Facts
Dragon Fruit Flower buds are unopened flowers surrounded by layers of fleshy sepals growing along vining cactus stems. The buds begin small and oval, about the size of a grape, and expand, growing up to 27 centimeters in length with a cylindrical appearance. The buds are also comprised of tight, compacted layers of green lanceolate sepals with pointed tips. Most of the sepals are green and depending on the variety, they may showcase maroon tips and edges. As the buds mature, the protective layers will lengthen and loosen, eventually revealing the flower. The flowers open into a large bloom with a bell-like shape, averaging 20 to 22 centimeters in diameter, and have slender and delicate, fragrant white petals encasing a golden yellow center. Dragon Fruit Flower buds are traditionally harvested for culinary use before the flowers bloom and have a tender, chewy, and mucilaginous texture reminiscent of nopales. The unopened buds contain a vegetal, earthy, and green flavor with asparagus-like nuances.
Nutritional Value
Dragon Fruit Flower buds are a rich source of antioxidants to protect the body against free radical damage and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation. The buds also provide fiber to regulate the digestive tract, potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, calcium to protect bones and teeth, and iron to develop the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream. In natural medicines throughout Latin America, Dragon Fruit Flower buds are sliced and rubbed over insect bites, providing a thin, calming layer of gel to relieve itching and inflammation.
