pitaya

American  

[pi-tahy-uh] / pɪˈtaɪ ə /

noun

1. any of several cacti of the genus Stenocereus, of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America, bearing edible round or oval fruit usually having bumpy skin and juicy pulp filled with seeds.

2. the edible fruit of any of several cacti of the genus Stenocereus.

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Etymology

Origin of pitaya

First recorded in 1845–50; variant of pitahaya ( def. )

Example Sentences

The Pink Sauce website lists the condiment’s main ingredients as honey, chili, garlic, sunflower seed oil and dragon fruit — a.k.a. pitaya.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 27, 2022

Certain varieties of pitaya, or dragon fruit, have a neon-pink flesh which, when blended with oil, could definitely pop pink like the color advertised on TikTok.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2022

Refresh House Juice Bar also does acai and pitaya bowls.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2022

The sit-down dinner featured a fresh Hawaiian menu, including pitaya caprese skewers, seared ahi on ‘uala and kalo chips, Kalbi ribs and assorted malasadas, “with ingredients sourced directly from the island,” Mr. Sarme said.

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2021

The rain came pelting down, shattering the white Saint John roses clustered like sheaves of stars clinging to tree, rock, bush, and pitaya over the entire mountainside.

From The Underdogs, a Story of the Mexican Revolution by Munguía, E. (Enrique)