Food ruts happen. Maybe you’re in one now. Need help getting out of it?

Dragon fruit is a nutritious — not to mention vibrant — fruit that can benefit your body and your taste buds, says registered dietitian Mira Ilic, MS, RDN, LD.

Ready to get a little adventurous? Here’s how to incorporate dragon fruit into your diet when it’s in season from summer to early fall.

What is dragon fruit, and what does it taste like?

Dragon fruit, also called pitaya or strawberry pear, looks like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book: On the outside, it’s a pink oval with green scales (hence the “dragon” name). Inside, it has white flesh with tiny black seeds. The fruit’s strange appearance also gives off “psychedelic artichoke” vibes.

“It’s a tropical fruit that comes from a cactus. It’s available everywhere around the world, but it’s indigenous to Mexico and South America,” Ilic notes.

“If you like kiwi fruit and pears, then you’ll probably like dragon fruit. It’s sweet and crunchy.”

Dragon fruits come in a variety of shapes and colors:

• Pink skin with white flesh. This is the most well-known kind, but it’s the least sweet. It’s sold under the names including Alice, Cosmic Charlie and Guyute.
• Pink skin with red or pink flesh. Bigger and sweeter than its white-fleshed cousin, this variety is sold in stores under names such as Red Jaina and Bloody Mary.
• Pink skin with purple flesh. Look for the name “American Beauty” in stores.
• Yellow skin with white flesh. Yellow dragon fruit is the hardest to find, but it’s also the sweetest.

The benefits of eating dragon fruit

The flesh of the dragon fruit is low in calories and fat-free. It also contains plenty of:

Fiber

Dragon fruit is an excellent source of fiber, Ilic says. The daily recommendation for adults is at least 25 grams — and dragon fruit packs 7 grams in a single 1-cup serving.

“Fiber, may benefit gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health,” notes Ilic. “Fiber is also filling, which is helpful if you’re trying to lose weight. People who eat whole, fiber-rich foods are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.”

Nutrients

Dragon fruit has a ton of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including:

• Carotenoids (may reduce cancer risk).
• Lycopene (may improve heart health and reduce cancer risk).
• Magnesium (important for cell function, and dragon fruit provides 18% of the recommended daily amount).
• Iron (important for healthy blood and energy, and dragon fruit contains 8% of the recommended daily intake).
• Vitamin C (helps your body absorb the iron and boosts immune system health).