Today I am coming with a delicious and refreshing Prickly Pear Aqua Fresca. Prickly pear is a seasonal fruit, so you need to grab it during the season (summer months).
I am greatly confident that if you try this nature treat, you are going to love it. Prickly Pear Aqua Fresca is a traditional thirst quencher you can find in Mexican cuisine.
Prickly pears
The fruit of the cactus is a fleshy berry, ovoid or spherical. It measures four to twelve centimeters in length, although it is sometimes longer.
Sometime the color of out covering and the pulp have different colors that do not always coincide, that is we can find prickly pears with the peel and pulp of different colors.
These combinations vary in different species. Color of Prickly pears(tunas) varies from light green, greenish white, lemon yellow, orange, red, purple, and cherry tones.
There are lot of seeds in this fruit compared to single seeded fruit like peach, mango etc. They are shaped like flattened lentils. Its pulp is juicy with a large amount of sugars.
Prickly pears are rich in calcium ; it also has potassium and phosphorus.
Other vitamins and minerals that the prickly pear contains are protein, carbohydrates, ash, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid.
Here are few prickly pear recipes you can try
What is difference between Aqua fresca and fruit-based Lemonade?
Agua fresca is a light fruit drink popular throughout Mexico. It is simply made by blending fruit with water, a bit of sugar and a little lime juice.
However, fruit-based lemonade contains fruit juice, water and sugar and lemon juice.
However, amount of sugar in lemonade will be more than the aqua fresca. Sometimes simple syrup is used.
Agua frescas ( In Spanish "cool waters", or literally "fresh waters") are light non-alcoholic beverages made from one or more fruits, cereals, flowers, or seeds blended with sugar and water. They are popular in Mexico, Central America, and parts of the United States such as the Southwest.
Agua Fresca can be served immediately over ice or can be chilled in the refrigerator up to 72 hours.
If you are making it ahead, then make sure to give it a good stir or shake before serving as sometimes there will be separation.
If you like aqua fresca here is few other recipes of aqua fresca you can try at home.
Watermelon Habanero aqua fresca
How to make Prickly Pear Aqua Fresca?
For making Prickly pear aqua fresca, first make a cut in fruit and carefully remove the skin with spines, you can add them in high speed blender along with 1 cup water and process it 1-3 times, then strain the seeds and spines out.
Then mix in with more water and sweetener of your choice. I used Nectivia you can use honey or agave, or maple syrup will be fine. If you want to make it traditional add little bit lime juice may be 1 tsp. enjoy with more ice cubes.
If you tried this recipe please tag me @nidhinikhil on Instagram or Zestysouthindiankitchen in facebook
Prickly Pear Aqua Fresca
Ingredients
- 2 Prickly pear fruit
- 3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Nectevia Stevia Infused Agave Nectar*
- If you want you can add agave nectar or maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- First make a cut in Prickly pear fruit and carefully remove the skin with spines, you can add them in high speed blender along with 1 cup water and process it 1-3 times, then strain the seeds and spines out.
- In a large mixing bowl add rest of water, lime juice, nectevia or any sweetener you want use. Mix well
- Enjoy with some ice cubes
- You had an ultimate refreshing aqua fresca ready to sip.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This is Swathi ( Dr. Ambujom Saraswathy Ph.D) from Zesty South Indian Kitchen who loves to explore cuisines from all over the world. Whenever possible I try to to give an Indian touch to several of the world cuisine, and has weakness for freshly baked bread. All the recipes you see here are created by me and approved after taste-test by my family.
Deborah says
Living in the desert, there's a lot of prickly pears around. Can't wait to try this when I pick some more.
DK says
What an excellent drink recipe! I love anything with prickly pear fruit so this was so satisfying to me!
Claudia says
Just tried making Prickly Pear Aqua Fresca, and it's so refreshing! Sweet, vibrant, and perfect for a hot day. You’ve got to give this a go!
Jacqueline says
Here in Italy, we call prickly pears 'Fico d'India' which means Indian fig! I like them a lot. This was the first time I have used them in a drink. Such a delicious idea!
Sonja says
This was a delicious drink, perfect for summer and so quick.
Amy Liu Dong says
It looks like a perfect drink to prepare for my sister's birthday. I am sure they will love this! Thank you!
Marysa says
What a unique and refreshing recipe! I have never made anything with prickly pear and this would be fun to try.
Terri A Steffes says
I am bored of my summer drinks, so I am going to have to give this a try. Looks so refreshing.
Lizzie Lau says
I love aguas frescas. My favorite is tamarindo. I hope I can find some prickly pear so I can try this recipe.
Jessica Formicola says
I love anything pear, so this drink is right up my alley! Can't wait to try it!
Kathy says
This drink looks amazing. I love trying new beverages, and I would love to try this one out. I've never had a prickly pear before, but I hear they're amazing.
Catalina says
Yum! I would like a huge glass of aqua fresca right now!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
This sounds so delicious and refreshing. I love a good drink like this in summer.
Lynndee says
Such a pretty drink. I bet it's delicious too. I must make some for me and the hubs.
Jen says
This sounds really good! I’ve never had anything prickly pear flavored but I would love to try it
Nyxie says
Sounds gorgeous! I don't drink but I could definitely make this into a virgin cocktail.
Heather says
This sounds like the perfect summer drink. I need to find some prickly pears.
Tasheena says
This looks so refreshing. I can't wait to make this for my family.
robin rue says
Ohhh this sounds so good. My hubby is going to love this. I can't wait to make it for us.
Heather says
I always order prickly pear margaritas at our Mexican restaurant. I have never actually seen the fruit sold anywhere.