Prickly Pear Cactus Juice
September 29th, 2008 | by Ingrid
On the heels of my last post Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit, I’ve learned a little more about this desert fruit. Its outer skin range in color from light green to purple-red, and its flesh ranges from a light yellow-green, to deep golden, to red.
Also, I’d like to share a tip from Naomi, one of my readers, who left a comment on the Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit post suggesting an ease way peel prickly cactus pear safely. Thanks for the tip!
Cut off ends a little less than a centimeter in. Then make a slice from one end to the other only going through the top layer/peel as if you were going through the skin of an orange. Now dig your fingers between the slice and peel down around the fruit. The fruit will separate pretty easily from the peel. Once you get the hang of this it’s pretty easy to avoid the clusters of globins (we call em “picas” cause it picas your hands like spicy jalapenos).
Using gloves is another option to avoid getting pricked by the pear and when handling it.
The recipe is simple to make, has an absolutely beautiful color, is subtle in taste, and refreshing. The inside of a prickly pear is scattered with black seeds. When making this drink, I peeled the pear cactus and roughly cut it into big chunks, then added the chunks, seeds included, to the blender. However, you could de-seed it first, otherwise blend and strain the juice through a strainer to catch all the seeds and seed particles.
Prickly Pear Cactus Juice
Double or triple this recipe to make a punch bowl or pitcher of this refreshing drink.
1 1/2 cups filtered water
2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
2 tablespoons agave, or to taste
Blend all ingredients in a blender. Pour the juice through a strainer to remove any seeds and seed particles.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
Serves 2
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9 Responses to “Prickly Pear Cactus Juice”
By Zara on Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Mmmm, that looks so good. Beautiful color.
Zara - The magenta color is simply gorgeous and makes a great presentation.
By Kristen's Raw on Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
That looks so refreshing and delish!
Kristen - It is a very refreshing and very good drink. I’m so glad I got acquainted with this fruit.
By Craig on Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Never heard of prickly pear but I must say this drink has an amazing color and looks so good.
Hi Craig - If you can find prickly pear I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s quite good.
By Haley on Oct 23, 2008 | Reply
I’ve never tasted a prickly pear, but your drink looks so tempting!
I would love to include your recipe in our pre-loaded Demy, the first and only digital recipe reader. Please email haleyglasco@gmail.com if you’re interested.
Thanks!
By Elayne Wardell on Mar 12, 2009 | Reply
When I was in Mexico, I thoroughly enjoyed a “Green Juice”. That is what it was called. I had two versions but the first was better by far. I know the ingredients, but not the amounts. The first was Prickly Pear Pads, parsley, pineapple, and Celery. It was excellent!
The second had a higher content of citrus juices and I did not find that the taste was so pleasing.
I would love to get the exact recipe! Of course, I first have to fnd a prickly pear cactus to plant as I don’t think our Markets around here have them - too bad!
By JERRY McDANIEL on Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE TO FIND PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS JUICE ALREADY MADE AT A STORE?
Hi Jerry - I’ve only seen fresh prickly pear cactus in grocery stores but haven’t run across pre-bottled juice. If I find a source, I’ll email you. Thanks for stopping by.
By Dawn on May 19, 2009 | Reply
Try a prickly pear puree called Qi. you can find info at http://www.drinkqi.com/dawnevans .
It is great in juice, spirts, salad dressings and as part of a marinade for chicken.
Enjoy!
By Bonnie on Aug 13, 2009 | Reply
I will be harvesting and “canning” prickly pear juice in a couple of months-It has no preservatives, additives of any kind
By JOhn k on Sep 12, 2009 | Reply
burning the prickers off is the easiest way. Just use a lighter, they burn quickly, and it doesn’t damage the fruit.