Dragon Fruit Sorbet Recipe

By Barbara Rolek

Updated 07/07/18

Dragon fruit sorbet
Vaiv / Getty Images
Ratings (17)
  • Total: 30 mins
  • Prep: 30 mins
  • Cook: 0 mins
  • Freezing time without machine: 2 hrs
  • Yield: About 4 cups (serves up to 8)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
75 Calories
0g Fat
19g Carbs
1g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This easy four-ingredient recipe for dragon fruit sorbet is a cooling, refreshing treat in a brilliant magenta color.

My first introduction to tropical dragon fruit was in the form of a sorbet at a high-end restaurant in Kraków, Poland, far away from any island paradise. 

Prior to the end of Soviet rule in Eastern Europe, the only fruits available were those locally grown. Now, produce from every corner of the world can be imported. See More About Dragon Fruit, below.

My experience with dragon fruit sorbet in Poland was so memorable, I recreated it back at home in the States and bring it to you here.

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe magenta-fleshed dragon fruits
  • 3/4 cup cold water (only if fruit is not ripe)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Optional: 4 tablespoons sugar

Steps to Make It

Follow steps for how to peel dragon fruit. Place dragon fruit in a food processor or blender. Add water (only if fruit isn't ripe and juicy), lemon juice and sugar, if using. Sometimes the fruit is sweet enough so additional sugar is not necessary. Purée until smooth.

Pour purée into an ice cream maker and churn until frozen. Alternately, pour purée into a shallow pan and freeze. Allow about 10 minutes at room temperature for the sorbet to soften before serving. This process and recipe works well with other ripe fruits.

Note: If you start with frozen fruit, the churning process will be much quicker.

More About Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit comes in three varieties -- white-fleshed, pink-fleshed and magenta-fleshed (the sweetest)--and actually is a type of cactus with tiny edible black seeds similar to those in kiwi fruit.

Dragon fruit is originally from Mexico, Central America and South America and is now grown in Southern California and Florida. The fruit also is very popular in Cambodia, Thailand, and Malayasia. The flavor is reminiscent of watermelon, cactus pear, and kiwi.

Other Ways to Use Dragon Fruit

Thai Dragon Fruit Martini Recipe: This refreshing cocktail is made with white-fleshed dragon fruit, vodka, lime juice and optional coconut milk.

Tropical Thai Fruit Salad Recipe: This visual stunner is served in half of a pineapple. It can be accompanied by ice cream, whipped cream, or eaten on its own for a fresh-fruit feast.

Dragon Fruit Juice Recipe: Not only is dragon fruit beautiful to look at, it's good for you, too. With the addition of apple and cucumber, this recipe turns out a drink that is a good-for-you powerhouse.