skin of the fruit has vibrant pink colour, while some species can come in yellow or red variations. It is thin, but the only soft pulp is edible. Inside, the pulp is usually white, but can be red or pink and has many black seeds inside. The smell is sweet and fragrant and the taste reminds me of both melon with pear and slightly strawberry. You need to cut it in half and then scoop the edible part out to leave the skin.

Can You Freeze Durian And Pitaya

Many fruits and vegetables can be frozen and kept for a long time until you want to eat them again out of season. It is good to know which one can be frozen and the process, for example how to freeze fresh corn. When it comes to durian, it is possible to freeze it and use it after the season. Also, you may find it the only way to buy it in your local shop. What is better, frozen durian lasts longer and keeps all good nutrients. There is a small change in taste since it won`t be that strong after freezing. It can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer. Talking about pitaya, it can be frozen, too. It is also very seasonal fruit and if you want to keep it during the year, the best way to preserve is to freeze it. Because of the skin, it usually comes in cubes, so it is practical to use it and add it to various recipes. Unlike durian, frozen pitaya keeps a good and intense flavour for a longer time.

Why Eat Frozen Durian

Frozen or fresh, durian is full of good nutrients and freezing it will only preserve them for a longer time, rather than cooking it. There are several reasons why it is good to eat frozen durian. It is very popular in Malaysian culinary and can be found in many sweet treats, from ice creams and milkshakes to cappuccino and biscuits. Sometimes, it is used as a side dish with rice and coconut milk, usually with chilly or stew. It is a popular street dish and is often seen in combinations with pancakes. Durian is rich in vitamin C and B, so is recommended to eat it for immune boosting. It is very nutritious and rich in fibre. It consists of compounds that help reduce cholesterol and helps to prevent heart diseases. It has antibacterial properties and helps with fighting infection. Yet, you need to avoid eating it with alcohol since enzymes can react and make you feel very drunk. If you wonder how to freeze it, this how to freeze fresh corn tips might help you since the process is similar.

Why Eat Frozen Pitaya

Frozen pitaya usually comes in cubes and is ideal for making a quick and healthy meal. This fruit is usually combined in cocktails, with oatmeal and quick breakfast porridge, in fruit smoothies and cakes and sweets. It is ideal to use in healthy ice creams and frozen yoghurt. It is low-calorie and ideal for everyone on diet. Thanks to its sweet taste and exotic flavour, it is ideal to bring more flavour into your everyday smoothie. It is noticeable rich in iron and antioxidants, which is good for cleaning the body from negative aspects. It helps with cell damage repair and to keep overall health. Studies have shown that it helps with liver diseases and with balancing insulin. Thanks to that, it is appropriate food for people with diabetes. Yet, you should try it carefully for the first time since some cases of allergies are shown. Also, if you don`t like kiwi-like texture, you might dislike dragon fruit, too.

Recipes With Frozen Durian

When you want to prepare a delicious meal with frozen durian, you should put it in a refrigerator overnight to defrost. It will help you combining it and having a better taste. Yet, it is crucial to remove all seeds before using them, too. We bring you two recipes that can you make quickly with frozen durian at home!

Frozen Durian Yoghurt

This quick and delicious recipe is ideal for breakfast or snacks. This is the ideal way to taste durian for the first time. Be sure to defrost it first and remove all seeds from the inside. You will need plain Greek yoghurt, a tablespoon of honey, 2 big pieces of frozen durian and some chopped almonds. Mash durian like potatoes and combine with yoghurt and honey. Leave in refrigerator for 3 hours. Before eating, garnish with chopped almonds.

Frozen Durian Ice Cream

Durian ice cream is popular street food, but you can make it at home from the frozen durian. Run durian through strain and remove seeds. When it is mushy and soft, combine it with condensed milk. Then combine whipped cream and a few drops of vanilla extract. If you want more sweetness, you can add some sugar while preparing whipped cream. Give it a quick stir and leave it in the refrigerator over the night.

Recipes With Frozen Pitaya

Thanks to the tropical taste, pitaya is very used in many desserts. Since it has small edible seeds, you can use them in frozen shape. There are many carrot and beet juice benefits, but when you add dragon fruit, it will taste better. Check those two recipes and try to make at least one!

Frozen Pitaya Breakfast Bowl

Breakfast bowls should be a rich and nutritious meal to give you energy throughout the day. For this, you will need a cup of frozen pitaya, a cup of frozen banana and a cup of frozen strawberries. Mix it well in a blender and add 2 spoons of yoghurt. Then, sweeten with honey and garnish with chopped kiwi, almonds… You can even prepare it in the evening and add chia seeds to get more nutritious ingredients. Before preparing some meals, it’s good to be informed about how to protect the wall under the breakfast bar to avoid red pitaya color on your kitchen decor.

Frozen Pitaya Smoothie

Smoothie is always a good idea, whether you drink it in the morning or the evening. For this recipe, you need to blend a cup of frozen pitaya, a cup of apples, a cup of bananas with a bit of water. Add honey to get a sweeter taste. For an evening combination, you can add some vodka and get a fresh and tasty cocktail!