Types of Dragon Fruit: Red, White, American Beauty & More

Fresh Slices of Dragon Fruit on Wooden Plate

Types of Dragon Fruit: How to Tell Red, White, American Beauty & Other Varieties Apart

Dragon fruit is known for its bright colors, refreshing flavor, and dramatic appearance. But many gardeners are surprised to learn just how many dragon fruit varieties exist. From classic white-fleshed varieties to bold red-fleshed and even sweet yellow-skinned types, dragon fruit comes in a rainbow of options—each with its own flavor, texture, and growing habits.

If you’re exploring dragon fruit varieties to grow at home, this guide will walk you through the most popular dragon fruit types, the botany behind them, and which are best types for your garden.

Red dragon fruit

Where Dragon Fruit Comes From

Dragon fruit—also called strawberry pear—originates from Central America and South America. Most pink- and red-skinned dragon fruits belong to the species Hylocereus undatus or its reclassified name, Selenicereus undatus, while the super-sweet yellow types belong to Selenicereus megalanthus.

Understanding the species helps gardeners know the differences between flavor, growth habit, and fruiting potential.

If you're unsure whether your climate is suitable, you can confirm your zone here: Find your USDA growing zone

The Main Dragon Fruit Types (Explained Simply)

Below are the most common dragon fruit types, along with the Grow Organic varieties that fall into each category.

Close Up Photo of Sliced Dragon Fruit

1. White-Fleshed Dragon Fruit (Pink Skin, White Flesh)

This is the most widely recognized dragon fruit variety, often sold in grocery stores. It has pink skin and bright white fleshed interiors with tiny black seeds.

Recommended Variety: Organic Bien Hoa White Dragon Fruit Cuttings

A top choice for home growers, this white dragon fruit is productive, vigorous, and great for beginners.

  • Flavor: Mild, refreshing, lightly sweet
  • Color Notes: Pink exterior, white interior

White-fleshed dragon fruits belong to hylocereus undatus and are among the most common different kinds of dragon fruit grown worldwide.

Vibrant Pink Dragon Fruit Close-Up

2. Red-Fleshed Dragon Fruit (Red Skin, Red or Purple Flesh)

Red-fleshed and purple dragon fruits offer deeper flavor and more antioxidants. These fruits often have vibrant red skin and bold magenta or purple fleshed interiors.

Recommended Varieties:

These are among the most popular red dragon fruit selections and are favorites for gardeners who want strong color and flavor.

Close-Up of Yellow Dragon Fruit Texture

3. Yellow-Skinned Dragon Fruits (Yellow Skin, White Flesh)

Although not included in the Grow Organic product list, it’s important to mention yellow dragon fruits, because they are one of the sweetest fruit variety groups available.

Yellow dragon fruits belong to selenicereus megalanthus, known for their bumpy yellow skinned exteriors and crisp white flesh.

  • Flavor: Very sweet, often considered the sweetest type
  • Color Notes: Yellow exterior, white interior

Comparing the Dragon Fruit Varieties at a Glance

Comparing the Dragon Fruit Varieties at a Glance

Bien Hoa White

  • Skin Color: Pink skin
  • Flesh Color: White fleshed
  • Species: H. undatus
  • Flavor: Mild & refreshing

American Beauty

  • Skin Color: Pink/red skin
  • Flesh Color: Red fleshed
  • Species: H. undatus
  • Flavor: Sweet & berry-like

Robles Red

  • Skin Color: Red skin
  • Flesh Color: Red fleshed
  • Species: H. undatus
  • Flavor: Very sweet

Physical Graffiti

  • Skin Color: Pink/red skin
  • Flesh Color: Purple fleshed
  • Species: Hybrid
  • Flavor: Flavorful & complex

To explore all available varieties: Browse our full dragon fruit collection

If your dragon fruit struggles to bloom or fruit, this helpful resource may solve it: Why your dragon fruit isn’t fruiting

Conclusion

Dragon fruit offers an exciting world of flavor and stunning colours of dragon fruit, from mild white-fleshed types to bold red-fleshed and vibrant purple-fleshed varieties.

With standout options like American Beauty, Robles Red, Physical Graffiti, and Bien Hoa White, home gardeners can enjoy beautiful, colorful fruit straight from their backyard.

FAQs: Dragon Fruit Varieties & Colors

Which dragon fruit is best?
It depends on what you value—sweetness, color, or productivity. For bold color and consistent growth, American Beauty and Robles Red are top picks. For mild, classic flavor, choose Bien Hoa White.
Which dragon fruit is the sweetest?
Yellow types (Selenicereus megalanthus) are usually the sweetest, followed by red-fleshed varieties like Robles Red.
What is the difference between pink and white dragonfruit?
Pink-skinned fruits can have white, red, or purple flesh. White dragon fruit specifically has white fleshed interiors with mild flavor.
How many types of dragon fruit are there?
There are many cultivars of dragon fruit, but the most common types are grouped by skin and flesh color: white-fleshed (Hylocereus undatus), red/purple-fleshed (Hylocereus hybrids like Robles Red or American Beauty), and yellow-skinned (Selenicereus megalanthus).
Do different types of dragon fruit taste different?
Yes. White-fleshed types are mild, red and purple types are sweeter, and yellow types are the sweetest of all.
Most common type of dragon fruit?
White dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) is the most widely grown.
What is the rarest kind of dragon fruit?
Some dragon fruit hybrids with deep purple or uniquely colored flesh are rare, especially outside specialty growers or tropical regions. The rarity can depend on your location and the availability of specific cultivars.
Which color dragon fruit is more healthy?
Red and purple varieties often contain more antioxidants, but all dragon fruit types are nutritious.
How many different colors of dragon fruit are there?
Three main ones: pink/red skin with white flesh, pink/red skin with red or purple flesh, and yellow skin with white flesh.

 

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