Prickly Pear Limeade

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Made with freshly squeezed limes and brightly colored prickly pear fruit, prickly pear limeade is the perfect, thirst-quenching drink on a hot day.

this recipe!

Prickly Pear Limeade is a refreshing and vibrant drink that really captures the essence of the desert with its unique flavor profile. Whether you're hosting a gathering, lounging by the pool, or simply looking to quench your thirst on a spicy-hot day, this limeade is fantastic!

The Wonderful Prickly Pear Cactus

The Prickly Pear Cactus, also known as Opuntia or Nopales, can be found throughout the southwestern United States as well as Mexico and the Caribbean. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Africa and Australia, as it really thrives in hot, dry climates and even some tropical environments. It is a hearty cactus with oval, fleshy pads that produces beautiful flowers and edible fruits.

The fruit of the prickly pear is quite versatile and can be used to make anything from jams and jellies, drinks, vinaigrettes, desserts, and candies. When cut open, the fruit is often a bright, magenta pink color. However, there are some varieties that are yellow and orange on the inside, instead.

Prickly pear cacti are everywhere, here in Arizona. I've been able to pick up the fruits at my local, Mexican type grocery stores and have enjoyed experimenting with all sorts of prickly pear goodies! You can expect to see more prickly pear recipes from me in the future!

What Does the Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit Taste Like?

Prickly pear fruit flavor is unique, and a little hard to describe. Some describe the flavor of the prickly pear as similar to watermelon or pineapple, depending upon their freshness/ripeness. I would add it has a slightly green, earthy flavor tone as well.

I've enjoyed pairing it with lime, peach, mango, and pineapple for some delicious flavor combinations.

Health Benefits of the Prickly Pear Cactus

Not only is the prickly pear fruit delicious, but it also has some amazing health benefits too! According to the Mayo Clinic, it is able to reduce cholesterol, aid in treating diabetes (in particular, reducing blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes) and combat obesity. Also, it is high in fiber and has phenomenal antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Prickly pear reduces heart disease and is being studied for healing wounds as well as possible use as an anti-cancer cancer agent. How cool is that?!

This humble, desert cactus offers so many, wonderful health benefits but don't go out and consume large amounts of it all at once! In large quantities, it may upset your stomach and cause diarrhea if your stomach is not used to it, as with peaches and various other fruits. It is recommended to try it in moderation and see how your stomach handles it and go from there.

Helpful Tips on How to Harvest the Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit

Foraging: Fresh and Free

Here in Arizona, the prickly pear cactus is an easy to find, wild growing plant and, perhaps, you have some in your part of the world, as well. If so, it's a wonderful food to forage! Just note - it's a cactus covered in spines. Because of this, harvesting the fruit requires extra caution and effort. In the future, I intend to write a whole article on the harvesting process. For now, here are some helpful tips:

• Always wear gloves, as not only is the prickly pear cactus covered in thorns, the fruit is covered in fine, nearly invisible prickers. Beware!
• Use tongs to handle the fruit to avoid the hairlike prickers.
• Look for the plump, ripe, red tinted fruit.
• When cleaning the fruit, try to do it outdoors to avoid your kitchen getting those fuzzy prickers all over.
• Wash the fruit thoroughly to get as many of those prickers off as possible.
• The best tip I've heard is to pass them, quickly, through a flame to singe off all the hairlike prickers.
• You can choose to process the whole fruit, or just scoop out the center.
• The processed prickly pear fruit and juice can either be used fresh, or frozen to use later!

Sometimes Less Work is a Win

Does foraging fresh prickly pear fruit sound too complicated for your liking? Check out some of your local grocery stores! In my area (Arizona), I'm able to buy fresh prickly pear fruit that has all the prickly spines removed. Not every grocery store carries them - I pick them up in the Mexican grocery stores.

Also, please note that the fruit of the prickly pear cactus does contain small, very hard seeds. While they are edible, they aren't fun to eat. So, while it is totally okay to eat the fruit raw, I prefer to throw it in the blender and strain it through a fine, mesh sieve to remove all those seeds.

And now, after all that, I bring you back to this lovely recipe for prickly pear lemonade.

Ingredients

4 Prickly Pears

¾ c. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

1 ¼ c. Agave Nectar (regular sugar or equivalent amount of sweetener of choice is fine, too)

1 Quart of Ice Cubes

1 Quart water (Regular or Sparkling)

Alternatively, a lemon-lime type soda can be used (We like to use Fresca, for something different, from time to time.) If using soda, only use half the amount of agave nectar. Stir and taste and adjust sweetness from there!

Directions

Slice the prickly pear fruit in half. With a spoon, scoop out the inside of the fruit.

