When enjoying a juicy dragon fruit, most people discard the peel without a second thought. But what if that peel—so often tossed aside—holds a hidden treasure of health benefits? With a little effort, you can turn this overlooked part of the fruit into a delicious, refreshing, and nutrient-packed drink or jelly. Here’s how to do it—and why you should start today.
Why Dragon Fruit Peel Deserves Your Attention
Dragon fruit peel is rich in anthocyanins, natural antioxidants that help protect your skin, eyes, and blood vessels. In fact, anthocyanins are up to 10 times more powerful than carotene and have been praised for their anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-boosting properties.
These antioxidants not only help protect skin from sun damage but also promote the regeneration of retinal cells, making the drink beneficial for eye health—particularly for the elderly or those dealing with myopia or visual fatigue.
How to Prepare a Dragon Fruit Peel Drink
This simple recipe transforms the peel into a beautiful, antioxidant-rich beverage that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Here’s how:
Step 1: Clean the Dragon Fruit Thoroughly
- Place the dragon fruit in a large basin.
- Add a spoonful of salt and enough clean water to cover the fruit.
- Let it soak for 10 minutes, turning the fruit halfway to ensure both sides are submerged.
- Rub the peel gently to remove dirt, pesticide residues, and any hidden debris between the scales.
- Rinse well under running water.
Step 2: Cut and Boil the Peel
- Cut the dragon fruit in half and scoop out the flesh to use separately.
- Place the peel on a cutting board. Remove the root and top of the peel.
- Slice the peel into thick strips, which helps the nutrients release into the water.
- Put the sliced peel into a pot, add enough water to cover it, and cover with a lid.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
🔹 Tip: Do not overcook the peel, as excessive heat may destroy some of the valuable nutrients.
Step 3: Strain and Enjoy
- After boiling, remove the peels from the pot, leaving behind the vibrant-colored liquid.
- Pour the drink into a cup.
- Optional: Add a spoonful of honey to taste—but wait until the drink cools slightly to preserve the enzymes in honey.
You now have a sweet, refreshing drink that’s full of antioxidants, supports skin health, enhances eye function, and improves blood circulation.
Turn It into Dragon Fruit Peel Jelly
If you want something more fun and snackable, try turning the drink into a jelly. Here’s how:
Ingredients Needed:
- Dragon fruit peel juice (from the recipe above)
- White jelly powder or agar-agar
- Sugar, to taste
- Coconut milk (optional, for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Jelly Recipe
- Reheat the strained dragon fruit peel juice on medium heat.
- Add sugar based on your sweetness preference. Stir until dissolved.
- Turn off the heat.
- Gradually add white jelly powder, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Pour the mixture into a tray or bowl.
- Let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes to 1 hour).
- Once solidified, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Add a splash of coconut milk before serving for a tropical twist.
🍧 The jelly will have a smooth, elastic texture and a refreshing taste, perfect for hot summer days or as a healthy dessert for kids.
Bonus: Dragon Fruit Peel Salad
For a quick and savory option, you can even make a dragon fruit peel salad:
- After cleaning and slicing the peel into thin strips, soak it in diluted salt water for 10 minutes to release natural pectin.
- Rinse and gently squeeze out excess water.
- In a bowl, mix the peel with chopped coriander, or optionally shredded cucumber, celery, or chili.
- Add a pinch of salt and two tablespoons of vinegar.
- Mix well and serve.
This tangy and crunchy dish is high in fiber, helps with digestion, and adds a burst of color to your plate.
Benefits at a Glance
✅ Packed with anthocyanins – fights aging, protects skin and eyes
✅ Supports blood circulation – strengthens blood vessels
✅ Promotes eye health – helps prevent myopia and eye fatigue
✅ Boosts metabolism – supports fat breakdown when paired with vinegar
✅ Great for the skin – hydrates and protects from sun damage
✅ Improves digestion – when used in salads or fermented drinks
✅ Kid-friendly – the jelly is free of artificial additives found in store-bought options
✅ Zero waste – utilizes the whole fruit for maximum benefit
Dragon fruit is not just about the bright pink flesh inside—it’s a complete package of nourishment, from the inside out. By rethinking how you use the peel, you’re not only cutting down on waste but also giving your body a boost of natural, plant-based nutrition.
Instead of throwing the peel away, boil it, sip it, or turn it into jelly—either way, your body (and the planet) will thank you.
Disclaimer: While dragon fruit peel is generally safe for most people, if you have known allergies or sensitivities to tropical fruits, consult a healthcare professional before consuming.
Inspired by this? Share the article with your friends!