How to tell if a dragon fruit is ripe

The clearest sign of a ripe dragon fruit is that its skin has turned a deep red or yellow color.

• The skin color has changed to red or yellow as the fruit ripens.
• The fruit feels firm to the touch, since it should have firm flesh.
• The green bracts (scales) are firm and fleshy rather than wilted.
• The fruit is well shaped with no darkened or browning scales.
• It has been about 27 to 33 days after flowering, depending on the cultivar and area.