How to Make Agua de Tuna Verde (Green Prickly Pear)

I used to love tunas verdes when I was a little girl, so this agua de tuna verde is very nostalgic and is an ode to my childhood. It’s super easy to make, but getting the right prickly pear to water ratio is essential! If you love this recipe, you’ll have to try my hot pink agua de tuna, too.

When I was a little girl, my father and I were the only ones in the family who loved tunas. We used to devour a bag of peeled green prickly pears topped with chili salt and lime – the way they’re typically sold by Mexican street vendors. So this green prickly pear drink reminds me so much of the fruits and flavors that are reminiscent of Mexico.

WHAT IS AGUA DE TUNA?

Agua de tuna is a classic Mexican agua fresca that is probably better known in Mexico than in the U.S. or other parts of the world. I’ve taken cooking classes in Oaxaca where we literally just muddle peeled tuna prickly pear fruits and then mix them with water and sugar to make our agua fresca. I imagine that this process is similar to the one used by the Aztecs to make drinks back in the day. I’ve grown accustomed to blending my fruit in a blender, and for this recipe, all you need is some prickly pears, water, and your favorite sweetener. 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Healthful alternative to juices and sodas: Agua de tuna verde is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can contribute to improved digestion and immune health.
• No artificial sweeteners: You can leave out the sweeteners altogether or use sugar, honey, agave, or homemade simple syrup made with pure cane sugar for this classic Mexican drink.
• Liver protection: Some studies suggest that prickly pear may help detoxify and protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption or oxidative stress.
• Base for cocktails: Mix in your favorite alcohol and use it as the base for a prickly pear margarita. While you’re at it, check out some of my other Mexican cocktails.

WHAT IS AGUA FRESCA?

• Agua fresca literally translates to fresh, cold, or refreshing water, but literal translations do little to describe the true essence of these fruit-forward and fun drinks.
• Aguas frescas are non-alcoholic beverages typically made by blending water and sugar with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some are also made with dry ingredients such as rice, tamarind pods, and hibiscus, which are Mexican pantry staples. 
• According to the author and Mexican confections queen, Fany Gerson, aguas frescas have indigenous roots. “When Aztecs traveled from their farmlands to the markets in Tenochtitlan (what is now Mexico City), they would paddle through channels in the valley’s wetlands and mash some ripe fruit with water as a way to refresh themselves through the journey.”
• Nowadays, aguas frescas are available just about everywhere in Mexico, from street-side food stands and ice cream shops in rural towns, to high-end restaurants in large cities. They are fresh, diversified, and vibrant and are part of daily life and culture in Mexico.

WHAT IS PRICKLY PEAR FRUIT?

A tuna prickly pear is the fruit that grows on a type of cactus belonging to the Opuntia genus, known for its paddle-shaped stems covered in spines. Both its paddles and red (they’re more of a purple color) and green oval fruits are edible. Once peeled, the fruits are perfect to make jams, candies, and drinks.

WHAT DOES TUNA FRUIT TASTE LIKE?

Its flavor is distinctive, and reminds me of a mix between a cucumber and a cantaloupe, with the flesh’s texture similar to that of a dense watermelon.

GREEN PRICKLY PEAR HEALTH BENEFITS 

Some of the health benefits of prickly pears include:

• Antioxidants: Prickly pears are rich in antioxidants, such as betalains, which help protect cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of chronic diseases. 
• Immune support: Tunas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, K, folate, and magnesium, which can support the immune system and bone health.
• Digestive health: The high fiber content in prickly pears can aid in digestion and promote regular bowel movements. It may also help control blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Some compounds in prickly pears may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation-related cancer risks. 

WHERE TO BUY TUNA VERDE GREEN CACTUS PEARS

The red and green varieties are fairly easy to find in the U.S. if you have a good Mexican or Asian grocery store nearby.

• You can usually find them from the springtime months through early fall.
• They’re most abundant in the summer.
• In Mexico, you can find them at local markets and street corner stands like the one in the photo below.

INGREDIENTS

• Prickly pear fruit: Green or red variety are interchangeable. You can usually plan for one green cactus pear per cup of water in this green prickly pear drink recipe.
• Sweetener: I like to use organic cane sugar, homemade simple syrup, agave, honey, or dates.
• Water: I start with about six cups for most of my aguas, but you can adjust this based on personal preference. Keep in mind that aguas frescas should be watery in texture, but full of flavor.

RECOMMENDED FOR THIS RECIPE

Vitamix Professional-Grade Blender

I have owned a Vitamix blender for nearly 25 years and it is well worth the investment, especially for making aguas frescas, smoothies, and jugo verde! VIEW PRODUCT

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

1. Prepare ingredients 

• Using gloves, tongs, or a produce bag, cut off each end of the fruit (invisible thorns known as glochids can be irritating!).
• Next, make a lengthwise slit along the skin of each fruit. 

2. Peel prickly pears

• Remove the skin, the way you would peel a banana, to reveal the fleshy interior. Compost or discard the skin. 

3. Add ingredients to blender

• Add prickly pears, 4 cups water, and sweetener of choice to a blender and remember to secure the lid. 

4. Blend and strain ingredients

• Process on low to medium setting, careful not to break down the seeds, for 60 seconds. 
• Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher to remove any remaining seeds and pulp. Stir in remaining water. 

6. Chill and enjoy

• Refrigerate the agua de tuna or serve immediately over ice.
• PRO TIP: Garnish with edible flowers, lime slices, or prickly pear slices if desired. Sometimes I even mix in chia seeds for a boost of protein and omega-3s!

HOW TO STORE AGUA FRESCA

Aguas frescas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store this prickly pear juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Always remember to stir before serving as ingredients tend to settle at the bottom when sitting. 

Once you make my agua de tuna, be sure to try my agua de sandía!

HOW TO SERVE AGUA DE TUNA

Agua de tuna is best served over plenty of ice! If you’re hosting a special occasion or just want to create a memorable Mexican fiesta menu, below are a few ideas from appetizers and main dishes, to sides and salsas. Of course, I’d wash it all down with my agua fresca de tuna.

• Appetizers: Nopales Asados, Cebollitas Asadas, Chiles Toreados, Jalapeño Deviled Eggs
• Main dishes: Easy Breakfast Tostadas, Turkey Picadillo Tostadas, Tacos Dorados, Tacos de Papa, Tacos de Huevos a la Mexicana, Milanesa de Pollo, Mole Negro, Tacos de Barbacoa
• Sides: Ensalada de Lentejas, Ensalada de Nopales, Arroz Rojo, Arroz a la Primavera,  Arroz Verde con Cilantro, Tijuana Caesar Salad
• Salsas: Yellow Cherry Tomato Salsa Recipe, Chile Japones Salsa, Tangy Tomatillo Salsa with Chile de Arbol and Vinegar, Guacamole Salsa (Guacasalsa)

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION?

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• Agua de Avena

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