Prickly Pear is a very underrated, anti-oxidizing fruit. It has a ton of benefits, including blood sugar regulation, enhanced immune system, lowered cholesterol, and more. This flavored water is a great way to incorporate the prickly pear into your diet - and it tastes great, too!
Note: To increase nutritional benefits of this beverage, consider adding chia seeds. Chia seeds have healthy cholesterol (HDL), fiber, protein, omega 3s, blood pressure benefits, and anti-inflammatory properties.
(Image showing what the Prickly Pear fruit looks. Note that it comes in a variety of colors. Image Credit: Fearless Dining)
Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 0 Minutes | Total Time: 10 Minutes
Special Equipment
Blender
Strainer
1 large Pitcher (at least 2 quart - or 1900 mL- capacity)
Cutting board / Knife
Large spoon for combining
Ingredients (US Standard)
7 Prickly Pear Fruits
5 cups Water, filtered
1/3 cup Granulated White Sugar (or more/less, to taste) (or sub with your preferred artificial sweetener) Note: If you are not a fan of sweet drinks, use half the amount of sugar or omit completely.
1tbsp Chia Seeds (optional)
Ingredients (Metric)*
7 Prickly Pear Fruits
1,185 mL Water, filtered
128g Granulated White Sugar (or more/less, to taste) (or sub with your preferred artificial sweetener) Note: If you are not a fan of sweet drinks, use half the amount of sugar or omit completely.
12g Chia Seeds (optional)
*All metric units are converted and should be considered more or less.
Method
Thoroughly rinse off the 7 Prickly Pears. Be very careful when handling, as they can sometimes have thorns.
Cut off the tip of the prickly pear on both ends and discard. Then make a slice, length-wise, across the pear.
Using the slit, pull the pear open, and remove the inside fruit from its peel. Discard the peel. Note: Interior may vary in color - it can be yellow, green, or even purple.
Add all fruit to a blender, with 3 cups of filtered water. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, until fruit is well extracted with the water.
The fruit has seeds, so we need to remove them. Do this by placing pitcher in sink. Place strainer at top of pitcher, and slowly pour the mixture from the blender. Pour slowly to prevent spillage, but pouring in the sink will prevent mess in case of accident.
Discard seeds that are caught in the strainer.
Add remaining 2 cups of filtered water to the pitcher, and add optional Chia Seeds. Stir with large spoon to combine.
Add sugar, combine well, and taste. Continuing adding more sugar, if needed, until desired amount of sweetness is acquired. Serve over ice, and enjoy!
Nutritional Data (without any added sweetener)
Servings: About 5
Serving Size: One 8oz (237mL) glass
Calories: 59 | Protein: 1 | Carbs: 14 | Fiber: 6 | Fats: 1
Nutritional Data (with 1/3 cup Sugar)
Servings: About 5
Serving Size: One 8oz (237mL) glass
Calories: 110 | Protein: 1 | Carbs: 27 | Fiber: 6 | Fats: 1
*Nutritional values do not reflect optional 1tbsp Chia Seeds*
This is a family recipe and is not derived from another existing recipe. Please give proper credit if re-posting.
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