July 2021 Kitchen Corner
NEWSLETTER
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit native to Mexico, South and Central America. Settlers had brought it to Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philip-pines where it then remained one of the most popular fruits in the people’s diet. Dragon fruit has a light sweet and sour taste, slightly crunchy texture, and an epic appearance.
Shelf life: 4-6 weeks in 2-5oC, or 1 week in room temperature
How to eat?
Dragon fruit can be eaten right after peeled, blended into smoothie, frozen dessert, or even grilled. You can combine it with other fruits like pineapple, papaya, or mango to make a
salsa on top of you grilled fish.
Nutrition
Shelf life: 4-6 weeks in 2-5oC, or 1 week in room temperature
Nutrition Facts:
Dragon fruit is a low-calorie fruit (60 kcal per fruit) and high in fiber (3 grams per fruit), with great amount of minerals and vitamins like iron and magnesium. It also has
phytochemicals such as tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids. Besides, it contains vitamin C, B3 and B2 along with minerals like iron, phosphorus and calcium.
References
https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/dragon-fruit
http://marylanddragonfruitgardens.blogspot.com/2017/06/surprising-benefits-of-dragon-fruit-you.html
https://casadilibra.com/cach-lam-banh-mi-thanh-long/
Shelf life: 4-6 weeks in 2-5oC, or 1 week in room temperature
The story of Dragon Fruit Bread (Recipe will be available in our August newsletter)
The story of Dragon Fruit Bread (Recipe will be available in our August newsletter)
Last summer of 2020 in Vietnam, the exports of tropical fruits, especially dragon fruits, were delayed due to COVID-19. Farmers were worried as the fruits would be over ripened and would be thrown away. Vietnamese citizens throughout the countries had come together for a “fruits rescue” plan, which focused on finding outputs right in the domestic market.
Young people started to make it viral on social media to inform people about the situation of the
country’s agriculture, which tackled the kindness of the citizens. Domestic supermarkets stepped in to order the fruits and sold them with a much lower price. Factories also distributed dragon fruits during mealtime for employees. Many philanthropists even bought tons of fruits to donate to charity and give to the people passing by on the road for free.
ABC Bakery, a chain bakery in Vietnam, decided to use up tons of unsold dragon fruits by making them an ingredient in their baked goods. Many people buy and eat immediately after they are baked. The breads were described as hot, crunchy, fragrant, slightly sweet and shockingly pink. With the
active advertisement of local influencers on the internet, the bakery had to call for more staffs to make more breads for serving the "fans".
Mr. Kao Sieu Luc, who is the owner of the ABC Bakery chain and the "father" of these special breads, said he was willing to share the recipe so that more people would take action in supporting the local agricultural products.
In this story, everyone is happy: the farmers, citizens, bakeries, businesses and the economy. During difficult times, it is important that people should be united together to solve problems, be creative, and be willing to take action.
Submitted by: Bao Dinh, Acadia Nutrition Co-op Student
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