The answer is a resounding yes—dragon fruit does spoil. This may occur if the fruit is allowed to ripen too much or is kept in an unfavorable environment during storage. This fruit has a variable shelf life depending on its storage conditions, whether it is whole or sliced into pieces, and the temperature at which it was stored.
Dragon fruit, once ripe, only keeps for a few days at room temperature. Ripe dragon fruit can be kept for a longer period of time if kept in the refrigerator. Dragon fruit keeps well in the fridge for up to three weeks, and in the freezer for up to a year.
It is stated that the green scales on the red fruit of this plant make it look like the dragon it is named after. The inner white pulp has a semi-soft consistency and a creamy texture, dotted with small black seeds.
For the more daring among us, though, nothing says “enjoy life to the fullest,” like trying a piece of dragon fruit that is so ripe it is on the verge of going rotten. However, if you wait too long, the dragon fruit will begin to deteriorate.
You may want to read our other Iupilon articles that discuss dragon fruit’s lifespan: “Does dragon fruit go brown,” “Do I need to refrigerate dragon fruit,” and “How long can you keep cut dragon fruit in the fridge.”
How Long Can You Keep Dragon Fruit?
Dragon fruit, once ripe, only keeps for a few days at room temperature. However, dragon fruit stays in the fridge for up to three weeks and the freezer for up to a year.
Dragon fruit is only consumed for its meat, which is removed from the peel and eaten separately. Dragon fruit is typically consumed in its raw form, but it can be cooked like other berries, such as pineapple.
It will stay fresh if you leave your dragon fruit out for a few days without touching it or peeling it. However, if you refrigerate dragon fruit, it will keep for up to two weeks.
The ripening process of dragon fruit can be slowed significantly by putting it in the refrigerator. So, first things first, make sure the dragon fruit is stored in an airtight container or bag.
Dragon fruit is at its best flavor and texture for only a short time. After reaching peak ripeness, dragon fruit quickly goes wrong.
The time it takes to reach full ripeness depends on the maturity level of the fruit you purchased. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on it, as there’s a narrow window of time when a dragon fruit is at its peak ripeness and may be eaten without losing any of its flavors.
How Long Does It Take For Dragon Fruit To Spoil?
When not cut open, dragon fruits can keep fresh for several days at room temperature. Dragon fruit should be eaten soon after it is sliced, refrigerated for up to two days, or until it turns brown.
While dragon fruits are available all year, their prime season is from the middle of the summer until the beginning of fall, when they taste best. If you want to ensure that the one you buy is fully ripe and delicious, seek one with glowing pink skin that is colored evenly throughout.
Even if a dragon fruit seems fine on the exterior, it may be past its prime if the flesh is covered in a wide array of colors. The skin should feel fragile and soft when pressed with the thumb, but it shouldn’t give too easily. If it hasn’t softened significantly after several days at room temperature, let it out for a little longer.
Frozen in cube form, the flesh of a dragon fruit makes an excellent base for a smoothie bowl. Put a frozen banana, a frozen dragon fruit, and some coconut water in a blender and puree until smooth. To prepare dragon fruit for eating, slice it and toss it with toasted almonds, macadamia nuts, and Greek yogurt, or use it as a condiment for mahi-mahi.
How Long Can Dragon Fruit Sit Out?
It’s okay to leave uncut dragon fruit out for a few days at room temperature, but you shouldn’t peel or cut it up beforehand. The shelf life of refrigerated dragon fruit is about two weeks.
While a dragon fruit from the grocery store may look scary, it requires little effort to chop. It’s like an avocado, except without the pesky pit. For this reason, the effort is well worth it.
The rich levels of minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants in dragon fruit make it delicious and healthy. This exotic fruit is deliciously blended into smoothies, sliced and served with other fruits, or eaten on its own.
If you want to prevent your dragon fruit from ripening rapidly, put it in the fridge. As a result, dragon fruit needs to be stored in an airtight container or bag.
Dragon fruit can be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. While ripening is slowed in the refrigerator, it continues on the counter.
It won’t last long if you cut it into a dragon fruit. Keep your dragon fruit in the fridge in an airtight canister if you don’t intend on eating it all right away. Because of its limited shelf life, it’s best consumed as soon as possible.
Can We Keep Dragon Fruit After Cutting?
It’s a shame that dragon fruits lose their nutritional value and freshness quickly after being cut open. But if you use the proper preservation techniques and spot rotten fruit promptly, you can enjoy dragon fruit for a longer time.
As long as it is kept in the refrigerator, dragon fruit can be kept for up to two weeks. Dragon fruit can be refrigerated to postpone its ripening. Keep your dragon fruit in an airtight container or bag to extend its shelf life. If you put your dragon fruit in a bag and refrigerate it, it will last at least two weeks.
Depending on what else you have in your fridge, the dragon fruit’s flavor may shift. But if you hermetically seal the fruit, you can stop that from happening.
After slicing dragon fruit, please place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for later use. Dragon fruit can be saved if the meat is removed from the peel after being cut. To keep the dragon fruit fresh, you should get a jar or a plastic bag ready. Taking out as much air as possible from the container or bags can increase its storage life.
Dragon fruit sliced open will go rotten after a few days, even if stored in the refrigerator. Keep the dragon fruit fresh for longer by applying a thin layer of lemon juice all over it.
