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

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Dragon fruit, the colorful cactus fruit also known as pitaya, has brought its subtle flavor far and wide this summer, from iced teas at Taco Bell to fruit drinks at Starbucks.

From New York Times • Sep. 23, 2022

According to the website, the condiment contains "water, sunflower seed oil, raw honey, distilled vinegar, garlic, pitaya, pink Himalayan sea salt and less than 2% of dried spices, lemon juice, milk and citric acid."

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2022

Refresh House Juice Bar also does acai and pitaya bowls.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2022

A selection of vegan veggie patties, salads, waffles, acai and pitaya bowls round out the modest menu. $5.75-$7.75.

From Washington Post • Dec. 31, 2019

There were more cactuses, particularly the fleshy kind called venaga, though I noticed with surprise the absence of the great fruit-bearing cactuses, the saguarro and pitaya, all along our route.

From Hunting in Many Lands The Book of the Boone and Crockett Club by Various