Prickly Pear Juice

Found in parts of Europe, southwestern United States, Mediterranean countries, Africa, and northern Mexico, prickly pears belong to the cactus family. The prickly pear cactus is recorded to have been consumed way back in the 1500s, when the Native Americans even celebrated their prickly pear harvest.

The prickly pear cactus features large, flat, fleshy pads resembling large leaves with functions of photosynthesis, water storage and flower production. Like other cacti, these plants have large and small spines on them. The fruits of these plants are brilliant magenta colored fruits, covered in spines of different sizes. No wonder they are called 'prickly pears'. Prickly pear is widely cultivated and harvested to make jellies, juices, alcoholic beverages, teas and candies. In this article we will only focus on prickly pear juice.

Prickly Pear Juice Benefits

These fruits come in various sizes and sweetness levels. Prickly pears with purplish skin and deep purple interiors are said to be the sweetest. However, in Mexico the white skinned varieties are more popular. Some describe prickly pears to taste something like a cross between watermelon and fig. However, besides the wonderful, refreshing taste, this needle bearing fruit has a lot of health benefits. Rich in flavonoids, this fruit has antioxidant properties which help boost the body's immune system. Moreover, consumption of this fruit is seen to reduce post exercise muscle soreness, and reduce the chances of developing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Prickly pears juice and hangovers are also linked. Drinking a teaspoon of this juice before the night out helps reduce the effects of a hangover.

How to Make Prickly Pear Juice

Now that we have heard of all the benefits, how do we tap them? Moreover, where to buy prickly pear juice? Most stores and supermarkets do not stock prickly pear juice, therefore, what can one do? Some online stores sell it, however, if you can manage to get hold of some prickly pears, then why not make your own juice.

Preparation Procedure

To make this juice, you have to get hold of a metal tong to pluck the fruit from the flat pads. Do not go harvesting with rubber gloves on, lest you want to be pierced! Once you pluck enough ripe fruits, take them home and rinse to get off the dirt. Placing the fruits in a large bowl of cold water will get rid of some of the spines, although not all.

Using the tong, transfer the fruits into the blender and blend till it enters the liquid form. Now pour this liquid into a fine mesh strainer and strain the liquid. All the seeds and spines will remain in the mesh itself, giving you clear prickly pear juice. It can be consumed as it is or even added to syrups, jellies, drinks, etc.

Recipes with Prickly Pear Juice

The preparation procedure was just the foundation step. Using this juice, one can prepare many more interesting beverages and syrups. Let's have a look at them.

How to Make Prickly Pear Margarita?

Ingredients Required

• 3 oz. prickly pear juice
• 3 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 oz. frozen limeade
• 3 1/2 cups crushed ice
• 6 Tequila
• 4 1/2 oz. Cointreau
• 3 tbs sugar

Preparation Procedure

Add all the above mentioned ingredients into a blender and blend them together. Once the ice completely blends with the other ingredients, you will have a refreshing, pink colored drink ready for you and your family to sip! The color of the margarita is simply marvelously refreshing!

How to Make Prickly Pear Syrup?

Ingredients Required

• 2 1/2 cups prickly pear juice
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2/3 box pectin
• 3 cups granulated sugar

Preparation Procedure

To prepare prickly pear syrup, pour the juice and lemon juice into a saucepan. Add the pectin to it and heat till the mixture comes to a boil. Now, add the sugar and continue boiling till the liquid mixture thickens to a viscous consistency. Pour them into air tight jars and store them.

Prickly pear juice can also be used to prepare jellies, prickly pear butter, prickly pear preserves, cocktails, etc. Although easy to prepare, one should not forget to take necessary safety precautions while handling these fruits. Deal with the fruit correctly and enjoy its flavor and benefits!