Now, the prickly pear fruit is full of small, hard, black seeds that you do not want in your drink. If you have an electric juicer, just run them through quickly to extract the juice. If you don't have a juicer (like me), put the scooped-out fruit into the blender, along with about a cup of water, and blend for 15-30 seconds. After blending, pour the juice through a fine, mesh strainer to remove all the seeds.

Juice limes.

Next, add the prickly pear juice, lime juice, and agave nectar (or sweetener of choice) to a ½-gallon pitcher. Stir well.

Add ice, water (regular, sparkling, or lemon-lime soda) and stir again to mix thoroughly.

It's ready! Serve immediately or put it in the fridge to keep it cold until ready to serve.

Prickly Pear Limeade Serving Suggestions

Prickly Pear Limeade is a refreshing and vibrant drink that captures the essence of the desert with its unique flavor profile. Whether you're hosting a gathering, lounging by the pool, or simply looking to quench your thirst, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy the wonderful Prickly Pear Limeade to the fullest:

Fantastic Flavors

• Classic Chilled Delight: Serve Prickly Pear Limeade over a tall glass of ice cubes for a classic and refreshing treat. The combination of the sweet-tart prickly pear and zesty lime flavors over the cold ice creates a revitalizing experience that's perfect for hot summer days.
• Sparkling Oasis: Elevate your Prickly Pear Limeade by using sparkling water instead of regular water. The effervescence adds a fizzy twist that makes each sip even more invigorating. Garnish with a slice of lime or a fresh mint sprig for an extra touch of elegance.
• Fruity Float: Float a scoop of your favorite fruit sorbet or sherbet on top of a glass of Prickly Pear Limeade for a delightful and refreshing dessert-like experience. The combination of the tangy limeade and the creamy sorbet creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
• Fresca Fusion: As a twist, replace the water with lemon-lime soda like Fresca. This adds an extra layer of effervescence and a hint of citrus sweetness. Adjust the amount of sweetener accordingly to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
• Garnish Galore: Amp up the visual appeal by garnishing your Prickly Pear Limeade with fresh ingredients. Float slices of lime, prickly pear wedges, or even a sprig of mint on top. Not only will it look stunning, but the garnishes will also infuse their aromas into the drink.

Best when Shared with Friends and Family

• Themed Gatherings: Prickly Pear Limeade adds a vibrant touch to themed gatherings. Serve it at Mexican-inspired fiestas, desert-themed parties, or tropical get-togethers. Pair it with your favorite Tex-Mex or Southwest cuisine for a harmonious meal experience. This yummy Pineapple Mango Salsa is a unique and delicious choice to serve up, as well!
• Family-Friendly Refresher: Prickly Pear Limeade is a family-friendly beverage that appeals to all ages. Serve it as a fun alternative to regular lemonade at picnics, barbecues, and outdoor family gatherings. Another refreshing summer drink you need to try is this fresh mint meadow tea!
• Hydration Booster: Keep a pitcher of Prickly Pear Limeade in the fridge to encourage hydration throughout the day. Its unique flavor makes drinking water an exciting endeavor, and you can control the sweetness to suit your preferences.

No matter how you choose to serve this Prickly Pear Limeade, its vibrant color and delightful taste are sure to captivate your senses and leave you refreshed. Feel free to experiment with different variations and garnishes to create your own signature way of enjoying this desert-inspired beverage. Cheers to the delicious and invigorating world of Prickly Pear Limeade!

Storage Suggestions: Prickly Pear Limeade

To ensure that your homemade prickly pear limeade maintains its freshness and taste over time, proper storage is key. Here are some valuable storage suggestions for Prickly Pear Limeade:

• Refrigeration is Key: Prickly Pear Limeade contains natural fruit juices and sweeteners, which can make it susceptible to spoilage if not stored correctly. After preparing/serving your limeade, store what is left in the refrigerator. It may be easiest to transfer the remaining limeade to a quart jar with a lid.
• Shelf Life: In the refrigerator, Prickly Pear Limeade can be safely stored for up to 5-7 days. Try to consume as soon as possible, though!
• Freezing Considerations: While Prickly Pear Limeade can be frozen, keep in mind that freezing may alter its taste ever so slightly. If you plan to freeze the limeade, do so in an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
• Thawing and Stirring: When you're ready to enjoy the frozen Prickly Pear Limeade, transfer the container to the refrigerator to thaw gradually. After thawing, give the limeade a gentle stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
• Portion Control: If you anticipate having leftover limeade that you won't consume within a few days, consider freezing it in smaller portions. This way, you can thaw only the amount you plan to enjoy, minimizing potential waste.

By following these storage suggestions, you can extend the shelf life of your Prickly Pear Limeade and continue to enjoy its delightful flavors. Whether you're making a small batch for yourself or preparing it for a gathering, proper storage ensures that your Prickly Pear Limeade remains a refreshing and invigorating drink every time you pour yourself a glass.

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